An Interpol Red Notice is a request that Interpol circulates to its 196 member countries to locate and provisionally arrest a person at the request of a state. It is not an international arrest warrant and obliges no country to arrest: each state decides under its own law, and what usually follows is an extradition procedure in Spain. Interpol issues more than 6,500 new red notices a year (source: Interpol).

Definition and legal basis of the red notice

A red notice is published by the Interpol General Secretariat at a country’s request and includes identity data and the criminal basis of the case. Its limit lies in Article 3 of Interpol’s Constitution, which forbids action of a political, military, religious or racial character. In practice, Article 3 is the main lever of defence: if the request masks political persecution, it should be deleted.

A Red Notice is not an arrest warrant: the key difference

This is the most frequent and costly confusion. An arrest warrant is issued by a judge and is binding; a red notice only alerts police that someone is wanted. When a country locates the person, it usually makes a provisional arrest of limited duration while the requesting state formalises surrender through the extradition procedure in Spain.

Red notice and diffusion: not the same thing

Many arrests stem not from a red notice but from a diffusion: an alert a country sends directly to others without the General Secretariat’s prior filter. A diffusion has less initial control, so it is often more vulnerable to challenge for lack of basis or for political motives.

Types of Interpol notices

Interpol uses a colour-coded system with different purposes:

• Red: locate and arrest with a view to extradition.
• Blue: gather information about a person or location.
• Yellow: find missing persons.
• Green: warn about someone likely to offend.
• Orange: warn of an imminent threat.
• Black: information on unidentified bodies.

Practical consequences: travel, banking and reputation

A red notice can lead to your arrest at any border, the freezing of bank accounts by institutions that screen international lists, and the refusal of visas or residence permits. A common mistake is to assume that staying in a country with no extradition treaty with Spain is enough: the alert stays active worldwide and arrest follows as soon as you travel to a third country.

How to know if you have a Red Notice and how to challenge it

Most red notices are not public, so not appearing on Interpol’s website does not mean you are clear. To confirm and, where appropriate, delete it, you file a request before the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), which reviews compliance with the Constitution and can order its deletion. This is the core of the defence and should be prepared with the case file before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an Interpol Red Notice last?

It stays active while the requesting country maintains it; Interpol reviews them periodically and usually sets a five-year, renewable validity. It does not lapse on its own: deletion must be requested if it is improper.

Can I find out whether I have an active Red Notice?

Most are not public, so not appearing on Interpol’s website guarantees nothing. The reliable route is to request the information from the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF).

Can I travel if I have a red notice?

Travelling is risky: the alert can lead to arrest at any border crossing. It is best to check your situation before moving internationally.

Can a red notice be deleted?

Yes. If it breaches Interpol’s constitution, for example through political motivation, the CCF can order its deletion.

If you think a red notice may exist against you, review your situation with an international criminal lawyer before travelling.