What is the Advance Passenger Information System? FAQ

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Question: What is the Advance Passenger Information System?

Answer:

Many countries, including the USA and now Spain, require airlines flying to these countries to collect and supply Advance Passenger Information System data (API or APIS).

For travellers to Spain

The Spanish Government have introduced new requirements meaning that air carriers have to provide certain personal information about all travellers on their aircraft to the Spanish authorities before the aircraft leaves the UK.  This information is sometimes known as 'advance passenger information' ('API' or 'APIS' data) and will will be formally implemented on 19th June 2007.

Passengers travelling to Spain or the surrounding Spanish goverened islands are advised to read the following information courtesy of the Department for Transport.

What information will be sent?

They will need the information contained on the photograph page of your passport - such as:

  » Full given names and surname (your passport and booking must match)
  » Nationality
  » Travel document number e.g passport
  » Document expiry date
  » Document issuing country
  » Gender
  » Date of birth

What will this information be used for?

The Spanish authorities will use the information for law enforcement purposes.

How will the data be collected?

The data will be collected either at the airport, when you check in, or in advance, usually when you make your booking. It will help to speed up the check in process if you provide your data before you arrive at the airport.

What if I have already made a booking?

Some carriers have made arrangements to collect your data in advance via a special web site.  Please check with your carrier for full details.  We strongly recommend you provide your API data on-line before you arrive at the airport, wherever possible. This will help to speed the check in process for you and other passengers.

Can I expect disruption at airports?

There may be some disruption at airports.  If you are travelling to Spain, from the 19 June 2007, you are advised to allow extra time to check in for your flight.

I am not a UK passport holder.  Does this apply to me?

Yes.  This will apply to all passengers leaving the UK and travelling to Spain, regardless of nationality.

I recently traveled from continental Europe to Spain and was not asked for this information.  Why was that?

The requirement to provide API data does not apply to flights departing from countries within the Schengen free travel area. The countries within the Schengen free travel area are: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.

What if I don't want to provide this information?  Will I be allowed to travel?

Your air carrier is legally required to provide this information to the Spanish authorities. If you refuse to give this information the airline may refuse to allow you to travel. For further queries please visit the Department for Transport website.