The issue: Evolving threats to global security
In an increasingly interconnected world, the global movement of terrorists, criminals, and illicit goods has grown complex, presenting significant challenges to traditional border security methods. Terrorist groups frequently exploit vulnerabilities through false identities, fraudulent documents, and intricate travel routes. Addressing these threats requires advanced strategies, such as robust data-sharing mechanisms and real-time intelligence.
INTERPOL is a key partner in the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel ‘CT Travel’ Programme, which seeks to strengthen the capacity of member countries to identify and intercept potential security threats through passenger data analysis.
Launched in 2019, the programme facilitates the collection and analysis of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Records (PNR) by national authorities. These two datasets consist of passenger information from a range of sources including airlines, official travel documents and manually entered check-in information. This data is then shared with the destination country before arrival.
INTERPOL supports the CT Travel programme through the involvement of its member countries’ National Central Bureaus (NCBs), which enable the effective processing of API and PNR data against INTERPOL databases and facilitate international police cooperation.
This approach allows for the real-time identification and interception of potential security threats. The initiative follows an ‘All-of-UN’ approach, bringing together multiple UN agencies and other specialized organizations, in line with the following UN Security Council Resolutions:
- 2178 (2014) – on the collection and sharing of passenger information
- 2396 (2017) – on the expansion of passenger data
- 2482 (2019) – on the link between terrorism and organized crime
The solution: Leveraging API/PNR data for stronger border security
The UN’s CT Travel Programme strengthens border security by establishing Passenger Data Single Windows - often named Passenger Information Units (PIUs) or Targeting Centers, which collect, process and analyze passenger data before inbound and outbound travel.
To support these efforts, the programme provides its members with a passenger data analysis solution, the UN goTravel system. INTERPOL encourages the adoption of goTravel or equivalent systems which equip national authorities with the essential tools to proactively identify and address potential threats.
While it does not directly manage national API/PNR systems, INTERPOL plays a critical role in integrating advanced screening capabilities by providing operational procedures for the PIU and by integrating its extensive databases. This includes the Nominal database, which contains colour-coded notices for fugitives and suspected criminals, as well as the SLTD database for stolen and lost travel or identity documents. By enabling real-time screening against INTERPOL’s global databases before both departure and arrival, member countries considerably enhance their ability to:
- Detect and intercept known terrorists, criminals, and high-risk individuals
- Identify and prevent the misuse of travel and identity documents
- Facilitate swift international information sharing for coordinated responses
In 2024 alone, INTERPOL's databases handled over 8 billion queries from its member countries, a figure that continues to grow. This significant operational capacity enables law enforcement agencies worldwide to swiftly identify and take decisive action against threats related to high-risk individuals and fraudulent travel documents. This unprecedented usage reflects the critical role INTERPOL plays in facilitating secure and seamless information exchange across borders, enhancing member countries’ ability to prevent and disrupt transnational threats effectively.
A call to action for member countries
Implementing API/PNR systems with INTERPOL’s database screening is essential for strengthening global security. Without these measures, vulnerabilities remain open to exploitation. INTERPOL urges all member countries to implement the UN Security Council Resolutions, enhance international cooperation, and improve information sharing to reinforce a coordinated law enforcement response against transnational threats and ensure safer global travel.