Like all other airlines, Air Canada adheres to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which requires the collection of specific information from every passenger travelling to Canada, as well as to/from the U.S. and certain other countries. This information is required for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries/regions require the provision of Advance Passenger Information (API)?
Many governments require that airlines transmit Advance Passenger Information for all passengers flying to or via their country.
Currently, the list includes these countries/regions, and is subject to change without notice.
For more information on APIS, visit the Canada Border Services AgencyOpens in New Window website.
How do I provide my Advance Passenger Information?
You can enter your Advance Passenger Information when you check in:
- Online,
- on your mobile device, or
- at a self-service kiosk at the airport.
What information do I need to provide?
For travel to and from countries where the provision of Advance Passenger Information is required, passengers must provide the following information:
- Full name* (last name, first name, middle name if applicable)
- Gender*
- Date of birth*
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Travel document type (normally passport)
- Travel document number (for passport, expiry date and country of issue are also required)
- Destination address in the U.S. (not required for U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and resident aliens entering the U.S.)
* US Secure Flight Program
As per the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s Secure Flight Program, You will need to provide your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth and gender at least 72 hours prior to travel, or at time of booking for bookings made within 72 hours of departure if you are travelling:
- to, from or via the U.S.
- on a flight that is flying over the continental United States (excluding flights between two points in Canada)
- Air Canada collects Secure Flight overflight information for reservations made online and via Air Canada Reservations.
If you have a Redress Number , you should provide it as well.
What do U.S. and Canadian authorities do with the information they collect?
All API data is checked against the U.S. government's Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS), which is a combined federal law enforcement database. Names are also checked against the FBI National Crime Information Center wanted-persons database.
What if I don't want to provide Advance Passenger Information?
Air Canada (like all other airlines) is required by the various government agencies to collect API for all passengers prior to travel to or from certain countries. Passengers who refuse to supply API will be refused entry to these countries and therefore will not be allowed to travel.