To ensure aviation safety and to protect their national security, some countries* require that international airline companies transmit all or part of their passengers´ personal information.
*South Africa, Algeria, Canada, China, South Korea, Cuba, Dubai, The United States, India, Iran, Japan, Mali, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Syria.
New requirement for travel to the United States
Thinking about visiting the United States?
Since June 21, 2010, you are required to submit an electronic request for travel authorization. This measure is for citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) *. You can request authorization online, via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Please note:
- It is recommended that you make your request a minimum of 72 hours before your flight departure.
- ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years, as long as your passport is valid during that time.
- This form replaces the information sheet which currently must be filled out in the airplane before landing in the United States.
The American authorities will prohibit any customer who has not fulfilled this requirement or indicated erroneous information from boarding. Also, please be sure to fill out all information requested in the form as thoroughly and accurately as possible, especially your passport number and the country that issued it.
In the case of entry errors, a new request should be made.
Complete your ESTA application (official site)
* Citizens of 35 countries can travel to the United States without a visa, for travel limited to 90 days.
These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Passengers data disclosure
Procedure
Data disclosure applies regardless of the place of sale or type of booking system.
Not fulfilling this obligation toward destination countries can lead to serious consequences for airlines.
Legal obligations
Within the French and European legal framework, Air France is committed to protecting the personal information of its customers. Certain types of information are necessary in order to make a reservation and to establish a transport contract. Customers may exercise their legal rights and refuse the disclosure of their personal data. However, such a refusal may lead to the cancellation of the trip or the inability to take advantage of certain requested services (ex: special meals).
Keep in mind
Air France transmits certain types of passenger information, provided at the time of booking, to the authorities in destination countries.
Vaccinations, entry forms, useful numbers, and possible security risks for your destination... Find all the practical information you need for your trip on the French Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs’
Conseils aux voyageurs website (French language only).
