Air passengers travelling to and from Turkey from the UK and the EU must now provide additional information in advance of their journey.

For security reasons the US, most EU States, and other countries including Turkey now require airlines to provide details about their passengers before they travel.

This is known as Advance Passenger Information (API).

API is designed to enhance border security by providing Border Control Agencies with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers.

The information passengers provide is transmitted to Authorities by UK Charter Airlines 72 hours before departure with updates being provided through to day and time of departure.

Some travel operators will specify that customers must provide the Advanced Passenger Information so many days before departure so make sure you note the timescales.

Travellers will be asked to provide passenger details found on the 'machine-readable' page of their passport - that is the page containing the photograph.

They may be asked for:

full name

date of birth

gender

passport number

country that issued your passport

date of passport expiration

Whilst it is possible to provide API at check-in travel operators are really not keen on adding another process to the already lengthy check-in process.

Any flights booked from now should request API information as part of the booking process but, if you have booked a flight and not provided this information, check back with your travel provider.

Make sure you input your details correctly or you could face ticket amendment fees or refusal to travel your destination.

Providing your API should not be confused with applying for a visa. You will still need to follow the entry rules for every country you visit, as well as any customs and passport control regulations.