Starting Friday… activating the new entry and exit system in the European Union

The European Union will begin a new phase of security digitization, starting on Friday, April 10, by activating a new mandatory application called the Carriers Interface, which is a system dedicated to pre-verifying the eligibility of travelers to enter the Schengen Area countries.

The step is part of an integrated system to restructure entry and exit procedures and strengthen border control, as airlines and air transport operators must complete their final technical and operational preparations, in parallel with the European Commission and the U-Lisa agency continuing to address the remaining technical aspects and ensuring full implementation readiness.

This development comes within a phased plan that includes first updating the entry and exit system known as “EES”, then activating carrier interface inquiries, leading to the implementation of the electronic travel authorization system “ETIAS” during the year 2026, which will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain prior permission to travel, similar to the system in force in the United States.

The entry and exit system will replace manual passport stamping by adopting a digital system to track entry and exit data and excess periods of stay for third-country nationals on short-stay visas, without imposing new visa requirements or amending existing exemptions.

The Carrier Configuration and Support Tool known as “COBST” was also launched, which became the main channel of communication and support between operators and U-Lisa, in parallel with the start of voluntary use of the carrier interface and making it accessible via an electronic portal and smartphone applications.