Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry Issues Guidelines on EES and ETIAS Obligations for Carriers

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus has released a guideline to inform carriers about their obligations under the European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems aim to regulate entry and exit data of travellers and the registration of visa-exempt travellers from third countries and are set to be fully implemented in the upcoming months.

Carriers can face fines if they transport travellers without the required EES or ETIAS documentation. The EES is an automatic system that will register entry and exit data of travelers from third countries in Schengen States and will replace passport stamping from Autumn 2024. Carriers must verify the validity of visas before departure to avoid passenger refusal at border controls.

ETIAS is an IT system for registering travellers from third countries with visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen Area. This system will launch in the first half of 2025, requiring carriers to verify that travellers have valid ETIAS authorisations before departure. Verification can be done through an electronic interface provided by the EU, and travellers need to obtain ETIAS authorisation within 48 hours of departure.

Carriers must register with the EU agency to use the verification system. Transporting travellers without EES or ETIAS documentation can lead to penalties.

Certain travellers are exempt from presenting EES documentation, including nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland; long-stay visa holders; EU resident permit holders; family members of EU citizens holding a residence card; family members of third-country nationals with the same rights as EU citizens holding an EU residence card or permit; and nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City State.

Exemptions from ETIAS documentation include nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland; refugees, stateless persons, or those not holding the nationality of their country of residence; nationals of visa-required countries needing a visa to travel to European countries requiring ETIAS; UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement; nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican City State; and EU residence permit or residence card holders.

By fLEXI tEAM