For travel to or from the UK, the UK government requires you to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) for each passenger listed in your booking. This is mandatory in order to generate your tickets.
API vs ETA – What’s the difference?
Advance Passenger Information (API)
Required for all passengers travelling to or from the UK
Includes your personal details and passport information
Must be completed before departure so your tickets can be generated
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
A digital travel permit required for non-UK citizens visiting the UK for short stays (up to 6 months)
Applies from 2 April 2025 to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, unless exempt (e.g. Irish passport holders)
Required for every traveller, including babies.
Who needs to complete API?
Every passenger on the booking must complete the API form
If API is missing for even one traveller, no tickets will be issued
Children under 4 years travelling without a ticket (on an adult’s lap) do not need API
Children under 4 years with their own ticket do need API
What information do I need to provide?
You’ll need to enter these details exactly as they appear on your passport:
Full name
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Document type (passport only)
Passport number
Country of issue
Expiry date
Important:
Eurostar only accepts passports for API.
If you are travelling with a national ID card, you must complete API directly with Eurostar.
When do I need to submit my API?
You must provide your API after booking and before travel.
Your tickets cannot be generated until all API details have been submitted.
How do I provide my API?
You must submit your API on our website.
This form is not available in the app.
If you booked with a Trainline account:
Log in to your account
Go to My bookings
Fill in the API form beside your reservation
If you booked as a guest:
Use the Manage booking link in your confirmation email, or
Access it through Find a booking
👉 Information entered in the API form is not saved.
You must complete it again for future Eurostar journeys.
Made a mistake on your API form?
No problem — you can correct your details as many times as needed.
Just make sure the passenger name matches the name on the ticket.
You can also resend the updated information directly via the Eurostar website.
I submitted API but did not receive my ticket
If your tickets still haven’t arrived after submitting the API:
👉 Please contact us and we’ll look into it.