A recent report from the NL Times bears some interesting numbers about visitor entries at the Dutch border. In 2023, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a specialized force responsible for border security, reported that entry refusals in the Netherlands were handed down to 2,491 individuals for failing to meet entry requirements. This figure comes with a number of reasons for denied entry, highlighting the Netherlands’ commitment to upholding its immigration regulations.
Why Were These Individuals Refused?
Among the most common reasons for refusal reported were:
Insufficient travel documents or visas:
Ensuring proper documentation protects both national security and individual travelers.
Concerns about public order or safety:
The Marechaussee plays a crucial role in preventing potential threats and maintaining public order within the country.
Some Notable Refusals Based on Nationality
Among those denied entry, 115 hailed from the United Kingdom. This reflects the post-Brexit reality of visa requirements for UK citizens seeking entry to the Netherlands and other EU countries.
Colombians formed the largest group denied entry (479), followed by individuals from India (223), Peru (219), and Brazil (152). However, these statistics come as a result of a complex interplay of factors specific to each country and individual traveller.
Interestingly, the vast majority of refusals (2,403) occurred at Dutch airports. Incidentally, this showcases the crucial role that air travel plays in border security. However, the Marechaussee also vigilantly guarded other entry points, denying entry to 82 individuals at seaports and six at train stations.
Understanding Dutch Entry Refusals
This recent development sheds light on the complexities of border security and the intricate network of regulations in the Netherlands. Without a doubt, the Marechaussee’s unwavering dedication to upholding these regulations ensures the smooth flow of legitimate travelers while effectively addressing potential threats.
The Netherlands, just like any other country, has the right to refuse entry to any individual who wishes to enter. But what are the most common reasons that any random country may have that they refuse entry to foreign visitors?
Beyond the Basics:
Missing documentation forms a significant chunk of entry refusals. Passports with frayed edges, visas lacking proper stamps, or incomplete travel documentation can all trigger denial. But the reasons go beyond paperwork snafus.
Guarding the Gates:
National security concerns form a cornerstone of border control. Individuals with criminal records, suspected links to terrorism or organized crime, or those flagged by international alert lists may be denied entry. The Netherlands, like any nation, prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens, and vigilance remains paramount.
Maintaining Equilibrium:
Public order and social harmony are also crucial considerations. Individuals with a history of disruptive behavior, violence, or who pose a potential threat to the peaceful co-existence within any sovereign society may face entry refusal. This extends to potential unauthorized workers, ensuring fair competition within the domestic labor market.
A Variety of Considerations:
A multitude of other factors can lead to entry denial. Insufficient financial resources and failure to meet vaccination requirements are major reasons. Health concerns posing potential risks, or even misrepresentations on visa applications can all trigger refusal. Each case is meticulously assessed on its own merits, with transparency and fairness guiding the process.
Beyond Numbers:
It’s vital to remember that each refusal represents a human story, a unique set of circumstances, and a carefully considered decision. Any nation built on principles of rules of law and respect for human rights, ensures transparent and accessible appeal processes for those denied entry.
Enter ETIAS: A New Travel Authorisation
The story of the Netherlands is the story of any other nation that wants the best for its citizens. One might point out that this is the exact story that provides the impetus for the creation of a new travel authorisation set to kick off in 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Designed to enhance security and streamline the visa application process for certain foreign visitors, the ETIAS represents a comprehensive approach to border management within the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area.
1. What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic system that screens travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter the Schengen Zone, comprising a number of European countries that have abolished internal borders for seamless travel. It serves as an additional layer of security, allowing authorities to identify potential security or public health risks associated with incoming visitors.
2. Purpose of ETIAS:
The primary objectives of ETIAS include:
Enhancing Security:
By conducting thorough background checks, ETIAS aims to identify individuals with potential security threats or those involved in criminal activities before they arrive at the borders.
Public Health Protection:
ETIAS assesses travelers for health-related risks, ensuring that individuals do not pose a threat to public health within the Schengen countries.
Facilitating Travel:
While ETIAS is not a visa, it simplifies the entry process for visa-exempt nationals, reducing waiting times and administrative burdens.
3. Who Needs ETIAS?
ETIAS is mandatory for citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area. This includes travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other visa-exempt nations.
4. Application Process
To obtain ETIAS authorisation, travelers must complete an online application, providing information about their travel plans, health status, and background. The system cross-references this information with various databases to assess potential risks.
5. Validity and Fees
Once approved, ETIAS authorisation is valid for multiple short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) over a three-year period or until the expiration of the traveler’s passport, whichever comes first. There is a nominal fee of €7 for the application process. This contributes to the maintenance and operation of the ETIAS system.
Making ETIAS Work: The Schengen Information System
The Netherlands has absolutely every right to operate with its own security standards independently. But the brilliance of ETIAS has largely to do with the Schengen Information System (SIS), which it uses as its database. The SIS stands as a pivotal tool in the European Union’s commitment to border security and the maintenance of a borderless travel area.
The SIS serves as a comprehensive information-sharing database among Schengen Area member countries, aiding in law enforcement, border control, and the overall security of the region. Here’s a closer look at why the SIS is an indispensable asset for travel within the Schengen Zone.
1. Unified Security System:
The Schengen Information System is a centralized repository of information accessible to authorities in all Schengen member states. It allows for the real-time exchange of critical data related to security, public safety, and immigration matters. This unified system ensures that countries can collectively respond to emerging threats and challenges.
2. Purpose and Functionality:
The primary objectives of the SIS include:
Border Control:
SIS enables border control authorities to check individuals entering or leaving the Schengen Zone against a comprehensive database of alerts and information.
Law Enforcement:
It serves as a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies by providing alerts about persons or objects of interest, such as missing persons, criminals, or stolen property.
National Security:
The system contributes to the protection of national security by helping to prevent the entry of individuals associated with terrorism, organized crime, or other serious threats.
Migration Management:
SIS aids in managing migration by allowing member states to track individuals who have been refused entry or are subject to specific entry conditions.
3. Enhancing Public Safety:
The SIS plays a pivotal role in enhancing public safety. It provides immediate access to crucial information at border crossings and within the Schengen Area. Authorities can respond swiftly to potential threats, contributing to the overall security and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
4. Complementary to ETIAS:
In conjunction with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the SIS contributes to a layered approach to border management. While ETIAS focuses on pre-screening travelers, the SIS acts as a real-time information hub for immediate threat assessment. Whatever data ETIAS collects, it also shares with the SIS, which helps make the system evolve even more.
Conclusion
In the context of entry refusals in the Netherlands, or any other Schengen country for that matter, the ETIAS emerges as a strategic and forward-thinking solution that aligns with the evolving landscape of international travel. Travelers from countries that do not require visas, including those aiming to visit the Netherlands, undergo a thorough evaluation, mitigating the chances of on-the-spot entry refusals.
The Netherlands, like other Schengen member states, benefits from the collaborative nature of ETIAS, where shared information helps identify and prevent potential threats before they reach the country’s borders. This collaborative approach not only enhances security but also streamlines the entry process, reducing administrative burdens and waiting times for legitimate travelers.
As immigration policies continue to evolve, the implementation of ETIAS represents a progressive step toward striking a balance between national security and the facilitation of legitimate travel.