Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, will play a
central role in implementing the regulation governing the European
Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which came into
force on 9 October.
ETIAS is a system for granting
authorisation to travellers who do not need a visa to visit the Schengen
area. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency will set up and manage
the ETIAS Central Unit, which will provide operational support, as well
as reinforcing and coordinating border control activities in Member
States.
“ETIAS takes the concept of smart, integrated border management to a new level. Our new responsibility for the ETIAS Central Unit highlights the fact that beyond border checks, Frontex will be at the heart of a wider process to ensure internal security in the EU, in close cooperation with Europol and Member States,” said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.
ETIAS will provide Member States with much-needed information about travellers exempt from visa requirements arriving at the external borders, enhancing security screening and improving risk assessment prior to travel.
In running the ETIAS Central Unit, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency will have a number of responsibilities, including ensuring that the stored information is correct and up to date. Where necessary, the Agency will verify the travel authorisation applications in cases of a match against one of the databases checked during the automated process. It will also run a helpdesk for travellers with questions about the ETIAS application.
For more information, see:
Frontex background briefing
European Commission press release
European Commission memo
European Parliament press release
European Parliament briefing
