Fiji is set to enhance its border entry procedures with the Cabinet’s recent approval of two innovative systems aimed at increasing safety and efficiency in travel. The new initiatives include the Advance Passenger Information (API) system and the Passenger Name Record (PNR) system.
The API system will enable immigration officers to access basic information about travelers prior to their arrival in Fiji. This includes essential passport details—such as name, date of birth, nationality, and flight information—transmitted electronically when a passenger checks in at their departure point. This early vetting process allows authorities to identify potential security or immigration risks before individuals even land on Fijian soil.
Complementing the API system, the PNR offers a more comprehensive overview of a passenger’s journey. This system extracts detailed airline booking data, including travel itineraries, contact information, payment methods, and travel companions. Such insights empower authorities to recognize travel patterns and detect suspicious behaviors more effectively.
Cabinet officials highlighted that the integration of these two systems is complementary, with API confirming the identity of incoming travelers and PNR shedding light on their travel motives and history. The government’s initiative is anticipated to facilitate the early detection of high-risk individuals while enhancing collaboration among border agencies and expediting the processing of legitimate travelers at airports.
By adopting these advanced measures, Fiji not only strengthens its national security but also aligns itself with international aviation and security standards—ultimately bolstering traveler confidence in the safety of entering the country. This move reflects Fiji’s commitment to modernizing its travel infrastructure and ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all visitors.
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