Criminal Record Declaration & Checks

Falklands Islands Government and the Customs & Immigration Service have a duty to protect the Falkland Islands, its residents and those living in or travelling to the islands temporarily.

All applicants applying for permits in advance of arrival must declare all criminal convictions attained after the age of 16, whether or not those convictions are considered to be spent under the laws of the country in which the applicant was convicted. The Customs & Immigration Service also requires a full criminal conviction declaration for an applicant’s spouse/partner and all dependants over the age of 16.

The declaration of historic criminal convictions will not necessarily lead to an unsuccessful permit application, but criminal convictions will be taken into consideration when assessing an application. Each application for a permit will be considered on its merits.

All prior criminality including spent convictions, with the exception of minor road traffic offences should be declared at point of application.  'Minor road traffic offences' do not include alcohol or drug related driving offences which should be declared. We may make independent enquiries to verify the veracity of any statement made.

Permits over 5 months in duration

For those applying for a permit over 150 days (5 months) in duration a current Criminal Record Check is required from their country of residence - issued by the Police Service and within the previous 6 months. Permits 2 years and over in duration will require Criminal Record Checks from every country lived in for 12 months or more in the previous five years.

The level of check required is equivalent to a 'standard' DBS check. This level of check will contain details of both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. If requiring a Police check from the UK an individual is able to apply for this level of check by requesting an ACRO check.

Checks must be issued by the Police Service of the country in question and not a third party 'vetting' company, for example checks from the UK must be from ACRO, checks from South Africa must be from the South Africa Police Service (SAPS).  

In addition, and outside of the Immigration Ordinance requirements, an Enhanced Disclosure criminal record check will be required for those posts which involve contact with children or vulnerable adults, for example teachers, care workers, and certain health specialists. This should be sought by your employer.

Applicants found to have concealed material facts about their criminal record may be denied a permit or visa, or have a permit or visa which has been issued revoked, and could face a penalty of a fine, or imprisonment, or both.