Since 2 April 2025, most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK, unless they are exempt.
You can check whether you need an ETA and apply for one on the official UK government website.
In addition, all passengers travelling to or from the UK must provide their Advance Passenger Information (API) before their Eurostar tickets can be issued.
Submitting API is mandatory, and tickets cannot be generated until every passenger on the booking has completed the API form.
🔍 API vs ETA – What’s the difference?
Advance Passenger Information (API)
- Required for all passengers travelling to or from the UK.
- Includes personal details and passport information.
- Must be submitted before departure so your tickets can be issued.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- A digital travel permission required for non-British nationals travelling to the UK.
- Valid for short stays of up to 6 months.
- Required from 2 April 2025 for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, unless exempt (for example, Irish citizens).
- Required for all travellers, including babies and children.
- From 25 February 2026, UK authorities will strictly refuse entry to travellers who do not have a valid ETA where one is required.
👤 Who needs to provide API?
- Every passenger included in the booking must complete the API form.
- If even one passenger has not submitted their API, no tickets will be issued.
- Children under 4 travelling on an adult's lap without their own ticket do not need to provide API.
- Children under 4 with their own ticket must also complete the API.
📝 What information do I need to provide?
All information must match your passport exactly:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Document type (passport only)
- Passport number
- Country of issue
- Expiry date
👉 Eurostar only accepts passports.
If you are travelling with a national identity card, you must submit your API directly through the Eurostar website.
⏰ When do I need to submit my API?
After making your booking and before you travel. Your tickets can only be issued once API has been submitted for all passengers.
🌐 How do I submit my API?
You can submit your API through our website or directly on the Eurostar website.
The API form is not available in the app.
If you booked with a Trainline account:
- Sign in to your account.
- Go to My Bookings.
- Complete the API form for your booking.
If you booked as a guest:
- Use the Manage booking link in your confirmation email, or
- Visit Find a booking.
You can also submit or update your API directly on the Eurostar website.
👉 API information is not saved.
You will need to enter it again for future Eurostar journeys.
✏️ I made a mistake in my API
Don't worry – you can update your information as many times as needed.
Just make sure the passenger name exactly matches the name on the ticket.
You can also resubmit your updated API directly through the Eurostar website.
🚫 I submitted my API but haven't received my ticket
If you still haven't received your ticket after submitting your API:
👉 Please contact us.