The Spanish Government have introduced new regulations whereby airlines must provide the Spanish authorities with certain personal information about passengers before the aircraft leaves the UK. This information is known as Advance Passenger Information (API) .
All the required API information (full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number) is on the traveller’s passport. Passengers must present their passport at airport check-in and the airline’s representative will then be responsible for forwarding the information.
Airlines may also offer passengers the opportunity to register the required API information before arrival at the airport either through their websites or travel agents.
Spain is the first European country to require the collection of API for visitors but the policy is expected to be introduced in other member countries.
