How France’s API/PNR Rules Apply to Private Jet Charter
Private jet flights to and from France are subject to passenger-data requirements that can apply well before the aircraft departs. Under France’s current API-PNR system, air carriers collect and transmit passenger and flight information for journeys to and from French territory, with an exception for journeys connecting two points in metropolitan France. For private jet charter clients, this means passport information, passenger details and itinerary data should be accurate and provided to the operator in good time. The filing itself is principally an operator compliance responsibility rather than something passengers submit directly. France’s system distinguishes between API — Advance Passenger Information and PNR — Passenger Name Record data. They overlap, but they are not the same thing.
France API/PNR Requirements: The Key Points
| Requirement | Current position in 2026 |
|---|---|
| API | Passenger, crew, travel-document and flight/check-in information transmitted by the air carrier |
| PNR | Reservation information already held in the operator’s or relevant booking system |
| Flights covered | Movements to and from French territory, except journeys between two points in metropolitan France |
| PNR timing | First transmission 48 hours before departure, then again immediately after flight closure |
| API timing | Transmitted at flight closure |
| Responsible party | Air carrier; French law also provides for certain PNR obligations involving agencies or travel operators chartering all or part of an aircraft |
| Data retention | Up to 5 years within the French API-PNR system |
| Authority | Agence nationale des données de voyage (ANDV) |
France’s National Travel Data Agency, the Agence nationale des données de voyage (ANDV), is currently responsible for the API-PNR France system and for collecting and checking the quality of travel data. Police nationale
What Is API for a Private Jet Flight?
API means Advance Passenger Information. It is principally identity, travel-document and flight information associated with passengers and crew. For a private jet charter, API information can include details such as:
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Travel-document type and number
- Travel-document expiry
- Flight information
- Departure and arrival airports
- Departure and arrival times
French law requires air carriers to collect and transmit check-in and boarding information concerning passengers and crew for covered journeys. This is one reason a charter operator may request passport details before departure even when the private aviation terminal itself involves a relatively quick passenger process.
What Is PNR for Business Aviation?
PNR means Passenger Name Record. Unlike API, which centres on identity and travel-document information, PNR is generated through the reservation and travel process. France’s rules cover PNR information already recorded in reservation systems. Depending on what exists in the record, this can include:
- Passenger name
- Date of birth
- Booking date
- Intended travel dates
- Contact details
- Itinerary
- Payment information
- Booking or record locator
- Travel agency information
- Passenger status
- Seat information
- Baggage information
- Other passengers recorded in the same booking
French law lists these categories in detail and also includes API information when that information forms part of the PNR record. The distinction is important: API describes who is travelling and on which flight; PNR describes information associated with the reservation and journey.
Which Private Jet Flights Are Covered in France?
France’s current API-PNR legislation applies to movements to and from French territory, except journeys linking two points in metropolitan France. In practical terms:
| Route | API-PNR position |
|---|---|
| Paris → Nice | Excluded as a journey between two points in metropolitan France |
| Nice → Paris | Excluded as a journey between two points in metropolitan France |
| London → Paris | Covered |
| Paris → London | Covered |
| Geneva → Nice | Covered |
| Nice → Geneva | Covered |
| Milan → Paris | Covered |
| Paris → Milan | Covered |
This is an important distinction because Schengen membership does not automatically mean that France’s API-PNR requirement disappears. The French legislation is written around journeys to and from French territory rather than only flights crossing the external Schengen border.
Who Is Responsible for Submitting API/PNR Data?
For a commercial private jet charter, the air carrier operating the flight is primarily responsible for collecting and transmitting the required passenger information. French law requires air carriers to transmit passenger and crew registration information and PNR data held in their reservation systems. Authorities may also request relevant PNR information from travel agencies or travel operators chartering all or part of an aircraft where they hold that information. For passengers, the responsibility is simpler: provide complete and accurate information when requested. PVJets can coordinate passenger and itinerary information with the operating charter company, while the operator remains responsible for conducting the flight and meeting its applicable regulatory requirements. Contact our private aviation advisor for your next flight.
When Must PNR and API Data Be Submitted?
France currently uses different transmission timings for PNR and API information.
| Data | Transmission timing |
|---|---|
| PNR — first transmission | 48 hours before scheduled departure |
| PNR — second transmission | Immediately after flight closure |
| API / check-in data | At flight closure |
The second PNR transmission can be limited to updates made since the first transmission. For private aviation, this matters because passenger lists can occasionally change close to departure. Any passenger addition, removal or document change should therefore be communicated immediately to the operator or charter advisor.
What Information Should Private Jet Passengers Provide?
Passengers may be asked to provide information such as:
| nformation | Why it may be required |
|---|---|
| Full legal name | Passenger identification |
| Date of birth | Passenger identification |
| Nationality | Travel-document information |
| Passport or travel-document number | API information |
| Document issuing country | Travel-document identification |
| Document expiry date | API information |
| Contact details | May form part of the PNR record |
| Departure and destination | Flight and itinerary information |
| Baggage information | May form part of the PNR record |
Passenger details should match the travel document exactly. Providing this information early is particularly useful for international flights, group charters and journeys where passenger lists may change.
API/PNR and Immigration Are Separate Requirements
API and PNR submissions do not replace passport, immigration, visa or customs requirements. A passenger can be correctly included in the API-PNR submission and still require a valid passport, visa, immigration permission or customs documentation for the journey. Additional documentation may also be necessary when travelling with pets or regulated goods. API-PNR should therefore be considered one part of international private jet planning rather than a substitute for border formalities.
Commercial Charter and Non-Commercial Private Flights
Commercial private jet charter and privately operated aircraft should not automatically be treated as identical for API/PNR purposes. The French provisions discussed here place obligations on air carriers, which is particularly relevant to commercial charter flights operated under an Air Operator Certificate. Non-commercial corporate or owner-operated flights may be subject to different passenger-manifest, airport and border procedures depending on the journey. Operators of non-commercial flights should confirm the applicable requirements for their specific route and airports.
Why Accurate Passenger Data Matters
Passenger information submitted to the French authorities must be complete and usable. French law provides for administrative fines of up to €50,000 per journey where a transport company fails to transmit required data or submits information that is incomplete, manifestly false or unusable because it does not follow the required format. For passengers, this is another reason to provide accurate passport and itinerary information as early as possible.
Planning a Private Jet Flight to France?
Let PVJets coordinate your aircraft, itinerary and passenger details for a smooth private jet journey to or from France.
Contact UsHow Long Is API/PNR Data Retained in France?
Passenger information recorded within the French API-PNR system is retained for five years from its transfer to the ANDV. After six months, information capable of directly identifying passengers remains stored but is subject to stricter access restrictions. .
New EU API/PNR Rules Are Being Developed
The European Union adopted Regulations (EU) 2025/12 and 2025/13, creating a future harmonised framework for collecting and transferring Advance Passenger Information. The system will use a central API-PNR router operated by eu-LISA, providing a connection between air carriers and Member State authorities. However, the router is still under development in 2026. eu-LISA’s current programme identifies 2026 as an implementation year, with project delivery planned for 2027. For flights involving France in 2026, travellers and charter operators should therefore continue to consider the current French API-PNR framework. Eur-Lex eulisa.europa.eu
What API/PNR Means for Private Jet Passengers
For most charter passengers, the process remains straightforward: 1. Provide your confirmed itinerary and passenger details. 2. Send accurate passport and travel-document information. 3. Communicate passenger or itinerary changes immediately. 4. Check passport, visa, customs and entry requirements separately. 5. Allow the operating carrier to complete the required aviation submissions. The key is accurate information rather than additional paperwork for the passenger. PVJets can coordinate passenger and flight details with the operating charter company as part of planning an international private jet journey to or from France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is API for a private jet flight to France?
API stands for Advance Passenger Information. It includes passenger identity, travel-document and flight information collected and transmitted by the operating air carrier for covered journeys.
What is PNR for a private jet?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It consists of information held in the reservation record, which may include passenger names, itinerary, contact details, booking information and baggage data.
Do private jet passengers submit API themselves?
Normally, no. For a commercial private jet charter, the operating air carrier handles the required submission. Passengers provide their passport and travel information to the operator or charter coordinator.
Does France require API/PNR for flights within Europe?
Covered flights can include journeys between France and other European countries. The French domestic exception applies to journeys connecting two points in metropolitan France. legifrance.gouv.fr
Is Paris to Nice subject to the same API-PNR requirement?
A Paris-to-Nice flight connects two points within metropolitan France and therefore falls within the domestic exception described in the current French legislation.
Is Milan to Nice subject to France’s API-PNR rules?
A Milan-to-Nice journey arrives in France from another country and does not fall within the metropolitan-France domestic exception.
What happens if a private jet passenger changes at the last minute?
Passenger changes should be reported immediately to the charter advisor and operating carrier. The final information submitted must reflect the passengers actually travelling.
Flying by Private Jet to or From France With PVJets
API and PNR requirements are one part of planning an international private jet journey to or from France. For charter passengers, the most important step is to provide complete and accurate passenger information early, particularly for international flights, group travel or itineraries involving last-minute changes. PVJets Private Aviation Advisors can source suitable aircraft, coordinate your charter with the operating carrier and support the travel arrangements surrounding your itinerary. Planning a private jet flight to or from France? Contact PVJets for aircraft availability, charter pricing and itinerary support. 24/7 Private Aviation Advisor: +39 348 123 1435 Email: charter@pvjets.com