Travelling to Europe with a Criminal Record
Getting ready to travel somewhere new should be exciting, but if you have a Canadian criminal record, you might be wondering whether you’ll face any issues when visiting Europe. Unlike the United States, most European countries don’t require Canadians to apply for a visa in advance for short trips, but that doesn’t mean you won’t run into complications.
In this guide, we’ll break down how your record could impact your trip to Europe and how Pardons Canada can help clear your name before you go.
Travel Restrictions in Europe With a Criminal Record
For now, most Canadians can visit Europe without a visa for trips of up to 90 days. The Schengen Area, which includes popular destinations like France, Germany, and Spain, generally allows entry without requiring travellers to disclose a criminal record. However, new travel restrictions in Europe are about to come into effect.
ETIAS: New travel requirements starting in 2025
Starting in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require all Canadian travellers to complete an online application before their trip. As part of the process, ETIAS will screen applicants for security risks, including criminal history. While not every offence will lead to a denial, serious convictions could result in rejected travel authorization.
How a Canadian Criminal Record Can Impact Your European Trip
Even though most European countries don’t ask about Canadian criminal records upfront, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into problems once you arrive. Depending on the country and the type of travel, your record could create unexpected challenges.
Border Security Checks
While Schengen countries typically don’t conduct routine criminal background checks on Canadian visitors, some travellers may still be flagged for additional screening. If authorities suspect a risk, they may ask about your criminal history, conduct a deeper background check, or, in rare cases, deny entry.
Stricter Entry Rules in Certain Countries
Not all European countries follow the same rules. For example:
- United Kingdom: Border officers can refuse entry if they believe your past offence poses a risk.
- Ireland: Some travellers may be asked to disclose past convictions before being granted entry.
Visa and Work Permit Applications
If you’re planning a longer stay – whether for residency, work or study in Europe – you may be required to submit a police clearance certificate. This document reveals your criminal history, and depending on the country’s rules, a past conviction could impact approval.
A criminal record doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be denied entry to Europe, but it can create complications that delay or even prevent travel. That’s why addressing your record before your trip is the best way to avoid unnecessary stress.
So, Can You Travel to Europe With a Criminal Record?
If you plan to travel to Europe with a criminal record, clearing your record before your trip can help you avoid complications. Pardons Canada is to help you remove past convictions from background checks to make travel easier.
A record suspension, previously known as a pardon, erases your criminal record from the CPIC database, reducing the risk of visa denials or border delays. For non-convictions, file destruction removes police records and fingerprints that could still appear in screenings.
The experienced team at Pardons Canada handles everything – from assessing your eligibility to application submission – so you can enjoy a stress-free trip to Europe and new opportunities when you return home.
Take Action Before Your Next European Trip
With ETIAS coming in 2025, travel restrictions in Europe are tightening. Clearing your Canadian criminal record now can help you avoid delays or denials. A record suspension (pardon) removes your record from background checks, making travel easier.
Start today – contact Pardons Canada to get expert help before your next trip.
