On March 27, 2025, Greek authorities issued a NOTAM requiring all air carriers operating flights to Greece from countries outside the EU and Schengen Area to begin the process of integrating with the country’s Advance Passenger Information (API) System. While no formal implementation deadline has been announced, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Hellenic Police in a letter to Air Carriers are urging operators to begin setup and testing immediately.

Here’s what you need to know:

Key Takeaways for Business Aviation

• Who is affected: All operators flying to Greece from a non-EU/non-Schengen country—including business and general aviation.

• What’s required: Operators must contact the Hellenic Border Police to request connection credentials and the official API Implementation Guide.

• When: There is no hard start date yet, but authorities are encouraging operators to begin onboarding and testing as soon as possible.

• How to comply: API data must be submitted using the UN/EDIFACT PAXLST format via IATA Type B messaging. Greece has both test (ATHPTXH) and production (ATHPPXH) addresses for transmission.

• Contact for registration:

  • Email: tes.borderprotection@astynomia.gr

  • Phone: +30 213 152 0701 or +30 213 152 0121

Background and Legal Basis

Although the EU API Directive (2004/82/EC) has been in place for years, Greece has only recently finalized its national API infrastructure in cooperation with software provider ADAPTIT and Collins Aerospace (ARINC). The system’s purpose is to improve border control and prevent illegal immigration by ensuring passenger data is transmitted in advance for all incoming non-EU/Schengen flights.

While most commercial airlines have long been compliant, this renewed push appears aimed at closing the loop on all remaining traffic—including unscheduled and general aviation flights. For most carriers already transmitting PNR and API data, this transition likely won’t come as a surprise, especially since many utilize automated solutions capable of handling both.

Importantly, the Greek API system is:

• Legally distinct from the existing Passenger Name Record (PNR) system

• Applied to passengers only (not crew)

• Requiring operators to complete registration and testing, including a one-week test phase and one week of live data transmission

What to Do Now

If you’re planning to operate a flight to Greece from outside the EU/Schengen region—even with a tech stop in between—you should:

1. Email the Border Police to initiate registration

2. Provide operator contact details, intended start date, and responsible person(s) for API compliance

3. Schedule testing with Collins Aerospace/ARINC

4. Ensure your departure control or trip support system is capable of sending PAXLST 05B or 12B messages in UN/EDIFACT format

Operators using hosted departure control systems (DCS) may benefit from shared certifications to streamline testing and approval.

Enforcement & Sanctions

Under Presidential Decree 53/2008, failure to submit API data once the requirement is enforced will result in administrative penalties. In addition:

• Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may also lead to fines

• Authorities encourage use of machine-readable scanning of documents to reduce data errors

• Monthly performance reviews and corrective notices will be issued to operators who fall out of compliance

General Aviation Flights Included

General aviation is explicitly included in this mandate. While nuances may differ from scheduled carriers, business aviation flights must still complete registration, testing, and comply with all data transmission requirements.

Final Thoughts

While Greece’s API requirement has been in place for commercial carriers for years, this recent push marks an effort to ensure full compliance across all aviation sectors. With no specific go-live date announced, business aviation operators are encouraged to begin onboarding and testing now to avoid future delays or penalties.

Universal Aviation can support you through API onboarding, ARINC configuration, and testing coordination. Reach out for help navigating Greece’s evolving border data requirements.