April 6, 2026
Starting April 10, the European Union (EU) will implement the Carrier Interface, a new, mandatory application for checking traveler entry eligibility.
Operators should be in the final stages of technical and operational preparation, while the eu-LISA Carrier Working Group (CWG) and European Commission continue working through remaining technical and implementation issues. Those with potential EU Schengen operations should ensure they are registered and able to interact with eu-LISA systems before it goes live.
The EU’s border modernization is rolling out in phases. First comes entry/exit system (EES) modernization, then Carrier Interface queries and later ETIAS, the electronic travel authorization requirement for visa-exempt travelers.
- EES implementation continues to advance across EU member states
- COBST (carrier onboarding and support tool) is live and now serves as the main support and communication channel for carriers
- Voluntary use of the Carrier Interface is already underway
- Web portal and mobile app access are both live
“Rather than focusing on whether a particular flight may be exempt, operators are better served by building capability early,” said Adam Hartley, CEO of Hartley Business Aviation Consulting. “Registration and technical readiness provide flexibility, transparency, and fewer surprises when operating into Europe.”
Registering as a carrier does not mean submitting data for every flight. It means having the option when needed, whether driven by operational circumstances or passenger expectations.
What EES and ETIAS Change
EES will replace manual passport stamping with digital tracking of entry, exit and overstay status for third-country nationals traveling on short-stay visas. It does not create new visa requirements or change existing visa exemptions.
ETIAS, expected later in 2026, will apply to visa-exempt travelers and function much like the U.S. ESTA program. Travelers will be responsible for obtaining authorization, but once enforcement begins, operators will be responsible for verifying it before boarding.
As implementation continues, operators should:
- Establish access to COBST, now the primary support channel for carrier interaction with eu-LISA
- Complete carrier registration early, since registration requires document validation and designated points of contact
- Finalize a connection strategy – whether system-to-system integration, web portal, mobile app, or a combination for redundancy
- Assign clear internal ownership of the carrier account, even when third-party providers are involved
- Continue participating in CWG meetings and related industry updates
“From an industry perspective, readiness and understanding of these systems are key,” said Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations. “Operators that take steps now will be better positioned as the official go-live of these systems approaches.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.