Europe is modernizing their entry and exit processes. The change will affect travelers and aircraft operators of all types, including business aviation.

Over the next twelve months, two new systems will be implemented that will change how passengers are processed and how carriers of all types validate their passengers ’eligibility to enter the Schengen area, which comprises most of the EU plus Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (e u LISA) is responsible for these systems:

– Entry/Exit System (EES)

– European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

ESS will electronically record the entry and exit of third country nationals in and out of the Schengen area. This will replace the manual stamping of passports. Carriers, including business aviation operators, will need to electronically verify if their passengers with short stay (single or double entry) visas have entries remaining or if they have already used the number of entries authorized by their visa. This electronic verification must be within the 48 hours prior to departure for the Schengen area The system was originally planned to be operational in September of 2022 but implementation has been delayed until at least November of 2022.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system, similar to the ESTA system in the U.S. All visa exempt third country nationals planning to travel to the Schengen area will need to apply for a travel authorization from the Schengen Member State of intended destination prior to their travel. While it is not yet in effect, this is expected to be an online application and approval process. Carriers, including business aviation operators, will need to electronically verify that their visa exempt passengers have a valid ETIAS travel authorization within 48 hours prior to departure for the Schengen area. The system is planned to be operational in May of 2023.

In order to meet their obligations to use these systems, aircraft operators will need to register with eu-
LISA. Registered operators will submit their passenger manifests once the systems are up and running.
Flight Pro International can help with both registration and manifest submission. To learn more, please
contact Regulatory@flightprointl.com