APIS, ESTA and eTA
On this page, you can read more about API/APIS, ESTA and eTA. There are links for submitting your APIS information, and applying for ESTA or eTA travel authorization via the official government application systems.
Travelers applying for ESTA must submit their application online at least 72 hours prior to departure. Travelers applying for eTA should also submit their applications 72 hours prior to departure. In most cases, the application is handled immediately and you will receive an instant answer online.
All Visa Waiver Program travelers to the US are required to pay a fee when submitting their ESTA application through the ESTA website. A credit card or debit card payment is required.
Please note, individuals who've received a Redress number now have to provide their number on My Journey, at least 72 hours before the flight. More information can be found on the Homeland Security website.
API and APIS
Three countries within the Icelandair route network require certain passenger information to be transmitted prior to departure for all flights to and from the country. These are the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This information is generally referred to as Advance Passenger Information (API) or Travel Document Information (TDI). This is the information that is displayed on the bio-data page of your passport. API is gathered at check-in for flights to Canada and the United Kingdom.
The USA requires more advance on certain data elements. Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is API information required by US authorities of all persons traveling to and from the country. All air carriers, including Icelandair, are bound by law to transmit API/APIS information prior to departure. Passengers must provide this information or risk being denied passage.
Attention:
We kindly ask passengers who are traveling to and from the United States to use the electronic APIS to update their API/APIS information, if it has not already been done during reservation. You can provide and update your APIS information via Manage booking.
For travel to and from Canada and the United Kingdom, the API information is completed at check-in.
- Please click here for further information on API to the UK.
- Please click here for further information on API to Canada.
Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA)
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) in advance of departure. Travelers must submit their application online at least 72 hours prior to departure.
Due to a directive from the US authorities, passengers from Visa Waiver Program countries can expect to be denied passage if they have neither a valid ESTA authorization nor a visa presented prior to departure. Violations are subject to penalties and other by-laws.
Once the application has been approved, the ESTA will typically be valid for two years.
More detailed information can be found on your local US embassy website or at the US Department of Homeland Security site. There is also information at Welcome to ESTA.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Citizens of certain countries and territories need a visa to visit or transit Canada. Further information on visa requirements and visa exemptions can be found on the Canadian Government's entry requirements page.
For other passengers, Canada has introduced a mandatory entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. Exceptions include US citizens and travelers with a valid visa.
Travelers will need an eTA before they can board their flight to Canada. Eligible travelers can apply online. To find out more, visit Canada.ca/eTA.