Advance passenger information (API)
Everything you need to know about Advance Passenger Information (API) when travelling to/from London.
Please provide your information before you travel
We’re now required by the UK government to collect Advance Passenger Information (API) for you and anyone else on your booking before you travel to/from the UK.
You won’t be able to get your tickets until you’ve completed this information.
What is Advance Passenger Information (API)?
Advance Passenger Information (API) is required by the UK government for people leaving or entering the UK, as part of their border control measures.
You and everyone on your booking must provide the following information as it appears on your travel document (in most cases, your passport):
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Travel document type
- Travel document number
- Travel document country of issue
- Travel document expiry date
Important: national ID cards can only be used in a limited number of cases. If in doubt, please use your passport or check if you’re eligible to use your national ID card before completing your API.
Who needs to provide their API?
Everyone who has booked a Eurostar ticket to or from London. API is not needed for children under 4 who travel without a ticket on an adult’s lap. But if you have booked a ticket for a child under 4, you will need to complete their API too.
How do I provide my API?
You need to go to Manage your booking to provide your API. Enter your booking reference and last name to access your travel details, then follow the instructions.
When do I need to provide my API?
You need to provide your API as soon as possible before departure. You won’t be able to collect your tickets until you do.
Do I still need to bring my passport and/or travel documents when travelling?
Yes, you do. Your passport (or other valid travel document) will be checked by border staff at the station before departure. Please get to the station at the recommended arrival time to ensure you have enough time for ticket, security and border checks.
Important: UK border rules are changing. You may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if you don’t currently need a visa to enter the UK. Make sure you have everything you need well ahead of your journey. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed to travel. Find out more.
Frequently asked questions
If you’ve provided incorrect information or changed your passport, you can resubmit your API before departure. You won’t be able to update the existing form as details are encrypted as soon as they are submitted. But you will be able to complete a new form which will replace the old one.
You don’t have to submit API for everyone on your booking all at once. You can complete your API and provide other passengers’ details later. Alternatively, the other passengers on your booking can go to Manage your booking and complete their own API. Just remember to do it early enough to get your tickets before departure.
No, you don’t. You just need to provide API once for each passenger on your booking. You’ll then receive your outbound and return tickets.
Yes, API needs to be provided for every booking.
If Manage your booking or the API form are temporarily unavailable, please wait for a little while and try again. Technical issues are rare and usually resolved quickly.
If technical issues persist and your journey is imminent, please contact us for help.
Your API is encrypted as soon as it’s submitted. That’s why you can’t check your details once you’ve provided them. Your data is only stored in our systems until your travel date.
As soon as you have travelled, your data will be deleted from our systems.
Your data is only used for border security measures and is securely transferred to relevant authorities through a dedicated system.
You may also like
Travel documents
What travel documents do you need to travel on Eurostar? Find the answers you need here.
Customs
Everything you need to know about custom regulations when travelling between the UK and Europe.
Luggage allowance
All you need to know about luggage allowances when travelling on Eurostar.