IATA engages with states, airports, organizations, industry associations and other stakeholders on behalf of its airline members to shape the global landscape for modernizing the travel journey, simplifying passenger processes and enhancing border security. Through collaboration, IATA seeks to reach mutually acceptable arrangements for control authorities and airlines to unlock the multiple benefits of aviation and remove the burdens on the aviation industry and passengers.
IATA develops information and advocacy material in areas such as entry requirements, international passenger data standards, travel documents, passenger data charges, passenger data requests from non-government stakeholders, travel authorizations, border control processes, advance passenger information (API) data quality, identity management, human trafficking, unruly passengers, passengers with disabilities. We as well promote adherence of States to the international passenger data standards. The IATA API-PNR Toolkit provides valuable guidance.
Secured and Simplified Borders
IATA Secured and Simplified Borders Manual (pdf) is a practical guide for the efficient use of passenger data, integration of passenger data programs with air transport processes and the modernization of facilitation and border security tools and processes, such as travel authorizations, automated border control systems, travel document and digital identity. The Manual aims at assisting aviation stakeholders in developing effective modern border security programs facilitating air travel in accordance with international standards and practices.
Engagement with ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) manages the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). IATA works with the ICAO Facilitation Panel to foster implementation of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of Annex 9 — Facilitation, and to keep them current.
By contributing to the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP), IATA brings operational considerations from the airline industry. We also help achieving a greater harmonization and digitalization of processes and credentials, notably by contributing to the technical specifications set forth in ICAO Doc 9303, Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs).
Papers recently submitted to ICAO:
- Tackling Passenger Name Record (PNR) data challenges and conflicts of data protection laws
- Pre-travel verification and digitalization of processes
- International carriage by air and data protection laws
- Innovation and contactless processes
- Funding of passenger data programs
IATA Control Authorities Working Group (CAWG)
The IATA CAWG (pdf) provides strategic direction and leadership for integrated border management and aviation facilitation. The material developed by the group is the outcome of collaboration between governments and the airline industry, expressing a balanced perspective on the needs and limitations of both airlines and control authorities.
Available guidance and material
- Best Practice for Government Digital Health Platforms (2023) (pdf)
- Guidelines for Collaboratively Improving API Data Quality (2021) (pdf)
- Challenges of Non-Adherence to Passenger Data Standards (2020) (pdf)
- Guidelines for the Removal of Deportees (2020) (pdf)
- Guidelines for the Removal of INADS (2020) (pdf)
- Multiple Passport Holders (2019) (pdf)
- Best Practice for Electronic Travel Systems (2016) (pdf)
- Guidelines for Document Check and Carrier Liability (2016) (pdf)
The IATA CAWG currently works on API data quality, travel documents, government digital health portals, multiple passport holders, travel authorizations, iAPI Best Practice, digital identities and legislative frameworks.