An expert guide from specialist extradition solicitors covering which European nations can extradite to and from the UK, how the process works after Brexit, and what to do if you are wanted abroad.
The UK maintains extradition agreements with all European Union member states and numerous non-EU European countries, including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Serbia, and Ukraine. If a European authority is seeking a person living in the UK, that person may face extradition proceedings before a UK court. Equally, if UK authorities are seeking someone who is living elsewhere in Europe, the UK can request that country's authorities to arrest and extradite them. However, extradition is subject to strict legal safeguards and judicial scrutiny.
Many people mistakenly believe that Brexit ended extradition arrangements between the United Kingdom and Europe. In reality, extradition continues to operate between the UK and most European countries through a combination of international treaties, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the Extradition Act 2003.
As international travel has become easier, criminal investigations increasingly cross national borders. A person accused of fraud in Germany may move to London. A suspect wanted by UK police may relocate to Spain. A convicted offender may leave France before serving a sentence.
When this happens, extradition law becomes critically important. Understanding which countries can request extradition and how the process works can help individuals understand their rights and the potential consequences of an international criminal investigation.
The UK has formal extradition arrangements with all European Union member states and a number of non-EU European countries. These arrangements allow authorities to seek the return of individuals for criminal prosecution or the enforcement of criminal sentences.
The UK maintains extradition arrangements with all 27 EU member states:
The UK also has extradition arrangements with several non-EU European nations — including Albania, for which we have a dedicated guide explaining how extradition works in both directions:
For a full understanding of the extradition process, read our comprehensive guide on criminal extradition in the UK.
If a European country believes a person in the UK has committed an extraditable offence, it can submit an extradition request through the appropriate legal channels. The individual may then be arrested and brought before a UK court to determine whether extradition should take place.
The process generally involves:
If you have been arrested under a European extradition request, contact our police station solicitors immediately for urgent advice.
If UK authorities are seeking a suspect or convicted offender who is living in another European country, the UK can submit an extradition request to that country and ask local authorities to arrest the individual.
Depending on the country involved:
If extradition is approved, the person will be returned to the UK to face proceedings or serve their sentence.
No. Extradition is generally reserved for more serious offences. The offence must usually satisfy minimum seriousness thresholds and comply with the principle of dual criminality.
| Offence Type | Commonly Extraditable |
|---|---|
| Murder | Yes |
| Serious Fraud | Yes |
| Drug Trafficking | Yes |
| Money Laundering | Yes |
| Sexual Offences | Yes |
| Terrorism Offences | Yes |
| Minor Regulatory Offences | Usually No |
The seriousness of the offence remains an important consideration in every case.
Dual criminality means the alleged conduct must be criminal in both the requesting country and the requested country. If the conduct would not amount to a criminal offence in the requested country, extradition may be refused.
For example:
Dual criminality protects individuals from being extradited for behaviour that is lawful where they are located. For detailed advice, speak to our criminal defence solicitors.
Yes. Some European countries have constitutional protections that limit or prohibit the extradition of their own nationals to foreign countries.
Countries known for nationality restrictions include:
In some cases, these countries may choose to prosecute their own citizens domestically instead of extraditing them. This can significantly affect how a case proceeds.
Yes. UK courts have a duty to refuse extradition where legal barriers apply. Extradition is never automatic simply because another country requests it.
Our Crown Court advocates regularly raise these arguments in extradition appeals.
An Interpol Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition proceedings. It is not itself an arrest warrant, but it can lead to arrest in many countries.
Individuals often first discover they are wanted internationally after:
Early legal advice is essential if a Red Notice exists. Contact our magistrates' court defence team if you have been arrested following a Red Notice.
If you believe a European authority is investigating you, seeking your arrest, or pursuing extradition, you should seek specialist legal advice immediately.
A solicitor may be able to:
Waiting until an arrest occurs often reduces available options. For comprehensive advice on the full extradition process, read our guide on criminal extradition in the UK.
Extradition Act 2003
The full text of the Extradition Act 2003 on legislation.gov.uk, governing all UK extradition proceedings.
GOV.UK: Extradition Processes and Review
Official government publication outlining the framework for UK extradition processes and review mechanisms.
Interpol
Official Interpol website with information on Red Notices, international wanted persons, and cross-border police cooperation.
The UK maintains extensive extradition arrangements with both EU and non-EU European countries. As a result, moving between European countries does not prevent criminal investigations, prosecutions, or prison sentences from being enforced.
If another European country is seeking someone who lives in the UK, that individual may face extradition proceedings before UK courts. Equally, if UK police are looking for a person who has moved elsewhere in Europe, the UK can request their arrest and return.
Because extradition law is highly specialised and the consequences can be severe, obtaining expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Our specialist extradition solicitors provide expert representation in extradition proceedings, international criminal investigations, and cross-border criminal matters throughout England and Wales.
For further reading, explore our legal insights hub for more guides on criminal defence, police powers, and court procedures.
If you believe a European authority is seeking your arrest, you have been arrested under an extradition request, or you are concerned about an international warrant or Interpol Red Notice, contact our specialist extradition solicitors today. We provide expert representation in extradition proceedings, international criminal investigations, and cross-border criminal matters throughout England and Wales.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent extradition matters