Cyprus Unveils New Obligations for Carriers Under EES and ETIAS

The upcoming European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) are set to transform travel to the Schengen Area.

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus has issued guidelines to inform carriers about their responsibilities under the EES and ETIAS. These systems aim to regulate entry and exit data and register visa-exempt travellers from third countries.

Carriers must verify that travellers have the required EES or ETIAS documentation before departure. This includes checking visa validity and ETIAS authorisations through an electronic interface provided by the European Union (EU).

Carriers transporting travellers without the required documentation may face fines. It is crucial for carriers to ensure compliance to avoid these penalties.

Who Is Exempt from EES and ETIAS?

Certain travellers are exempt from the EES and ETIAS requirements. According to the official ETIAS website, these exemptions include:

EES Exemptions:

Nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland
Holders of long-stay visas
EU resident permit holders
Family members of an EU citizen with a residence card
Family members of a third-country national with the same rights as an EU citizen and holding an EU residence card or permit
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City State

ETIAS Exemptions:

Nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland
Refugees, stateless persons, or individuals without the nationality of their resident country
Nationals of visa-required countries who need a visa to travel to any European country requiring ETIAS
UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement
Nationals of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Holy See (Vatican City State)
EU residence permit or residence card holders

While the new requirements may initially present a learning curve, carriers will ultimately benefit from the streamlined processes. Automated checks can reduce boarding times and improve operational efficiency. The increased security will also help in mitigating risks associated with illegal immigration and security threats, potentially reducing liabilities for carriers.

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