ICAO Annex 9 Facilitation: Entry/Departure Documentation and Inadmissible Person Procedures

010-10-02Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

Documentation and Procedures

Annex 9 (Facilitation) establishes standards to expedite the clearance of persons and goods, avoiding unnecessary delays.

  • General Declaration: Basic document including flight information, crew, and number of passengers. If required, it may include health information (disinsection) or declaration of illness.
  • Cargo Manifest and Air Waybill: Presentation is the responsibility of the aircraft operator or their authorized agent.
    • The declaration of goods for clearance is the responsibility of the declarant.

Crew Members

  • CMC (Crew Member Certificate): Certificate for crew member identification (replaces passport for temporary entry for duty purposes). Must be machine-readable. Does not replace the flight license.
  • States should facilitate visa-free entry for crew members when arriving on duty or deadheading.

Inadmissible Persons

If a passenger is declared inadmissible:

  1. The State must notify the operator without delay.
  2. The operator is responsible for returning the person (cost and transport).
  3. The State must consult the operator regarding the timeframe for removal.

Mishandled Baggage

  • Baggage separated involuntarily from its owner must be cleared under simplified arrangements.
  • States should allow direct transfer of mishandled baggage between international flights without further examination (except for security).
  • Fines or taxes should not be imposed on the operator for mishandled baggage.

Tokyo Convention (1963)

Grants powers to the Aircraft Commander to disembark any person jeopardizing safety or good order on board, in the territory of any State where landing.