with Registration Management for FPI Clients

After multiple delays that have pushed implementation several years beyond the initial target, the Entry/Exit System (EES) for the Schengen Area is expected to finally enter service later this year. 

In order to better serve our clients, Flight Pro International (FPI) has developed and received certification for a system-to-system connection between the EES system and Flight Pro Connect (“FPC”, FlightProConnect.com), FPI’s industry-leading and fully mobile-ready, custom trip management software.

This certified connection between FPC and EES will allow FPI-supported trips to Europe to query the EES system and check the status of each passenger.

EES is the first of several system changes being introduced by the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA). 

EES will electronically record the entry and exit of third country nationals (i.e. persons that are not nationals of one of the Schengen Member States) in and out of the Schengen Area, eliminating the stamping of passports. The exact implementation date for EES has not been set (pending a formal announcement late June or early July), although October 2024 is the anticipated month.

The second system is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is expected to be introduced roughly six months after EES. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system, similar to ESTA for visa waiver travelers to the U.S. All visa-free third country nationals will need to apply online for a travel authorization prior to visiting the Schengen Area. When ETIAS is implemented, queries can be made to check passenger status using the same connection as for EES. Future system changes will allow checks of other types of visas and entry documents.

It is important to note that using these systems requires aircraft operators to register with eu-LISA. There is no cost to register. As part of the registration process, the aircraft operator must identify what method they will use to connect with eu-LISA.

For clients intending to use FPI’s services for eu-LISA-impacted trips, FPI can help with the full registration process, as well as with updating existing registrations into FPI’s FPC software system. Once the eu-LISA connections are up and running, FPI will be able to query manifests for any registered operator. 

For more information on supporting documents FPI will need to assist with registrations, please see this link: “eu-LISA Carrier Registration”

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for more details, and do not hesitate to contact FPI’s Regulatory and Compliance team with any specific questions regarding how these programs might affect your trips within the region.

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To learn more about FPI regarding Compliance, Operations, Regulatory, Weather, and other Special Services Network (SSN) teams, please contact [email protected] at Flight Pro International.

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