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From 4th October, 2005, all UK airlines will need to supply the
US Customs and Border Protection Agency with Advanced Passenger Information
(API) before flights depart.
After the events of September 11, 2001, security, especially on
airlines and at immigration increased significantly. Airlines already
had to supply the US authorities with a limited amount of data
(from machine-readable passports) on their passengers before take-off.
But due to additional US regulatory and legislative requirements,
airlines will now have to provide even more information.
What you need to supply
- Full name (last name, first name, middle name
if applicable)*
- Date of birth*
- Gender*
- Country of residence*
- Travel document type (normally passport and
alien/permanent resident card if applicable)*
- Document number*
- Document country of issue*
- Document expiry date*
- Citizenship
- Address where you’ll be staying in the
US
- If you are in transit, your final destination.
*The details marked with an asterisk can be taken from your machine-readable
passport.
The details that you need to supply must match the information
that you provide on the Visa Waiver form onboard.
It will save time if you supply your airline with the information
required in advance, before you arrive at the airport. Please contact
your airline for more details.
What happens to the information you supply
The airline will hold the information you supply in their system,
and shortly after the flight has departed, will transmit the information
to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency.
The API data is checked against the combined federal law enforcement
database, known as the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS).
Names are also checked against the FBI National Crime Information
Center wanted persons database.
It will not be used for any other purpose.
What happens if you don't supply the API
If you refuse to supply the API, you will be refused entry into
the US, and therefore will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
If you don't know the address where you're staying
The US authorities require an address or an indication of where
you are staying:
If your accommodation will be allocated on arrival
Please provide the name and address of your agent in the US.
If you are taking a fly-drive holiday
You should provide the name and location of the car hire company and your first
intended stopping point.
If you are transferring to a cruise ship
You should provide the name of the vessel and your port of embarkation.
If you are backpacking
You should provide an indication of where you will spend your first night.
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