As Middle Eastern carriers expand their routes to Europe, the UK, and the US, navigating the complex web of aviation and border control regulations is essential. Automated compliance ensures smooth operations, avoids penalties, and enhances passenger trust. Below are five key regulations that operators from Middle East and Africa should be aware of:
1. Passenger Name Record (PNR) and Advance Passenger Information (API)
PNR and API regulations require carriers to share passenger data with government authorities before flights. These rules apply both in the Middle East region (e.g., Egypt, Israel, UAE) and worldwide, including the majority of European countries.
API includes details such as passport numbers and flight information used for border protection, while PNR adds booking details to support counter-terrorism and security measures. Accurate, timely data submissions are critical but tricky due to big differences between country-specific guidelines concerning data scope and submission time-slots. That’s why carriers often choose automated solutions over manual submissions to simplify compliance.
Learn more: API and PNR – why carriers need to share passenger data with border security
2. UK General Aviation Report (GAR)
The GAR regulation mandates carriers flying to the UK to submit detailed passenger and crew data not later than 2 hours before departure. Following the introduction of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), carriers also need to make sure that their passengers have a valid permission to travel. GAR ensures the UK authorities have the necessary information for customs, immigration, and security checks. GAR can be submitted via a dedicated web portal or using a data provider like PnrGo.
Learn more from our webinar: PnrGo Webinar: New UK GAR – recording and Q&A
3. eAPIS & TSA Secure Flight in the USA
The Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS), run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit passenger and crew data. The U.S. demands more detailed data than standard API, and submissions are mandatory for both inbound and outbound flights.
Additionally, carriers flying to, from, or through the United States, may have to follow the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Secure Flight program. This includes data sharing with the U.S. authorities for passengers vetting and enhanced security protocols to maintain aviation security standards. Thanks to our direct connection through DHS router, PnrGo can offer TSA vetting service to its customers.
Learn more: Are you ready for the TSA Secure Flight program?
4. Sanctions Screening
Carriers need to ensure they do not carry individuals or service entities subject to international sanctions. This involves screening passengers, crew and companies against several sanctions lists issued by different authorities, among them UAE, , EU, UK, US, Interpol and the United Nations. Failing to comply with these restrictions can result in severe fines and serious legal consequences.
Learn more about our Sanctions Screening solutions
5. eu-LISA: Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
eu-LISA is the European Union agency responsible for managing large-scale IT systems, including the upcoming EES and ETIAS. Operators transporting passengers to most European countries will soon be required to digitally verify the validity of their passenger’s visa or travel permission. EES will apply to third-country nationals traveling to EU Member States on a single or double-entry visa. ETIAS will cover travel permissions for visa-exempt travelers. In the next steps, the EU intends to roll out other systems to handle the resident permits, long-stay visas, and transit visas.
Carriers are now required to register with eu-LISA and declare their intended method of data submissions (via web portal, mobile app, or system-to-system / third-party data provider). The registration aims to ensure business continuity and smooth operations for carriers when EES and ETIAS go live.
Learn more:
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Conclusion
Navigating the complex landscape of aviation regulations can be challenging, but compliance is essential for operational success. At PnrGo, we specialize in seamless data transfer solutions that will help Middle Eastern business and charter operators meet these regulatory requirements effectively and effortlessly. With our assistance, you can ensure compliance while focusing on growing your business with lesser risks and more time on your hands for everything else
Choose PnrGo for reliable, compliant, and efficient data management solutions. Contact us today to schedule a demo: https://pnrgo.com/contact
