An international rail ticket can be purchased from NS International, an agent of NS International, or directly from the train operator. The train operator runs the service and is responsible for processing the personal data on the ticket.
NS International sells international tickets for journeys with several operators, including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF.
NS sells online tickets, which are personalised e-tickets. Tickets to Belgium, Luxembourg and certain destinations in Germany without seat reservations are sold via the NS Ticket Machine and NS Tickets & Service shop. These (value) paper tickets do not include personal data.
What personal data do we use?
NS International asks for your first name, last name and email address, and sometimes also your phone number, date of birth and gender. If you buy a ticket for Eurostar to England, we also process your nationality, travel document type, document number, issuing country and expiry date.
What do we use your data for?
NS International is not always the only party processing your personal data when it comes to international rail travel. Trains often travel through several countries, so multiple train operators may have access to (parts of) your personal data. Tickets are also sometimes sold by third parties who sell tickets on behalf of one or more operators.
If NS International acts solely as the train operator, your personal data will be used to run the service, check your ticket and manage seat reservations on board. If NS International is the operator, the number 1184 will be shown on the ticket route. Your first and last name are used to verify tickets. The email address is only shared with DB (Deutsche Bahn), EuroCity/Eurocity Direct, Eurostar and SNCF to send you service messages about the train service operated by them. SNCF also receives your date of birth for verification purposes. For journeys on a night train with a sleeper arranged by compartment, your gender is shared with the operator to ensure travellers of the same gender share a compartment.
We use your personal data to communicate with you about your journey and ticket, and to handle questions or complaints.
If NS International is the seller and issuer of the ticket, the code CIV 1184 will appear on the ticket. In this case, NS International uses your first name, last name and email address to create and send the ticket, send service messages in the event of disruptions, and maintain a customer relationship. If this code is not on your ticket, the issuing is done by the train operator you are travelling with, and NS International provides the necessary data to issue the ticket.
NS International may also appoint agents to sell tickets. NS International remains responsible for processing personal data in these cases.
In some cases NS International acts as both train operator and seller (issuer of the ticket) when cooperating with another operator, such as the Amsterdam-Brussels train.
The basis for processing is: concluding and executing the agreement
We need the data shown on an international ticket to conclude and carry out the agreement with you. You cannot purchase an international ticket if you do not provide this data.
If you buy a personalised international ticket, your data is used to personalise your ticket for verification purposes. We also use your personal data to send you essential travel information and messages via email and the NS International app, for example about changes or cancellations of your journey.
The basis for processing is: legal obligation
If you purchase a Eurostar ticket to England, the British Advance Passenger Information regulations apply. In addition to the data needed for the ticket, NS must provide the British government with the specified information. NS passes this data directly to Eurostar, who then forwards it to the British authorities. This is a legal requirement, and you cannot receive a valid ticket without providing this information.
The basis for processing is: legitimate interest
If you purchase an international ticket, or if a ticket has been booked for you as a fellow traveller, your personal data are used to provide service before and after your journey.
Examples include providing information about check-in and check-out, transfers and facilities during your journey. We also ask for feedback after your trip and inform you about compensation in case of cancellations or delays. NS International has a legitimate interest in this.
When you buy a personalised ticket, it is linked to you. NS processes your name to prevent misuse of the ticket. Other train operators transporting you, and involved sellers, can also verify your ticket’s validity.
Who do we share your data with?
Your first and last name are printed on the ticket and shared with the relevant train operator for the reasons outlined above. Email addresses are only shared with DB (Deutsche Bahn), EuroCity/Eurocity Direct, Eurostar and SNCF to send service messages regarding their operated train service. SNCF also receives your date of birth for verification purposes. Gender information is shared with the operator when booking a sleeper compartment.
The personal data you provide when buying a Eurostar ticket to England are securely transmitted to Eurostar and the British government.
We engage third parties to carry out IT services. These parties act as processors on our behalf and only process data for our purposes. We have agreements in place with these parties regarding the processing of personal data.
How long do we keep your data?
We keep your customer details (name and contact information) and journeys for up to eighteen months after your trip. Your ticket is kept for up to eight months after travel to handle service inquiries and claims.
Any additional personal data you provide when buying a Eurostar ticket to England are retained up to immediately after your journey.