eu-LISA's mission is "continuously supporting Member States effort through technology for a safer Europe." 1
As such, eu-LISA is implementing two new programs - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a "…pre-travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers." 2
Starting in 2023, travelers from 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have a travel authorization to enter European countries for a short stay. The purpose of ETIAS is to verify if "…a third-country national meets entry requirement before traveling to the Schengen area." 2
The second program is the Entry/Exit System (EES), which electronically collects traveler's information, including the time and place of entry and exit of the Schengen area. It will replace the entry and exit border authority stamping of the passport. The purpose of the EES system is "…improving the management of the external borders, and in particular, to verify compliance with the provisions on the authorized period of stay…" 3 in the Schengen area.
“According to EU regulations 2021/12174 and 2021/12245, carriers will have the legal obligation to query EES and ETIAS to receive answers regarding the status of travelers.” 6
Per Article 2.14 Schengen Borders Code 7, “A ‘Carrier’ is any natural or legal person whose profession it is to provide transport of persons.” 8
However, only the following categories of carriers fall into the scope of the EES and ETIAS Regulations:
Below are the following categories of carriers whom EES and ETIAS do not bind:
The purpose of eu-LISA's ETIAS Visa Waiver program, according to the ETIAS website, is to prescreen visitors who are exempt from a visa requirement to Schengen area countries and identify potential risks and security concerns. 9 The ETIAS website states that all current visa-exempt visitors for Europe will be required to complete the visa waiver application prior to travel, and, once approved, the visitor's waiver is valid for up to three years, allowing multiple visits lasting no longer than 90 days within a 180 day period. 10
Air Carrier Obligations8:
Date of Implementation
The Council of the EU has decided ETIAS will enter operations in May 2023. 8
Travelers who fall within the scope of ETIAS 8:
According to the eu-LISA website, the purpose of eu-LISA's Entry / Exit Program (EES) is to electronically capture the entry and exit of visitors who require single or double-entry visas for the prevention of irregular immigration and the management of migration flows. This program will allow the agency to identify any person who no longer fulfills the requirements of an authorized stay as well as reinforce security and fight against terrorism and serious crimes 13.
Air carrier Obligations 8:
Date of Implementation
Travelers who fall within the scope of EES 8:
NEXT STEPS FOR AIRCRAFT OPERATORS
This new program is still a fluid situation, and all parties involved are still trying to understand the complete requirements.
Therefore, Aircraft operators should take the following steps:
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