They have mentioned 2 different procedures, 'scanning', and 'verification'. Presumably scanning is just that, a swipe of your passport. Verification presumably is waiting to see if anything comes up as a match. Does that sound right?
And we have heard on here that you need to fill in an API before you travel, though it does suggest you can give the info at check in but that will cause your delay. I've not heard anything from the Tunnel re my May crossings, but have 'saved' the API form and will complete it before travel anyway.
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Hi Paul and Julie - This is regarding the tunnel cannot comment on ferries at moment
"As soon as you book the tunnel and have a booking reference you go on line at Eurotunnel API and a form comes up requesting booking reference, passport No etc. You have to fill this in for everyone in the car and this has to be done before travel, alternatively. you can ring Eurotunnel and do it over the phone.
This information goes to the home office and when you travel, your passport is scanned and married up with your API. It is very simple - We have done ours for our holiday in May. No problem
... and it stands for Advanced Passenger Information.
Airlines have been taking these details for a good number of years now... and how often do you see delays/queues at airport security these days? See? Nothing to worry about!!
I wonder why all this can't be combined in the booking form, as it is with a flight booking? When you book a flight you have to give full names and passport details etc on the booking form. Then your passports are quickly scanned as passport control.
On recent flights to France with Ryanair we faced no delays, and our passports were checked as usual. As has been said, airlines have collected this information for years and years - why it is considered so difficult for ferry/tunnel crossings?
I guess Brittany Ferries have this as they told me they had ours from when we booked, though I don't remember putting in passport details ....may be another query with them, especially as since booking we have renewed our passports !!!
Well....I just spoke with Brittany Ferries who stated quite firmly that they scan passports anyway and no they don't need any advanced information so will cross all fingers etc etc and hope they are right. she said they. Hadn't been told new information was necessary though they were aware of the system now operating ??!!
They scan your passport & the 'verification' is just looking at you to make sure you look like your passport photo. This is no different from UK immigration checks at Calais when returning to UK.
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: New passport checks - nightmare!
