After multiple delays, the EU has finally provided a new general timeline for implementation of two upcoming requirements managed by eu-LISA. 

The first phase, the Entry-Exit System (EES), is planned to enter into operation in Q3 or Q4 of 2024. In this phase, passport stamps will be eliminated, and entry and exit will be tracked electronically. Also, single and double entry visas must be validated electronically by the aircraft operator prior to arrival by submitting a manifest to the system (similar to APIS). For visa-exempt travelers (which includes U.S. and Canadian travelers), this phase will have minimal impact.

The second phase is the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). In this phase, visa-exempt travelers will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization online prior to travel to the EU. The aircraft operator must validate that all visa-exempt travelers have a valid ETIAS travel authorization by using the same manifest submission established for EES. ETIAS is expected to be implemented in Q1 or Q2 of 2025.

FPI first shared information about these systems and requirements ahead of the original implementation date in this article: New European Requirements To Impact Travelers and Aircraft Operators (flightprointernational.com)

You can also get more detailed information about ETIAS in this Info Pack provided by FRONTEX, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency:

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To learn more about FPI’s Compliance, Operations, Regulatory, and other Special Services Network (SSN) teams within FPI, please contact our Operations staff here at Flight Pro International.

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