UK citizen — previously expelled from Spain (drug trafficking conviction) — will I be denied entry to Europe after my 5-year ban ends? How do Schengen records actually work?
Hi all,
I’m a UK citizen and I’m trying to understand my situation before I consider travelling again.
Last year I was released from prison in Spain for a drug trafficking offence (cannabis-related, classified as crimes against public health). After release, I was expelled from Spain and given a 5-year entry ban.
My questions are:
Once the 5-year ban expires, am I automatically allowed back into Spain / the Schengen Area?
Will I still be refused entry because of my criminal record even after the ban ends?
How long do these alerts stay in the Schengen Information System (SIS)?
Is there any way to check whether I’m still flagged before I travel?
Does the upcoming ETIAS system change anything for cases like this?
I’m trying to understand whether the ban is strictly time-limited or if it can effectively become long-term in practice due to the record.
Any advice from people who know how Schengen immigration systems actually work would be appreciated.
Basically, will I ever be allowed back into Europe with the new ETIAS laws ??