In This Section
Introduction
This page explains what Advance Passenger Information data is and what is used for.
Please read below for further information.
What is API data?
Advance Passenger Information (API) refers to information contained in the machine-readable zone of the passenger’s passport such as:
API data also includes flight information such as:
What is the legal basis for collecting API data?
The legal basis for the collection of API data is the European Communities (Communication of Passenger Data) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 597 of 2011). These Regulations transpose Directive 2004/82/EC on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data, into Irish law.
These Regulations require air carriers to transmit API data to the Irish Immigration Service for all inbound flights to Ireland from outside the European Union.
What is API data used for?
API data is used by the Border Management Unit of the Irish Immigration Service for border management and immigration control purposes, and to identify persons of concern in advance of travel.
How long is API data retained for?
API data collected under these Regulations is deleted within 24 hours of the arrival of the flight. However, API data relating to a person of concern may be retained for longer if required for the purposes of border management and immigration controls. In such circumstances, the API data may be retained for a period of up to 3 years.