If you’re travelling to another country, you may be asked by your airline to provide your passenger information beforehand. This is a separate requirement to getting a travel authority or a visa. In most cases you can provide your details online. Find out what you need to do before travelling.
Advance Passenger Information
For security reasons, the US, EU member states, and other countries now require airlines to provide details about their passengers before they travel. This is known as Advance Passenger Information (API).
Your airline will let you know what they need from you. Usually, they will ask you to provide your name, date of birth and passport details when you book your flight or check in.
Contact your airline if you have any questions about API requirements.
Your information will be taken either at the time of booking or by an automated passport reader during check-in. In most cases, you may not be allowed to travel if you do not provide your API in the time required.
Providing your API should not be confused with applying for a visa. You will still need to follow the entry rules for every country you visit, as well as any customs and passport control regulations.
Travelling to the US and registering with ESTA
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), anyone travelling to the US on a British or Irish passport needs to register their details online with the US government, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This is separate from providing API to your airline.
You can find out more about the US Visa Waiver Program at these links:
- Foreign travel advice - USA
- Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements
- US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
If travelling on an Irish passport, you can find information about visas on theUS Embassy in Ireland website.
Who to contact about travelling to the US
If you have any questions, you are strongly advised to contact the US Embassy in Londonor the US Embassy in Ireland before your travel.
Travelling to other countries (apart from the US)
If you are unsure about what you need to do before travelling, you can:
- check with the country’s consulate or embassy
- check the travel advice for that country
- contact your airline before you travel – ideally at the time of booking
More useful links
- Air travel and disability
- Air travel
- Belfast International Airport
- George Best Belfast City Airport
- City of Derry Airport
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