What are the reasons for an ETIAS application to be denied?

Introduction

The EU and Schengen members are soon introducing a new requirement for “third country” nationals (such as British citizens after Brexit) that currently enjoy visa-free entry: they must obtain ETIAS authorization before entering. 

The ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is not a visa but rather a pre-screening process similar to a visa application form. The information that needs to be supplied is more in-depth than a conventional visa form.

Personal details and information regarding the applicant’s intended destination must be provided. Additionally, questions related to the individual’s health and any previous convictions or involvement in criminal or terrorist activities will also be asked.

ETIAS applications require the completion of all forms, as well as providing accurate, up-to-date, and verifiable information. To ensure that applicants meet the necessary criteria for entry into Europe, the ETIAS Central Unit will rigorously assess all application forms through their computers. Unfortunately, certain factors may result in the refusal of ETIAS applicants. The following are among those factors.

Incomplete Application – Incomplete applications can be a frustrating experience for both the applicant and the processing agency. These types of issues are often caused by an oversight or mistake on the part of the applicant. This could include forgetting to answer a certain question on the application, providing incomplete information, or failing to provide accurate information.

If an incomplete application is submitted, the ETIAS Central or National Unit will typically send out a request for additional information or direct the applicant to correct the errors in the application. It is important for the applicant to respond to these requests within the allotted time frame, typically ten days. If no reply is received within this time frame, the application will likely be denied.

Taking the time to double-check and make sure all necessary information is included can save time and frustration in the long run, as it will reduce the likelihood of an incomplete application being submitted. By paying attention to detail and providing all necessary information, applicants can increase their chances of a successful ETIAS application.

Missed Interview – In very rare cases, the applicant may be requested to attend an in-person interview or, if not possible, take part in an audio or video link conversation to answer certain questions. This is a standard part of the ETIAS application process and is meant to ensure that all necessary information is gathered in order to make a fair and accurate assessment of an applicant’s eligibility.

If the candidate fails to comply with this requirement, the application will unfortunately be refused. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they are available and able to participate in the interview or video call at the designated time.

Suspicious Application – ETIAS is a strict system that requires applicants to provide accurate and honest information in their application form as well as any supporting documents. Attempting to submit inaccurate, false, or intentionally misleading information will result in a certain refusal from the ETIAS authorities.

This is because ETIAS relies on the accuracy of the information supplied by the applicant in order to make a decision. Providing false or misleading information can have serious consequences, as it may prevent ETIAS from accurately assessing an applicant’s eligibility for the program. 

All applicants should carefully review the information they provide in their application and ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date. Any discrepancies or inconsistencies may result in a delay or rejection of the application.

Invalid Passport – If you have a passport or other travel documents that have been marked as lost, stolen, or invalid in any way, including being flagged as invalid by the Schengen Information System (SIS), your application for an ETIAS travel authorization will be denied. It is important to make sure that your passport and other travel documents are valid and in good standing before applying for an ETIAS travel authorization, as this is a requirement for approval. 

If your passport or other travel documents are not valid, you will not be able to travel to the European Union using an ETIAS authorization. It is therefore essential to ensure that your passport is up-to-date and in good condition before applying for an ETIAS travel authorization.

Existing SIS Alert – The ETIAS Central Unit is a database that contains information about individuals who have been denied entry to European or Schengen countries in the past, or who have exceeded the length of their authorized stay during previous visits. This information will be connected to other systems in the Schengen Information System (SIS), which is a European Union database used to store and exchange data on individuals who pose a threat to public security or safety. 

By linking the ETIAS Central Unit to the SIS, authorities can verify an applicant’s eligibility for ETIAS authorization and make a decision about whether to grant or deny the request. In certain cases, approval may be denied to individuals based on their background information, such as those who have a history of criminal activity or who pose a threat to national security. Individuals likely to be denied come from the following categories:

  • Criminal risk: People thought to be engaged in criminal activity, as well as those with a record of serious offenses.
  • Terrorism risk: Individuals who have been identified as terrorists, or those considered to have ties with known terrorist organizations.
  • Health risk: A list of diseases that could exclude individuals from traveling is yet to be finalized, and may need to be updated depending on new occurrences.
  • Immigration risk: Persons believed to be attempting unauthorized entry or illegally migrating into Europe.

Chance to Appeal an ETIAS Refusal

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is designed to ensure that travelers to the Schengen Area are safe and secure. Although most applications are expected to be approved quickly, there are cases where a refusal may be issued. In these instances, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision via the ETIAS National Unit of the country in which the application was lodged.

A notice of refusal will provide a comprehensive overview of the reasons why the application was denied. It will outline the specific criteria that the application did not meet and provide any additional information that may be relevant to the decision.

If the applicant disagrees with the reasons provided in the notice of refusal, they have the option to submit an amended form. This amended form will be treated as a completely new application and will be evaluated on its own merits. No previous refusals will prejudice this new submission. Instead, the amended form will be assessed based on any new evidence or information that has been included. 

It is important for the applicant to carefully review the notice of refusal and consider whether there is any additional information that could be included in the amended form to strengthen their case.

Final Word

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your ETIAS application may get denied, including incomplete or inaccurate information. It is important to carefully review the requirements and ensure that you provide all necessary documentation to avoid potential denial, a criminal record, or a past history of visa or immigration violation

Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or professional to ensure that your application is complete and accurate, and to address any concerns or questions you may have about the process. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful ETIAS application and avoid any potential delays or issues.