Chambers can issue Carnets for a country before its official eATA go-live date, provided that:

• the Carnet's issuing date is 1 June 2026 or later; and
• the destination country is included in Box P.

Only Carnets issued on or after 1 June 2026 can be processed digitally. Carnets issued before this date cannot be processed digitally.

Example: Although the UAE goes live with eATA on 9 November 2026, eligible Carnets can already be issued for the UAE before that date. However, the UAE cannot process them digitally until its go-live.

Can holders prepare a trip before the country goes live?

Yes. Holders can prepare their trip in advance.

Until the country becomes digitally active, the system indicates “The destination is a paper destination” and the QR code cannot yet be used for that destination.

There is no need to prepare the trip again after go-live. Once the destination becomes active, the QR code becomes available. If the page was kept open during the prepare travel, the holder may need to refresh the page or reopen the QR code.

When does a new eATA destination become digitally active?

A new eATA destination becomes digitally active at 00:00 UTC on its official go-live date.

From that time:

• the destination can be processed digitally;
• the paper-destination message is removed; and
• holders can see and use the QR codes.

Example: The UAE goes live on 9 November 2026 at 00:00 UTC, corresponding to 04:00 UAE local time.

Is the eATA go-live based on the country's local time?

No. A new eATA destination becomes digitally active at 00:00 UTC on its official go-live date.