Traveling To Austria: Criminal Records And Entry Restrictions

If you have a criminal record and want to travel to Austria, you may need to obtain a criminal record certificate (Strafregisterbescheinigung). This document details your criminal convictions or states that you have none. Austrian authorities may require this certificate for various purposes, including visa applications, employment, and residency. Each case has specific requirements, and you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a certified copy of your court convictions or a confirmation from your employer. It's important to note that entry to Austria for non-EU nationals can be denied if they are considered a threat to public policy, national security, or international relations. From mid-2025, non-EU nationals who don't need a visa to enter the Schengen area will have to apply for a travel authorisation through the ETIAS system, which involves pre-travel screening for security and migration risks.

Criminal record checks for US citizens

US citizens may be asked to present a "certificate of good conduct" or "lack of a criminal record" for various reasons when travelling abroad, including for adoption, school attendance, residence, visas, or employment. As this is not a common request in the United States, US law enforcement authorities may be unfamiliar with the procedure.

There are several options for US citizens seeking to obtain proof of their lack of a criminal record:

• Local Police Check: Go to your local police department and request that they conduct a criminal records search and provide you with a document reflecting that there is no history of a criminal record. Local police departments may require your personal appearance to conduct the search. The document should then be authenticated for use abroad.
• State Criminal Record Check: If a state-level check is requested, contact the relevant state's law enforcement agency.
• FBI Records Check: If a national criminal record check is requested, contact the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division directly. You will need to submit a written request, provide proof of identity (including name, date and place of birth, and a set of rolled-inked fingerprints), and pay a processing fee. The FBI will only provide records to the subject of the record. The FBI seal and signature of a division official can be added to the record if requested at the time of submission.
• Criminal Record Affidavit: In some cases, a sworn statement attesting that the applicant has no police record may be acceptable. This can usually be executed at the US embassy or consulate in the relevant country.

It is recommended to request these records while still in the United States, as it may be more difficult to acquire them once overseas. Additionally, keep in mind that some countries may require authentication or apostille on the documents, so be sure to check the requirements of the specific country you are travelling to.

Criminal record certificate application process

The process for applying for a criminal record certificate varies depending on the country and the purpose of the certificate. Here is a detailed overview of the criminal record certificate application process:

• Identify the Type of Certificate Required: Different countries have different types of criminal record certificates. For instance, in Austria, there are standard criminal record certificates and special criminal record certificates for specific purposes, such as children and youth welfare, care and support, terrorism, and offences against the state.
• Determine the Competent Authority: The authority responsible for issuing criminal record certificates varies by country and location. In Austria, for example, you can apply at the State Police Department, Police Department, Mayor's office, or the Municipal Administration, depending on your city of residence.
• Gather Required Documents: The necessary documents may include a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or residency, and any name change documentation. If applying for a special certificate, additional confirmation from an employer or organization may be required.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately, providing all the required information. This may include personal details, such as name, date of birth, address, and any previous names.
• Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form, along with the required documents, to the appropriate authority. Some countries may offer online application portals or allow applications through diplomatic representations (embassies or consulates).
• Pay the Applicable Fees: Criminal record certificate applications typically incur fees. For instance, in Austria, the standard procedure fee is €14.30 per sheet, while electronic applications using ID Austria or EU Login cost €8.60.
• Provide Biometric Data (if required): In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, for identification purposes. Ensure you follow the specific instructions provided by the relevant authority.
• Wait for Processing: The processing time for criminal record certificates varies by country and authority. In Austria, if all documents are provided and there are no complications, the certificate may be issued on the spot or within a few minutes. However, in some cases, it may take around 10 days or longer if the application is made from abroad.
• Receive the Certificate: Once your application has been processed and any fees paid, you will receive your criminal record certificate. This can often be collected in person, or it may be sent to you upon request.
• Translate the Certificate (if necessary): If the certificate is not in English, you may need to obtain a certified translation to accompany the document when submitting it for visa or employment purposes.

It is important to note that the specific steps and requirements may differ slightly depending on your country of residence and the purpose for which the criminal record certificate is needed. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines of the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Criminal record certificates for non-residents

The criminal record certificate (Strafregisterbescheinigung) is a document containing either all of a person's registered convictions in the Crime Register or stating that there are no such convictions. Only the person who filed the application can be issued the document.

If you are a resident abroad, you may request your criminal record extract from the respective Austrian diplomatic representation (Embassy or Consulate General). The request may also be submitted online by using the "Bürgerkarte". However, the applicant is obliged to appear in person either when filing the application or retrieving the document. An exception to this rule is the online application with the "Bürgerkarte".

If you are applying from outside Austria, you can apply to your local Austrian representation authority. You can apply for a criminal record certificate at any competent authority in the area where you are currently resident, regardless of the location of your primary residence.

The applicant must appear in person at the responsible authority at least once, except when applying online using their citizen card (e-signature), either when they submit their application or when they collect their certificate, in order to verify their identity. This means that you can arrange for someone else to submit your application or to collect your certificate on your behalf. That person will, however, need to present a power of attorney.

Official identification with a photo (e.g. passport) is required. For proving former names (which must be mentioned in the application), documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or adoption certificate are also needed.

Criminal record certificates can be obtained through a standard procedure for 14.30 Euros (per sheet) or through electronic applications using ID Austria or EU Login for 8.60 Euros.

Criminal record certificates for residents

Criminal record certificates are documents that contain details of a person's registered convictions. In Austria, this is known as a Strafregisterbescheinigung. The certificate can be requested by the individual or by their solicitor.

If you are a resident of Austria and wish to obtain a criminal record certificate, you can apply for it online or in person. To apply online, you will need an ID Austria oder EU Login. To apply in person, you can go to the State Police Department or Police Department in your city. If you live in a city or town without a police department, you can apply to the Mayor or the Municipal Administration.

The application fee for a standard criminal record certificate is €14.30 per sheet, and €8.60 for electronic applications. The certificate must be paid for when it is issued and will cost €14.30. However, if the certificate is being obtained to present to a specific body, such as an employer or authority, the fee is waived and the total cost is €16.40 (or €10.70 for electronic applications).

If you are a resident of Austria but not an Austrian citizen, you can still apply for a criminal record certificate. Nationals of other EU member states can request that relevant information from the register of offences in their home country be forwarded to and added to their Austrian criminal record certificate. Non-EU citizens resident in Austria can request their criminal record extract from the respective Austrian diplomatic representation (Embassy or Consulate General).

Criminal record certificates are often required for job applications, especially in sectors such as security and surveillance. The certificate must be no older than three months.

There are also special criminal record certificates available for children and youth welfare, care and support, terrorism, and offences against the state, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. These certificates provide information on specific types of convictions and related entries, such as court bans on activities. To apply for a special criminal record certificate, you may need to provide additional confirmations or signatures from your employer or voluntary organisation.

Criminal record checks for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens can obtain a criminal record check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to determine if they have been charged or convicted of a crime. This can be done through a name-based criminal record check or, if this does not confirm your identity, with fingerprints. Fingerprints are the most accurate way to confirm a person's identity and ensure individuals cannot evade their criminal past.

There are private fingerprinting companies accredited by the RCMP that are authorized to take fingerprints for civil purposes. You can also find out where to get a fingerprint-based criminal record check and the steps involved for Canadians living in or outside of Canada on the RCMP website.

Online platforms such as Triton and MyCRC also offer criminal record checks for Canadian citizens. These platforms use secure and accurate information from RCMP-accredited agencies to provide detailed information to individuals and their employers. The process is simple and quick, with results available in as little as 15 minutes.

Criminal record checks may be needed for various reasons and may be required periodically. For example, 53% of employers in Canada conduct criminal background checks on their candidates as part of the hiring process.

Frequently asked questions