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Travel in the EU - ETIAS

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BusyLizzie

Member since
November 2019

104 posts

Has anyone looked into travel restrictions for those on the register? Having just been abroad, it got me thinking about what his options will be in the future. I had thought that travel within EU would be fine. But had a look and it looks like the rules are due to change at the end of this year https://etias.com/articles/applying-for-etias-with-a-criminal-record

Do you know if it says has served a 3 year sentence, does that refer to 3 years of jail time, or 3 years eg. If the sentence was 36 months, even though only 18 of those are in custody, but I'd assume that that would still be classed as a 3 year sentence right?

Ahh, not looking good is it? Also says that sex offences against children are considered a serious crime and likely to be denied a visa. I wonder if this is only for their time on the register or for life.

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 4:36pmReport post

dino2828

Member since
January 2021

66 posts

This is what I don't get someone I know says they have the go ahead to move abroad but they are on the register

Like how do they know what if they get stopped at the border? It's all very confusing to me, but he says probation knows the plans and they wont be on probation when moving but will still be on the register.

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 8:55pmReport post

dino2828

Member since
January 2021

66 posts

Oh yeah I get that what I am confused about is they are also expecting a new baby due before they move....so surely that makes it even more difficult but he says it is not an issue as long as he signs in a UK police station once a year it is fine.

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 10:17pmReport post

BusyLizzie

Member since
November 2019

104 posts

The stuff I've been reading makes it look pretty certain that when the new regs come in, sex offenders will no longer be allowed entry into most EU countries, at least for 10 years post sentence. I will call unlock to check. It does say that some countries have different rules,but I think to enter an EU country from later this year, we will all need a visa and they are getting stricter on who they will let in.

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 11:16pmReport post

Blackhound

Member since
October 2020

479 posts

This is from the ETIAS website:

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose.

The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS have started in 2016, and the system is expected to be fully operational in May 2023.

The ETIAS will undergo a detailed security check of each applicant to determine whether they can be allowed to enter any Schengen Zone country. While citizens of countries who do not need a visa for travel purposes of up to 90 days in the EU do not need to go through a long process of applying for the visa, the ETIAS will make sure that these people are not a security threat. This travel authorization system will gather, keep track of, and update necessary information regarding visitors to determine whether it is safe for them to enter Schengen countries

If they are basing it off of the American model I very much doubt sex offenders will be permitted entry to the countries... I am hoping however, that they take into consideration sentences that have been served ...

If a sentence has been served but they outright deny those who have for example commited these offences or drug offences they'd lose a lot of tourism... But we'll have to wait until 2023 to see...

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 11:31pmReport post

BusyLizzie

Member since
November 2019

104 posts

Yes, that's what I thought. Seems so crazy how many chances are taken away from people for these crimes. How was it okay for them to travel before but not anymore...i understand it on the one level. But makes it so difficult and again another punishment for anyone choosing to be with someone on the register. What if they have family living abroad I wonder.

As you say, best wait til 2023 I guess.

Posted Sun April 24, 2022 11:36pmReport post

EllBee

Member since
April 2022

168 posts

Just adding to a previous thread from last year, does anyone have any updated info as to how this is going to affect people who are on the SOR? The new rules come in next year, 2024.

Will it be possible for them to visit any Schengen countries? This would be a massive blow to us, as I am sure it would to many of you. Am so worried about this.....

I think it would make it the same as the USA and Oz, where apparently you can still apply for a visa, even on the SOR, and there is a possibility it may be accepted in special circumstances. Does anyone have any experience of this.
And if a visa is granted, how long will it be valid for?

Posted Wed August 23, 2023 9:08amReport post

edel2020

Member since
March 2022

506 posts

No one really knows how ETIAS will work in practice. One possibility is that they will simply check to see if the person has any warning notices on any of the various databases, such as Interpol. Most people on the SOR do not. So most would be approved. That is my own reading of it.

Another possibility, is that if the final decision is going to be made by the ETIAS National Units, then there may be different rules for each country. But for now, this just speculation. I would suggest keeping an eye on the Unlock website and checking again, around November time, when things become clearer.

Posted Wed August 23, 2023 10:41amReport post

majestictopaz

Member since
December 2019

499 posts

This is one aspect I'm dreading. We still haven't been on holiday together and I really want t to go abroad to main land Europe next year.

There will be very limited places we can go otherwise.

Posted Tue September 5, 2023 6:12pmReport post

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

386 posts

If Schengen is out, does anyone know where would be possible? It's so depressing :(

Posted Tue September 5, 2023 8:46pmReport post

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Tue September 5, 2023 8:50pm
Edited Wed September 13, 2023 11:09amReport post

Katie28

Member since
December 2021

193 posts

I deliberately have not booked anything for next year yet until there is more information maybe in November this year however I have been informed by "a confidante" etias is mainly focusing on terrorism offences and outstanding warrants. We did travel to Europe earlier this year, I was dreading going through passport control but nothing happened. I have a friend who works in the passport office who advised they have a green mark against certain individuals passports that will require further investigation at immigration sites, but in our situation and despite being on the SOR and having a SHPO nothing would be flagged or marked and he was correct. Even though any conviction has to be declared on ETIAS it is the above mentioned crimes that immigration are supposedly more interested in. Only time will tell.

Posted Tue September 5, 2023 9:23pmReport post

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

386 posts

Thanks Katie28 that sounds interesting

I have a dream of taking my little boy to Disneyland Paris when he's old enough and I feel sad at the thought of leaving his dad behind (I won't have my toddler miss out!) I couldn't have afforded Florida anyway but it does feel sad to think I'llikely never explore the USA or Canada with my OH or to visit family in Aus.

Never been to Turkey, Mexico or Dubai, but sounds like they'll be top of the list!

I do wonder if different Schengen countries will have different rules. Eg I can imagine Germany being v strict Vs Spain, considering the tourism trade, being less so, but that might be wishful thinking

Posted Tue September 5, 2023 11:02pmReport post

Lost4Words

Member since
August 2022

90 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Sat September 9, 2023 12:26am
Edited Wed June 12, 2024 1:30amReport post

K4

Member since
October 2022

620 posts

The US, Canada, Australia and NZ (I think) don't give visas to people who have ever been on the SOR. For the US you can appeal and try to make your case.



No personal experience, but they covered this in the LFF course, and there is lots on this on the Unlock site



x

Posted Sat September 9, 2023 6:18amReport post

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Sat September 9, 2023 7:54pm
Edited Wed September 13, 2023 11:10amReport post

1979

Member since
April 2022

3 posts

Confused wife..



could I ask did you already have an esta or apply for this after the knock?
Florida is my favourite holiday destination and I'm gutted that we may not be able to go as a family again..

we are still waiting for charges from cps ..

Posted Sun September 10, 2023 10:52amReport post

Confusedwife

Member since
October 2022

169 posts

Post deleted by user


Posted Sun September 10, 2023 8:47pm
Edited Wed September 13, 2023 11:10amReport post

Summer

Member since
July 2019

394 posts

And even then there will be a 6month introduction/no compulsory period

Posted Mon September 25, 2023 8:54pmReport post

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

386 posts

This is great news, not that I'll be able to afford a holiday for the next ten years after paying so much to solicitors but oh well!

Posted Tue September 26, 2023 4:13pmReport post

Kirst1234

Member since
March 2025

1 post

Hi all, we wondering has anyone experienced any problems going to Turkey will on the SOR.
It's for my partner, I'm getting so worried as thinking we will get stopped at the board and we have 4 children with us and 2 of them are at the age where they can understand what is going on and I'd really like to keep it away from them ? Any little advice, I would really appreciate it.

Posted Sat March 8, 2025 2:49pmReport post

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

386 posts

Turkey should be fine as there are no visa requirements, just ensure you follow the SOR requirements this side of the border before you go

Posted Mon March 10, 2025 2:01pmReport post

Quick exit