Although most ETIAS applications will be approved almost immediately, there is still a chance that your ETIAS application can be refused. This can happen if the system finds something wrong with your application. For example, if, while checking your information, eligibility, or your risk factors, the system reports one or several hits, your application will be rejected.
Travellers not meeting the conditions for getting an ETIAS travel authorization, will be rejected by the ETIAS National Unit of the Member State responsible for processing the application.
Reasons for ETIAS Refusal
While so far, the reasons for ETIAS rejection have been blurry, an official of the EU Commission has provided SchengenVisaInfo.com with a list of the main reasons why an ETIAS may be rejected. According to this list, the main reasons why an ETIAS application may be rejected, are as follows:
You submitted an incomplete application
When completing the ETIAS application, it is important that each applicant submits a completed application form with a declaration of authenticity, correctness, and reliability of data and statements. In case you submit an incomplete application, your ETIAS will be rejected.
Your passport is invalid
If you use a passport that has been flagged as lost or stolen, misappropriated, or invalidated in the SIS II, your application will be rejected. Your travel document must also have a minimum validity of three months from the departure date and must not be damaged physically.
You are considered a “risk”
During your application for ETIAS, your criminal record will be checked. However, this does not mean that you are prohibited from applying for ETIAS if you have committed a minor offence in the past.
The same does not apply to individuals who are considered a current threat by international security.
Related: ETIAS Watchlist
You have an SIS alert
Your ETIAS application will be refused if there is an alert about you in the Schengen Information System (SIS). During the application examination, the ETIAS Central System will verify whether there is an alert for you in SIS, such as for refusing entry and stay, missing persons, discreet checks, or specific checks, or if you are wanted for arrest for surrender purposes.
You do not attend the interview
In exceptional circumstances, when there are doubts regarding the information and documents you have provided, the ETIAS National Unit of the Member State might invite you for an interview. The interview may take place in your country of residence or in a consulate located in another country. If you do not attend the interview, your ETIAS will be refused.
Your data is not authentic
A travel authorization shall also be refused if, at the time of the application, there are reasonable and serious doubts as to the authenticity of the data, the reliability of the statements made by the applicant, the supporting documents provided by the applicant or the reliability of their contents.
What Will Happen If Your Application Is Refused?
If you ETIAS application is refused, you will receive an email, which will contain the following information:
- A clear statement of why your ETIAS has been refused
- Information on your right to appeal the decision, and the time limit you have for appealing this decision.
- Information about the ETIAS National Unit of the Member State that was responsible for your application (and refused it).
- Your ETIAS application number.
- The contact details of the data protection officer of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, of the European Data Protection Supervisor and of the national supervisory authority of the Member State responsible.
Since your application was refused, it will mean that you cannot travel to the Schengen or EU zone, unless you manage to successfully appeal the decision and revoke it or re-apply for the ETIAS. Depending on the reason for the refusal, it can be an easy fix; for example, if your application was refused because it was incomplete, this time around you just have to fill it in properly.
Should I Apply for a Schengen Visa If My ETIAS Is Refused?
If your ETIAS application is rejected, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa instead; a refusal means that you simply cannot cross the border into the Schengen/EU Area until the reasons for the refusal are resolved.
Additionally, a previous refusal of a travel authorization shall not lead to an automatic refusal of a new application, as a new application shall be assessed on the basis of all the available information (except in cases where applications are refused because they are considered high-risk or due to an SIS Alert).
So, How Can I Fix My Application?
You can fix your refused application for ETIAS if your application was rejected on the basis of:
- incorrect information during the application
- not filling out the application entirely
- invalid or expired passport.
These mistakes are easy enough to correct: simply fill in the application again or get your passport extended.
Exempt from this are persons whose applications are rejected due to an SIS alert or because the person who applied for the ETIAS is considered a high risk to the EU. In such cases, the traveller should address the issue to the nearest embassy of the country the ETIAS Central Unit of which rejected his/her application, or the member country that issued the SIS alert.
Applicants whose second ETIAS is rejected as well, for the purposes other than the two mentioned above, shall also contact the embassy of the country the ETIAS Central Unit of which rejected his/her applications, for further instructions.
What If I Think My Application Was Unfairly Rejected?
If you think your ETIAS application was rejected unfairly, you can appeal the decision with the ETIAS National Unit of the Member State that was responsible for your application. All information regarding your right to appeal will be included in the rejection email.
How to Ensure Your ETIAS Will Not Be Rejected?
To ensure that your ETIAS application is not refused, you should make sure to fill in all the fields of the application form and provide all the required information and documents. It is important to pay the travel authorization fee and comply with any additional requirements which may be asked by the relevant ETIAS Central Unit.
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