What is API?
API is basic information that enables customs and immigration authorities to prescreen arriving passengers. Receiving and processing this information is at the heart of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), created by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and shared among participating nations to enhance border control and security.
What Information Must Be Provided?
Information found within passports normally suffices for Ireland and UK API requirements. For each passenger you must provide:
- Full name as it appears on the passport
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport country of issue
- Passport expiration date
- Country of residency
When Must API Be Provided?
API must be received by the UK Border Force or Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service no later than 60 minutes prior to departure from the outbound country.
How is API Submitted?
Information can be submitted via the eAPIS online transmission system.
It provides an online printable transmission confirmation number and email receipt with system processing information.
Notwithstanding the Above, is API Mandatory?
Though provision of the information is voluntary, if this information is not provided in advance, you won’t be permitted into either Ireland or the UK. Ireland requires API data for all inbound flights to Ireland originating from outside the European Union.
Important Exit Information
As of April 2015 any traveler leaving the UK must undergo an Exit Check, and information similar to the inbound API information must be provided for each passenger.
Ground Travel in the Common Travel Area
Are you planning to visit the Common Travel Area? In 2016, Ireland agreed to provide UK authorities with API data, allowing the two countries to share information about travelers entering this area, an open border region that includes portions of Ireland, the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. This should have no impact on your ground travels, but contact your Jetex representative for questions about this or any other issue.
Get in touch with us today.
Jetex Dubai
+971 4 2124000
info@jetex.com
Jetex Miami
+1 305 306 4000
itp@jetex.com
Alternatively, read more about other permits and permissions required when flying to the EU.
