The ETIAS Watchlist is a crucial part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, helping keep the Schengen Area secure by tracking individuals who could be security risks and improving border control. If you are eligible for ETIAS, it’s important to understand what this watchlist is, how it works, and how it could impact you.
What Is the ETIAS Watchlist?
The ETIAS Watchlist is a security tool that includes a list of individuals suspected of serious crimes, terrorism, or posing security threats to the EU and its citizens. The watchlist will be developed based on information provided by Europol and Schengen Member States.
Who Is Included in this Watchlist?
The ETIAS Watchlist includes individuals who are deemed security risks or potential threats, such as the following:
- Individuals suspected of serious criminal activity.
- Those with connections to terrorist groups or organizations.
- Individuals who exhibit behaviors or patterns raise security concerns.
- Persons who pose a potential threat to the Schengen Area’s security.
What if I’m Included in the ETIAS Watchlist?
If your name is included in the ETIAS watchlist, your application will most likely be manually processed in order to determine whether to grant you an ETIAS authorization or not. If your request is granted, you may also face delays during the border entry process— be patient and follow the authorities’ instructions.
Please note that if you believe the information about you in the watchlist is incorrect or incomplete, you should reach out to the relevant authorities handling your ETIAS application— which is usually an ETIAS National Unit.
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Who Is in Charge of the Watchlist?
The ETIAS Watchlist is developed and hosted by eu-LISA— the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice.
Each of the Member States, however, will only have access to its own watchlist and be responsible for entering, altering, or deleting the data they entered into it.
Who Has Access to the ETIAS Watchlist?
In addition to authorized EU authorities, access to the ETIAS Watchlist is also granted to specialized units or divisions within competent authorities, known as ETIAS National Units . These units are responsible for security and border control within their respective areas and have access to the watchlist as part of their duties.
Please note that all the data recorded in the ETIAS watchlist is kept protected and secure, and only competent authorities can access the information.
What Information Does the ETIAS Watchlist Have?
The ETIAS Watchlist contains personal information about individuals who may be considered security risks when traveling to the Schengen Area, typically including the following:
- Surname.
- Surname at birth.
- Date of birth.
- Other names and alias(es).
- Travel document information.
- Home address.
- Email address.
- Phone number.
- The name, email address, mailing address, and phone number of a firm or organization.
- IP address.
How Is Information Collected for the Watchlist?
Europol and Member States collect and enter the information in the ETIAS watchlist, but before doing so, they must determine the following evaluations:
- Whether the information is correct and important enough to be included in the ETIAS watchlist.
- What the potential impact this information may have on the number of applications requiring manual processing.
- Whether the information corresponds to an alert entered in
Please note that if the data entered in the watchlist corresponds to an alert entered in the SIS, priority is given to the alert in SIS rather than the watchlist.
How Does the Watchlist Work With ETIAS Applications?
Here is a brief description of how the watchlist works alongside ETIAS applications:
- An individual makes an ETIAS application.
- The application goes through the initial stage of automated processing.
- During the initial stage of automated processing, the application is compared to the information recorded in other security agencies, including the ETIAS watchlist.
- If an alert is “hit” during the initial stage of processing, the application will be passed on to the ETIAS National Units for manual processing due to security reasons.
- The competent authorities will determine whether to grant an ETIAS authorization or not.