Brussels: The European Union (EU) will introduce the mandatory Carrier Interface application starting April 10 to verify travellers' eligibility to enter Schengen countries. Operators are in the final stages of technical and operational preparation, while the eu-LISA Carrier Working Group (CWG) and the European Commission are addressing remaining technical and implementation issues. Those involved in potential EU Schengen operations are advised to ensure registration and readiness to interact with eu-LISA systems before the system goes live.
According to Emirates News Agency, the EU's border modernisation will occur in phases. The first phase involves the modernisation of the entry/exit system (EES), followed by Carrier Interface queries and later the introduction of ETIAS, the electronic travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travellers. The EES will replace the manual process of passport stamping with digital tracking of entry, exit, and overstay status for third-country nationals travelling on short-stay visas. This system will not introduce new visa requirements or alter existing visa exemptions.
ETIAS, expected to be implemented later in 2026, will apply to visa-exempt travellers and function similarly to the US ESTA programme. Travellers will need to obtain authorisation independently, but once enforcement begins, operators will be required to verify this authorisation before boarding.
A support and onboarding tool for carriers, known as COBST, has also been launched. It will serve as the main communication channel between operators and eu-LISA, alongside the voluntary use of the Carrier Interface via a web portal and mobile applications.