Spain, Portugal, USA, Japan, Mexico & Cuba are asking for additional information when you book a flight there, known as Advance Passenger Information or API. This is going to drive people mad, I think, specially as it's just the information on the passport! But all airlines are now asking for it, from 1/6/08.
http://www.iberia.com/OneToOne/v3/product.do (Hmm..doesn't seem to work...text copied below.)
Just thought I'd update you.
The governments of certain countries require airline companies to collect specific information about passengers before starting their trip (API, Advance Passenger Information).
The obligatory information requested by countries such as the United States, Japan, Cuba and Mexico, include passport details, visa details, and postal address, depending on legislation in each country.
To avoid problems and delays, we recommend that you provide us with your (API) Advance Passenger Information before going to the airport.
Is also important that the information is correct so that you are not delayed when you pass through immigration on arrival at those countries.
More information about the requirements of the following countries:
USA,
Spain,
Mexico, Japan, Cuba.
USA. United States legislation requires the following information from all passengers travelling to or from the United States.
Passport information including:
Passport number
Country issuing the passport
Expiry date of passport
Name (as it appears on the passport)
Surname
Sex
Date of birth
Nationality
Foreigners Registry Number (Residency Card). Passengers with residency in the United States must also present this card.
In addition, passengers flying to the United States must present the following information:
Country of residence
Spain.
Spanish legislation requires the following information of all passengers travelling to Spain from countries that are not part of the Schengen area as well as those returning to the country.
Passport information including:
Passport number
Country issuing the passport
Expiry date of passport
Name (as it appears on the passport)
Surname
Sex
Date of birth
Nationality
* Countries in the Schengen area:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland
Mexico, Japan, Cuba. Mexican legislation requires the following information from all passengers travelling to or from Mexico, Japan and Cuba.
Passport information including:
Passport number
Country issuing the passport
Expiry date of passport
Name (as it appears on the passport)
Surname
Sex
Date of birth
Nationality
