Advance Passenger Information (API) involves the capture of a passenger's biographic data and other flight details by the carrier prior to departure and the transmission of the details by electronic means to the Border Control Agencies in the destination country.

Advance Passenger Information (API or e-Borders) is a digital security protocol where airlines collect your passport data and travel details before you even arrive at the airport. In 2026, when you check in online or through an app, this data (full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number) is instantly transmitted to the border security agencies of your destination country. These agencies run the information against "watchlists" and "no-fly" databases in real-time. This process allows authorities to perform risk assessments before the plane takes off, streamlining the physical immigration process once you land. If there is a discrepancy or a security flag, the airline may be instructed to deny boarding or flag the passenger for secondary screening. For the traveler, the system is mostly invisible; it simply requires you to ensure that the data you type into the airline's app perfectly matches the "Machine Readable Zone" (the two lines of text at the bottom) of your physical passport.