By Richie - 19 Aug 26 3:21 PM
+xApologies in advance for the long post. This is my first post, I’ll probably do an introduction post at some point but in short, I’m about 6 months post-sentence, which took place 15 months after the knock. My offences were online communications, no images charges, and I have 10 years of SHPO and SOR. I’m looking forward to being part of a community that supports and does not judge. I’ve been reading other threads with interest but I’m still at the stage where my chest tightens and I feel slightly sick when I read what people go through.
I’m looking to gain knowledge on travelling with an Interpol notice. My amazing wife is still with me and now that I’ve finished my unpaid work we looked to go on holiday. My wife and I are retiring very soon and always planned travel to be a big part of retirement.
We booked a week together in Malta and I went to do the notification.
TUI - I’ve since seen stuff on this on other sites and can confirm that the police will tell TUI you are on the SOR, and I can confirm TUI will not let you travel. Partial refund only, appealing, but that knowledge has currently cost us £2k.
My other surprise was to be told I’m currently assessed as high risk (by probation and by police) and so an Interpol notice would be issued (presumably a green notice?). I was surprised as I was assessed medium in the PSR and I hadn’t been told any different. I’ve since been told it’s quite usual to begin with while they get to know you. I’ve changed probation officers through no fault of my own meaning I’m behind where I would otherwise be on the RA work. But I’ve done everything I can to engage with all concerned and do what needs to be done and show I will never be so stupid again. I’ve already finished my unpaid work.
I’m most keen to hear from others about the risk of travelling with a notice having been issued.
My understanding from my mosavo officer is that the notice is issued to Interpol, they may or may not share it with the destination country, and if shared obviously that country has discretion over whether I’m allowed in. He also says that 9 times out of 10 the person is allowed in. His point was that a family holiday in Europe is very different to travelling alone, or travelling to a high risk country.
I’m really torn now between travelling next month on the basis that it ‘should’ be ok, and leaving it a few months in the hope that my risk assessment is reduced to medium soon. I understand that in that event there’s no automatic Interpol notice, although they’d still assess every travel plan.
I’m due to be reassessed by probation soon, but not in time for our intended travel date, and I’m expecting to be moved back to medium. I don’t think I have a right to seek a review by the police ahead of schedule, although I know I can ask and see if they oblige.
If I travel now a notice will be issued and I have no real confidence on whether I will be allowed in (plus the stress of queuing at passport control). I don’t know can the notice be removed if and when I am downgraded, and is that a reliable process. I also don’t know if the notice is shared with the destination country or all countries.
It also seems that the coming ETIAS system is another reason not to want an Interpol notice to have been issued.
I have seen some posts about travel under a notice but would really like to hear how people have found this, and also the ease and effectiveness of getting the notice removed once risk is no longer assessed as high.
If I don’t travel now it is really hard on my wife who was obviously upset when we had to cancel the TUI booking. Also I guess no guarantee of if and when the Interpol notice can be avoided.
My wife has been amazing and all I want is for her to have the retirement she deserves. We’ve spent most of our lives saving and planning and I’ve put it all at risk.
Thanks for reading
It is normal to be high risk when you are first convicted this normally reduces over time, although mine did not go down to low risk until I had finished my probation as my probation officer was pushing to keep me high risk.
I have only travelled when I have been low risk and have got in and out of europe with no problem and never had a green notice issued. So it maybe that you are better waiting for a little while for your risk to become lower.
My biggest issue with travelling is returning to the UK, passports are marked and you can't go through the e-gates. You then have a mini discussion with the border guard who asks you various questions about where you been and who you have been with.
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By Worriedman - 23 Aug 26 8:50 PM
+x+xApologies in advance for the long post. This is my first post, I’ll probably do an introduction post at some point but in short, I’m about 6 months post-sentence, which took place 15 months after the knock. My offences were online communications, no images charges, and I have 10 years of SHPO and SOR. I’m looking forward to being part of a community that supports and does not judge. I’ve been reading other threads with interest but I’m still at the stage where my chest tightens and I feel slightly sick when I read what people go through.
I’m looking to gain knowledge on travelling with an Interpol notice. My amazing wife is still with me and now that I’ve finished my unpaid work we looked to go on holiday. My wife and I are retiring very soon and always planned travel to be a big part of retirement.
We booked a week together in Malta and I went to do the notification.
TUI - I’ve since seen stuff on this on other sites and can confirm that the police will tell TUI you are on the SOR, and I can confirm TUI will not let you travel. Partial refund only, appealing, but that knowledge has currently cost us £2k.
My other surprise was to be told I’m currently assessed as high risk (by probation and by police) and so an Interpol notice would be issued (presumably a green notice?). I was surprised as I was assessed medium in the PSR and I hadn’t been told any different. I’ve since been told it’s quite usual to begin with while they get to know you. I’ve changed probation officers through no fault of my own meaning I’m behind where I would otherwise be on the RA work. But I’ve done everything I can to engage with all concerned and do what needs to be done and show I will never be so stupid again. I’ve already finished my unpaid work.
I’m most keen to hear from others about the risk of travelling with a notice having been issued.
My understanding from my mosavo officer is that the notice is issued to Interpol, they may or may not share it with the destination country, and if shared obviously that country has discretion over whether I’m allowed in. He also says that 9 times out of 10 the person is allowed in. His point was that a family holiday in Europe is very different to travelling alone, or travelling to a high risk country.
I’m really torn now between travelling next month on the basis that it ‘should’ be ok, and leaving it a few months in the hope that my risk assessment is reduced to medium soon. I understand that in that event there’s no automatic Interpol notice, although they’d still assess every travel plan.
I’m due to be reassessed by probation soon, but not in time for our intended travel date, and I’m expecting to be moved back to medium. I don’t think I have a right to seek a review by the police ahead of schedule, although I know I can ask and see if they oblige.
If I travel now a notice will be issued and I have no real confidence on whether I will be allowed in (plus the stress of queuing at passport control). I don’t know can the notice be removed if and when I am downgraded, and is that a reliable process. I also don’t know if the notice is shared with the destination country or all countries.
It also seems that the coming ETIAS system is another reason not to want an Interpol notice to have been issued.
I have seen some posts about travel under a notice but would really like to hear how people have found this, and also the ease and effectiveness of getting the notice removed once risk is no longer assessed as high.
If I don’t travel now it is really hard on my wife who was obviously upset when we had to cancel the TUI booking. Also I guess no guarantee of if and when the Interpol notice can be avoided.
My wife has been amazing and all I want is for her to have the retirement she deserves. We’ve spent most of our lives saving and planning and I’ve put it all at risk.
Thanks for reading
It is normal to be high risk when you are first convicted this normally reduces over time, although mine did not go down to low risk until I had finished my probation as my probation officer was pushing to keep me high risk. I have only travelled when I have been low risk and have got in and out of europe with no problem and never had a green notice issued. So it maybe that you are better waiting for a little while for your risk to become lower. My biggest issue with travelling is returning to the UK, passports are marked and you can't go through the e-gates. You then have a mini discussion with the border guard who asks you various questions about where you been and who you have been with. How do you know what risk level you are ? I want to travel but don't want to risk a green notice that could last for years.
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By punter99 - 24 Aug 26 10:42 AM
+x+x+xApologies in advance for the long post. This is my first post, I’ll probably do an introduction post at some point but in short, I’m about 6 months post-sentence, which took place 15 months after the knock. My offences were online communications, no images charges, and I have 10 years of SHPO and SOR. I’m looking forward to being part of a community that supports and does not judge. I’ve been reading other threads with interest but I’m still at the stage where my chest tightens and I feel slightly sick when I read what people go through.
I’m looking to gain knowledge on travelling with an Interpol notice. My amazing wife is still with me and now that I’ve finished my unpaid work we looked to go on holiday. My wife and I are retiring very soon and always planned travel to be a big part of retirement.
We booked a week together in Malta and I went to do the notification.
TUI - I’ve since seen stuff on this on other sites and can confirm that the police will tell TUI you are on the SOR, and I can confirm TUI will not let you travel. Partial refund only, appealing, but that knowledge has currently cost us £2k.
My other surprise was to be told I’m currently assessed as high risk (by probation and by police) and so an Interpol notice would be issued (presumably a green notice?). I was surprised as I was assessed medium in the PSR and I hadn’t been told any different. I’ve since been told it’s quite usual to begin with while they get to know you. I’ve changed probation officers through no fault of my own meaning I’m behind where I would otherwise be on the RA work. But I’ve done everything I can to engage with all concerned and do what needs to be done and show I will never be so stupid again. I’ve already finished my unpaid work.
I’m most keen to hear from others about the risk of travelling with a notice having been issued.
My understanding from my mosavo officer is that the notice is issued to Interpol, they may or may not share it with the destination country, and if shared obviously that country has discretion over whether I’m allowed in. He also says that 9 times out of 10 the person is allowed in. His point was that a family holiday in Europe is very different to travelling alone, or travelling to a high risk country.
I’m really torn now between travelling next month on the basis that it ‘should’ be ok, and leaving it a few months in the hope that my risk assessment is reduced to medium soon. I understand that in that event there’s no automatic Interpol notice, although they’d still assess every travel plan.
I’m due to be reassessed by probation soon, but not in time for our intended travel date, and I’m expecting to be moved back to medium. I don’t think I have a right to seek a review by the police ahead of schedule, although I know I can ask and see if they oblige.
If I travel now a notice will be issued and I have no real confidence on whether I will be allowed in (plus the stress of queuing at passport control). I don’t know can the notice be removed if and when I am downgraded, and is that a reliable process. I also don’t know if the notice is shared with the destination country or all countries.
It also seems that the coming ETIAS system is another reason not to want an Interpol notice to have been issued.
I have seen some posts about travel under a notice but would really like to hear how people have found this, and also the ease and effectiveness of getting the notice removed once risk is no longer assessed as high.
If I don’t travel now it is really hard on my wife who was obviously upset when we had to cancel the TUI booking. Also I guess no guarantee of if and when the Interpol notice can be avoided.
My wife has been amazing and all I want is for her to have the retirement she deserves. We’ve spent most of our lives saving and planning and I’ve put it all at risk.
Thanks for reading
It is normal to be high risk when you are first convicted this normally reduces over time, although mine did not go down to low risk until I had finished my probation as my probation officer was pushing to keep me high risk. I have only travelled when I have been low risk and have got in and out of europe with no problem and never had a green notice issued. So it maybe that you are better waiting for a little while for your risk to become lower. My biggest issue with travelling is returning to the UK, passports are marked and you can't go through the e-gates. You then have a mini discussion with the border guard who asks you various questions about where you been and who you have been with. How do you know what risk level you are ? I want to travel but don't want to risk a green notice that could last for years.
Try asking probation and the police.
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By New Me - 26 Aug 26 4:42 PM
Hi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers
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By Stersco83 - 26 Aug 26 5:29 PM
+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved.
Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
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By New Me - 26 Aug 26 8:21 PM
+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!)
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By CB Root - 26 Aug 26 8:54 PM
+x[quote]+x[quote]
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved.
Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free.
I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow.
I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents.
My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right.
We'll wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently swerving Europe and planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer.
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved.
Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free.
I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow.
I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents.
My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right.
We wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer.
By the way, I think @stersco83 is very bold to have lied his way into the US, the prisons there are horrific !
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By CB Root - 26 Aug 26 8:55 PM
+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!)
Sorry, I will try that again... :0
I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free.
I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow.
I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents.
My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right.
We'll wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently swerving Europe and planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer.
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved.
Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free.
I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow.
I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents.
My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right.
We wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer.
By the way, I think @stersco83 is very bold to have lied his way in
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By Lazarus - 26 Aug 26 10:09 PM
+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register.
Glad you got in ok mate!
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By Lazarus - 26 Aug 26 10:15 PM
+x+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!) Sorry, I will try that again... :0 I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free. I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow. I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents. My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right. We'll wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently swerving Europe and planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer. Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of? We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. I can only speak from personal experience, but as a medium-risk offender with indefinite SOR and SHPO my overseas travel has been entirely trouble free. I have travelled on Eurostar, BA, Jet2, Easyet, Wizz and Turkish and none of them raised an eyebrow. I have gone through passport control into France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Turkey and back into UK with no more than a few questions and always a calm, professional attitude from the border agents. My main PPU officer is pleasant and pragmatic, when I asked about Green Notices he said "we're not bothered about Europe or Turkey, you'll have no trouble") and be has been proved right. We wait to see what ETIAS brings, but in the meantime I am currently planning a month or so in the Balkans next summer. By the way, I think @stersco83 is very bold to have lied his way in
I'm medium risk on 10 year SOR & SHPO. Got into Norway & Italy with no problem but refused entry to Cyprus in July. I'm having trouble understanding why I'm being green noticed on medium risk but can't get any straight answers about proportionality. Now I have a documented refusal on Schengen I'm concerned I won't be allowed into Norway to visit my elderly father again.
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By Richie - 26 Aug 26 10:29 PM
+xHi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers
I am low risk and when i asked my PPU about green notices she said it was only to high risk countries that she would issue a green notice for. For EU countries she wouldn't ever think about a green notice. She also added that if they did issue a green notice she would tell me so I could be prepared for it.
As with regards to your risk yes the police and probation do disagree on Risk Level but I believe they have to come to an agreement for MAPPA purposes . When I came off probation my probation officer advised my PPU she considered me high risk still but my PPU said she disagreed with this due to the courses I had done and the progress I had made and put me at medium risk then later down to low risk.
You should be able to find out your risk level from your Offender Manager (PPU). You can also ask them about green notices as well but it does depend on how helpful and communicative they are.
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By CB Root - 27 Aug 26 7:48 AM
+x+xHi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers I am low risk and when i asked my PPU about green notices she said it was only to high risk countries that she would issue a green notice for. For EU countries she wouldn't ever think about a green notice. She also added that if they did issue a green notice she would tell me so I could be prepared for it. As with regards to your risk yes the police and probation do disagree on Risk Level but I believe they have to come to an agreement for MAPPA purposes . When I came off probation my probation officer advised my PPU she considered me high risk still but my PPU said she disagreed with this due to the courses I had done and the progress I had made and put me at medium risk then later down to low risk. You should be able to find out your risk level from your Offender Manager (PPU). You can also ask them about green notices as well but it does depend on how helpful and communicative they are.
Maybe it varies by location, but my PPU told me that travel notifications go into a force central unit which assesses and issues Notices etc.
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By punter99 - 30 Aug 26 12:04 PM
+x+x+xHi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers I am low risk and when i asked my PPU about green notices she said it was only to high risk countries that she would issue a green notice for. For EU countries she wouldn't ever think about a green notice. She also added that if they did issue a green notice she would tell me so I could be prepared for it. As with regards to your risk yes the police and probation do disagree on Risk Level but I believe they have to come to an agreement for MAPPA purposes . When I came off probation my probation officer advised my PPU she considered me high risk still but my PPU said she disagreed with this due to the courses I had done and the progress I had made and put me at medium risk then later down to low risk. You should be able to find out your risk level from your Offender Manager (PPU). You can also ask them about green notices as well but it does depend on how helpful and communicative they are. Maybe it varies by location, but my PPU told me that travel notifications go into a force central unit which assesses and issues Notices etc.
Each force has an international liaison unit that has read only access to the Interpol database. But the decision to issue green notices is made by the NCA.
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By CB Root - 30 Aug 26 1:23 PM
+x+x+x+xHi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers I am low risk and when i asked my PPU about green notices she said it was only to high risk countries that she would issue a green notice for. For EU countries she wouldn't ever think about a green notice. She also added that if they did issue a green notice she would tell me so I could be prepared for it. As with regards to your risk yes the police and probation do disagree on Risk Level but I believe they have to come to an agreement for MAPPA purposes . When I came off probation my probation officer advised my PPU she considered me high risk still but my PPU said she disagreed with this due to the courses I had done and the progress I had made and put me at medium risk then later down to low risk. You should be able to find out your risk level from your Offender Manager (PPU). You can also ask them about green notices as well but it does depend on how helpful and communicative they are. Maybe it varies by location, but my PPU told me that travel notifications go into a force central unit which assesses and issues Notices etc. Each force has an international liaison unit that has read only access to the Interpol database. But the decision to issue green notices is made by the NCA.
Ah, my mistake. He said "goes to a central unit" and I took that to mean within my local force... NCA makes more sense tbh !
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By AB2014 - 3 Sep 26 9:36 AM
+x+x+x+x+xHi thanks for all the comments, really helpful.
We did ask for the assessment to be reconsidered, but had nothing back so we are going on holiday in the uk instead. We have found somewhere nice that was on my wife’s list and we are good with it. On balance I was uncomfortable with the idea of standing in the queue for passport control wondering if I’d be allowed in, and the risk others have highlighted of the notice sticking around in certain places/bans from some countries.
A couple of follow ups:
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
Re finding out your assessment - people probably know but probation and police do their own assessments and don’t always agree. Also, I’ve been told that the assessment isn’t normally shared. Obviously I understand that the process isn’t shared but it seems reasonable to know what the outcome is. Even if it was an indirect ‘if I book a holiday to this place will a notice be issued?’ Has anybody found it difficult to find out what risk level the police have assessed them as?
Finally, am I right in thinking that ‘high risk’ assessments have to be reviewed at least every 16 weeks? I think I read that somewhere.
Cheers I am low risk and when i asked my PPU about green notices she said it was only to high risk countries that she would issue a green notice for. For EU countries she wouldn't ever think about a green notice. She also added that if they did issue a green notice she would tell me so I could be prepared for it. As with regards to your risk yes the police and probation do disagree on Risk Level but I believe they have to come to an agreement for MAPPA purposes . When I came off probation my probation officer advised my PPU she considered me high risk still but my PPU said she disagreed with this due to the courses I had done and the progress I had made and put me at medium risk then later down to low risk. You should be able to find out your risk level from your Offender Manager (PPU). You can also ask them about green notices as well but it does depend on how helpful and communicative they are. Maybe it varies by location, but my PPU told me that travel notifications go into a force central unit which assesses and issues Notices etc. Each force has an international liaison unit that has read only access to the Interpol database. But the decision to issue green notices is made by the NCA. Ah, my mistake. He said "goes to a central unit" and I took that to mean within my local force... NCA makes more sense tbh !
The central unit probably is at the local force's HQ, where they make the decision. If they want a notice issued, they tell the NCA who then issue the notice. Local officers aren't involved in the decision-making process other than through their reports being used as part of the decision-making process.
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By New Me - 4 Sep 26 11:12 AM
Do this mean if you’re assessed as medium risk a notice might still be issued by someone who literally doesn’t even know you?
There’s a previous post or two saying the notices don’t generally get issued once you are assessed medium. So hopefully a notice being issued in this case would not be usual. There surely is a big difference between a package holiday with the wife and travelling alone or going to a high risk destination.
I had hoped to effectively be able to say “if I book a holiday here will there be a notice?” But it sounds like I’m not going to get a definitive answer to that question ahead of time, which leaves me open to anxiety and financial risk.
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By punter99 - 4 Sep 26 11:42 AM
+xDo this mean if you’re assessed as medium risk a notice might still be issued by someone who literally doesn’t even know you? There’s a previous post or two saying the notices don’t generally get issued once you are assessed medium. So hopefully a notice being issued in this case would not be usual. There surely is a big difference between a package holiday with the wife and travelling alone or going to a high risk destination. I had hoped to effectively be able to say “if I book a holiday here will there be a notice?” But it sounds like I’m not going to get a definitive answer to that question ahead of time, which leaves me open to anxiety and financial risk.
There is a publicly available list of all the high risk countries. So you can use that as a start. If you are rated high risk as an individual, then you should probably forget about travelling until your risk is lower. Guidance does suggest that medium risk individuals are assessed on a case by case basis. But we do have quite a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that Europe is a safe bet for most people, apart from Cyprus.
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By Evan Davis - 4 Sep 26 1:01 PM
The most up-to-date 'Section 172' country list that punter99 references above can be found here: List of countries under section 172 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (accessible) (June 2026) - GOV.UK
Our understanding is that notification of travel to any country on the above list for anybody subject to notification requirements should result in an Interpol Green Notice being requested, regardless of the individual's risk level. However, anecdotally, we have heard from some individuals who have travelled to some of these countries without issue, having made the appropriate notification. Our advice however would remain that it would be very risky for anybody subject to notification requirements to travel to a Section 172 country. From our experience, if a S.172 country does receive an Interpol notification, they will generally refuse entry and you will be returned (at your own expense) to the UK.
Our understanding is also that the police are expected to issue a Green Notice for anybody they consider to pose a High/Very High Risk of Serious Harm (ROSH) when they notify travel to any country. This could result in refusal of entry in other countries too, although our experience is that refusal of entry altogether is extremely rare in most European (aside from as previously mentioned, Cyprus) countries. This specific risk level (ROSH) does not always align with what individuals might think or have been previously told, or what a Judge might say in court, by the way, which is worth bearing in mind. Almost all people subject to notification requirements will, at some stage, be assessed as posing a High risk, but most will find that risk reduces over time. If an individual has a copy of their most recent 'OASys Assessment', they will be able to find their ROSH risk levels there. ROSH scores have different categories - Risk to Children, Risk to Public, Risk to Known Adult, Risk to CJS Staff, and for people in prison, Risk to other Prisoners.
Decision-makers are instructed to consider notification on a case-by-case basis for offenders managed as Low/Medium ROSH. Again, as others have mentioned, the local officers only perform a risk assessment in relation to the travel arrangements and check the notification requirements have been complied with - they do not make the final determination about whether an Interpol Green Notice is in fact issued, although it might be fair to assume they probably make a 'recommendation'. The actual notification is done by a small team at HQ at the NCA in Manchester, who are 'Interpol Liaison Officers'.
NCB Manchester is responsible for the international exchange of intelligence to and from the UK. This includes the notification of managed offender travel and the publication of INTERPOL circulations (notices and diffusions) on behalf of UK law enforcement.
Notification of offender travel
When a subject reports international travel, a targeted notification via INTERPOL to the country/countries being visited should be completed for all very high and high risk managed offenders in advance of travel. Offender managers are to consider on a case by case basis whether notification of international travel is appropriate for offenders managed as medium or low risk with considerations such as destination country, likelihood for onward travel, and previous travel patterns.
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By AB2014 - 8 Sep 26 8:56 AM
I think the whole point of the decision being made by someone who doesn't know you is that they don't know you, so they can't be swayed either way. Your local officer might be hostile, and might even hate everyone on the SOR as a matter of principle. Any officer who thinks that you're trustworthy might well be seen as having been manipulated. You can't win, so it's probably better to have someone else look at the paperwork and make their decision without any personal knowledge of you.
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By Stersco83 - 11 Sep 26 9:23 PM
+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!)
I just said "no" on the "Esta" (Visa waiver online form), to the question about criminal history.
This was the truth, as it said something about "...arrested for a crime that led to injury or destruction of property". A funny qualifier, as a bank robbery may not even do that.
You could say it's still a lie in spirit, but then again so is criminal record expiry generally, as it is a deliberate rugsweeping of historical fact.
In fact, so is the withholding of green notices.
I sailed through like nobody's business. 48 hours after dropping off the register. On the same passport known to the PPU.
I went via Ireland, as they do the pre-clearance checks so if it all goes wrong, it goes wrong on Irish soil, and you don't get wrapped in tin foil and made to sleep in a cage with the bandidos. Another advantage is that i'm not Googlable within Europe (e.g. by border guards inside Europe), having invoked the Right to be Forgotten thingy. I also carried a blank criminal record check with me in among a heap of identity documents.
(warning: speculation ahead)
I also tend to believe that I would have successfully entered the USA a week earlier while ON the register, IF I had made it an impromptu second port of call (i.e. if all tangible planning for the USA trip had happened while already abroad). But that's a pet theory on this forum, which depends on several factors, and a bit of a digression and speculation.
I also half-believe that I would have successfully entered the USA travelling direct from UK while still medium risk on register. But the reason being the general disinterested attitude of the PPU - I just couldn't imagine them scrambling to alert anyone about me.
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By Worriedman - 12 Sep 26 10:30 AM
+x+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!) I just said "no" on the "Esta" (Visa waiver online form), to the question about criminal history. This was the truth, as it said something about " ...arrested for a crime that led to injury or destruction of property". A funny qualifier, as a bank robbery may not even do that. You could say it's still a lie in spirit, but then again so is criminal record expiry generally, as it is a deliberate rugsweeping of historical fact. In fact, so is the withholding of green notices. I sailed through like nobody's business. 48 hours after dropping off the register. On the same passport known to the PPU. I went via Ireland, as they do the pre-clearance checks so if it all goes wrong, it goes wrong on Irish soil, and you don't get wrapped in tin foil and made to sleep in a cage with the bandidos. Another advantage is that i'm not Googlable within Europe (e.g. by border guards inside Europe), having invoked the Right to be Forgotten thingy. I also carried a blank criminal record check with me in among a heap of identity documents. (warning: speculation ahead)
I also tend to believe that I would have successfully entered the USA a week earlier while ON the register, IF I had made it an impromptu second port of call (i.e. if all tangible planning for the USA trip had happened while already abroad). But that's a pet theory on this forum, which depends on several factors, and a bit of a digression and speculation. I also half-believe that I would have successfully entered the USA travelling direct from UK while still medium risk on register. But the reason being the general disinterested attitude of the PPU - I just couldn't imagine them scrambling to alert anyone about me. Do you get the right to be forgotten thing once you come off the shpo ? I'm going to try to get removed after 5 years. How did you get a clean criminal record check as doesn't this show up forever ?
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By punter99 - 12 Sep 26 10:39 AM
+x+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!) I just said "no" on the "Esta" (Visa waiver online form), to the question about criminal history. This was the truth, as it said something about " ...arrested for a crime that led to injury or destruction of property". A funny qualifier, as a bank robbery may not even do that. You could say it's still a lie in spirit, but then again so is criminal record expiry generally, as it is a deliberate rugsweeping of historical fact. In fact, so is the withholding of green notices. I sailed through like nobody's business. 48 hours after dropping off the register. On the same passport known to the PPU. I went via Ireland, as they do the pre-clearance checks so if it all goes wrong, it goes wrong on Irish soil, and you don't get wrapped in tin foil and made to sleep in a cage with the bandidos. Another advantage is that i'm not Googlable within Europe (e.g. by border guards inside Europe), having invoked the Right to be Forgotten thingy. I also carried a blank criminal record check with me in among a heap of identity documents. (warning: speculation ahead)
I also tend to believe that I would have successfully entered the USA a week earlier while ON the register, IF I had made it an impromptu second port of call (i.e. if all tangible planning for the USA trip had happened while already abroad). But that's a pet theory on this forum, which depends on several factors, and a bit of a digression and speculation. I also half-believe that I would have successfully entered the USA travelling direct from UK while still medium risk on register. But the reason being the general disinterested attitude of the PPU - I just couldn't imagine them scrambling to alert anyone about me.
It is not the PPU that make the decision to alert someone. That would be the NCA and unless you were considered high risk they had no reason to issue a green notice.
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By Stersco83 - 12 Sep 26 11:16 AM
+x+x+x+x+x
Re travelling once no longer high risk and never had a green notice issued - on that basis presumably the other country has no knowledge of the offence. Is that right, or is there more I should be thinking of?
We can very strongly presume that yes. Unless there are ad hoc / informal channels involved. Evidence: I entered the USA recently, off register, despite having been green noticed all over the place while on register. That’s really interesting. Are you able to comment on the US visa process? (I appreciate this is at least 9.5 years away for me!) I just said "no" on the "Esta" (Visa waiver online form), to the question about criminal history. This was the truth, as it said something about " ...arrested for a crime that led to injury or destruction of property". A funny qualifier, as a bank robbery may not even do that. You could say it's still a lie in spirit, but then again so is criminal record expiry generally, as it is a deliberate rugsweeping of historical fact. In fact, so is the withholding of green notices. I sailed through like nobody's business. 48 hours after dropping off the register. On the same passport known to the PPU. I went via Ireland, as they do the pre-clearance checks so if it all goes wrong, it goes wrong on Irish soil, and you don't get wrapped in tin foil and made to sleep in a cage with the bandidos. Another advantage is that i'm not Googlable within Europe (e.g. by border guards inside Europe), having invoked the Right to be Forgotten thingy. I also carried a blank criminal record check with me in among a heap of identity documents. (warning: speculation ahead)
I also tend to believe that I would have successfully entered the USA a week earlier while ON the register, IF I had made it an impromptu second port of call (i.e. if all tangible planning for the USA trip had happened while already abroad). But that's a pet theory on this forum, which depends on several factors, and a bit of a digression and speculation. I also half-believe that I would have successfully entered the USA travelling direct from UK while still medium risk on register. But the reason being the general disinterested attitude of the PPU - I just couldn't imagine them scrambling to alert anyone about me.
"Do you get the right to be forgotten thing once you come off the shpo ? I'm going to try to get removed after 5 years. How did you get a clean criminal record check as doesn't this show up forever ?"
Yes, the moment you have a clean Basic criminal record check (clean, that is, of the convictions and SHPOs resulting from the case mentioned in the media) this gives you a good standing to apply to have your negative press delisted from Google under the Right to be Forgotten (which is some sort of convention I think, which Google abides by in Europe, Bing not so much).
Being on the Register does not appear on your Basic criminal record check.
A SHPO does, but only until it is lifted.
Convictions do appear (obviously) but only if they're not "spent" (they expire after a while on your Basic certificate, like points on a driving license)
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (including now the Scottish version) ensures that a "basic" check doesn't show "spent" convictions.
So my 18 month jail sentence from 2016 is now "spent" since 2022, and my Basic Certificate shows "no arrests or convictions". So I've had a clean criminal record certificate since 2022 even while still on the register. I've never had a SHPO, but I know that it appears on your Basic criminal record, and ceases to the moment it is lifted.
Google's actual guidelines -- about whether to delist news stories about you -- probably say nothing about a SHPO -- it's American after all, and they don't assess the nuances of foreign systems. IF you tell them you still have a SHPO, that'll probably be a tiebreaker for them and they'll refuse to delist.
So the answer is yes, if your criminal conviction has become spent, and you're off the SHPO also, and consequently have a clean Basic criminal record certificate, this gives you very good default standing to ask Google to delist negative press, in searches connected with your name.
Even better news though : in most cases, Google are somewhat unlikely to even ask for evidence. You can just ping Google saying your conviction is spent and say nothing about a SHPO. If it's a plausible claim because the conviction is indeed old, they just ping you 10 hours later saying they took it down. I never sent Google a single photocopy of anything. If on the other hand you're a notorious case and the genie is out of the bottle, they won't bother to help you. So all very discretionary and ambiguous. Something has changed recently -- they used to say "no" by default and ask for evidence, e.g. a scan of documents. Now they tend to delist by default and not ask for evidence, unless there's something weird that gets their attention.
I don't know how nasty your particular case may be, but it doesn't sound too bad considering you are expecting to have a clean Basic certificate at some point?
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By New Me - 18 Aug 26 3:14 PM
Apologies in advance for the long post. This is my first post, I’ll probably do an introduction post at some point but in short, I’m about 6 months post-sentence, which took place 15 months after the knock. My offences were online communications, no images charges, and I have 10 years of SHPO and SOR. I’m looking forward to being part of a community that supports and does not judge. I’ve been reading other threads with interest but I’m still at the stage where my chest tightens and I feel slightly sick when I read what people go through.
I’m looking to gain knowledge on travelling with an Interpol notice. My amazing wife is still with me and now that I’ve finished my unpaid work we looked to go on holiday. My wife and I are retiring very soon and always planned travel to be a big part of retirement.
We booked a week together in Malta and I went to do the notification.
TUI - I’ve since seen stuff on this on other sites and can confirm that the police will tell TUI you are on the SOR, and I can confirm TUI will not let you travel. Partial refund only, appealing, but that knowledge has currently cost us £2k.
My other surprise was to be told I’m currently assessed as high risk (by probation and by police) and so an Interpol notice would be issued (presumably a green notice?). I was surprised as I was assessed medium in the PSR and I hadn’t been told any different. I’ve since been told it’s quite usual to begin with while they get to know you. I’ve changed probation officers through no fault of my own meaning I’m behind where I would otherwise be on the RA work. But I’ve done everything I can to engage with all concerned and do what needs to be done and show I will never be so stupid again. I’ve already finished my unpaid work.
I’m most keen to hear from others about the risk of travelling with a notice having been issued.
My understanding from my mosavo officer is that the notice is issued to Interpol, they may or may not share it with the destination country, and if shared obviously that country has discretion over whether I’m allowed in. He also says that 9 times out of 10 the person is allowed in. His point was that a family holiday in Europe is very different to travelling alone, or travelling to a high risk country.
I’m really torn now between travelling next month on the basis that it ‘should’ be ok, and leaving it a few months in the hope that my risk assessment is reduced to medium soon. I understand that in that event there’s no automatic Interpol notice, although they’d still assess every travel plan.
I’m due to be reassessed by probation soon, but not in time for our intended travel date, and I’m expecting to be moved back to medium. I don’t think I have a right to seek a review by the police ahead of schedule, although I know I can ask and see if they oblige.
If I travel now a notice will be issued and I have no real confidence on whether I will be allowed in (plus the stress of queuing at passport control). I don’t know can the notice be removed if and when I am downgraded, and is that a reliable process. I also don’t know if the notice is shared with the destination country or all countries.
It also seems that the coming ETIAS system is another reason not to want an Interpol notice to have been issued.
I have seen some posts about travel under a notice but would really like to hear how people have found this, and also the ease and effectiveness of getting the notice removed once risk is no longer assessed as high.
If I don’t travel now it is really hard on my wife who was obviously upset when we had to cancel the TUI booking. Also I guess no guarantee of if and when the Interpol notice can be avoided.
My wife has been amazing and all I want is for her to have the retirement she deserves. We’ve spent most of our lives saving and planning and I’ve put it all at risk.
Thanks for reading
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