An international train ticket can be bought from NS International, an agent of NS International or directly from the carrier. The carrier operates the service and is responsible for processing the personal data on the ticket.
NS International sells international tickets for journeys on various carriers, for example Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF.
NS sells online tickets in e-ticket format, and these tickets are personal. Tickets to Belgium, Luxembourg and some destinations in Germany without reservations are sold via the NS Ticket Machine and the NS Servicebalie binnenland. These (value) paper tickets do not show any personal data.
What personal data do we use?
NS International asks for your first and last name, email address and sometimes your phone number, date of birth and gender. If you buy a ticket for Eurostar to the UK we also process your nationality, the type of travel document, travel document number, country of issue and expiry date of the travel document.
What do we use your data for?
NS International is not always the only party processing your personal data for international journeys. Journeys often cross several countries, so multiple carriers are involved and these parties may have access to some or all of your personal data. Tickets are not always sold by the carrier itself; you can also buy your ticket from an organisation that sells tickets for one or more carriers.
If NS International acts solely as the carrier, your personal data are used to operate the service, check your ticket and manage seat reservations on board. When NS International is the carrier, 1184 is shown on the ticket route. Your first and last name are used to check tickets. The email address is shared only with DB (Deutsche Bahn), EuroCity/Eurocity Direct, Eurostar and SNCF so they can send important messages about the service they operate. SNCF also receives the date of birth for verification purposes. For journeys on a night train where sleepers are allocated, gender is also shared with the carrier so travellers of the same gender are placed in the same compartment.
Your personal data are used to communicate about your journey and ticket and to handle questions or complaints.
If NS International acts as the seller and issuer of the ticket, the following code appears on the ticket: CIV 1184. In that case NS International uses your first and last name and email address to create and send the ticket, to send service messages in the event of incidents and to maintain a customer relationship. If this code is not on your ticket, the carrier you travel with issues the ticket; in such cases NS International provides the details above so the ticket can be issued.
NS International may also use agents to sell tickets. NS International remains the data controller in those cases.
In some cases NS International is both carrier and seller (issuer of the ticket) when there is a partnership with another carrier. This applies, for example, to the Amsterdam–Brussels service.
The legal basis for processing is: entering into and performance of the contract
The details printed on an international ticket are needed to enter into and perform the contract with you. If you do not provide these details you cannot purchase an international ticket.
If you buy a personalised international ticket, your details are used to personalise the ticket so it can be checked. The same applies to a seat reservation in your name. We also use your personal data to send essential information and messages about your journey by email and via the NS International app, for example about changes to your travel arrangements or service cancellations.
The legal basis for processing is: legal obligation
If you buy a ticket for Eurostar to the UK the British Advance Passenger Information legislation applies. In addition to the information required for the ticket, NS must provide the data above to the UK authorities. NS forwards these details to Eurostar, which then provides them to the UK authorities. This is required by UK law and you cannot obtain a valid ticket without providing these details.
The legal basis for processing is: legitimate interest
If you buy an international ticket, or another traveller buys one on your behalf, your personal data are used to provide service both before and after the journey.
Examples include providing information about check in and check out, connections and facilities during the journey. We also ask for feedback after your trip and inform you about compensation in the event of cancellations or delays. NS International has a legitimate interest in this. You can always unsubscribe from these types of emails using the link at the bottom of each message.
If you buy a named ticket it is personal to you. NS processes your name for ticket inspection and to prevent misuse. Other carriers that transport you, and any sellers involved, may also check the validity of your ticket.
Who do we share data with?
Your first and last name are printed on the ticket and shared with the relevant carrier for the reasons stated above. The email address is shared only with DB (Deutsche Bahn), EuroCity/Eurocity Direct, Eurostar and SNCF so they can send service messages about the service they operate. SNCF also receives the date of birth for verification purposes. Gender is shared with the carrier when a sleeper compartment is booked.
The personal data you provide when buying a ticket for Eurostar to the UK are transmitted via a secure connection to Eurostar and the UK authorities.
We engage third parties to provide IT services. These parties are our processors and process the data only on our behalf and for no other purpose. We have agreements with them about how personal data are processed.
How long do we keep your data?
We retain your customer details (name and contact details) and recorded journeys for up to 18 months after the journey took place. We keep your ticket for up to eight months after the journey for service enquiries and handling claims.
The additional personal data you provide when buying a ticket for Eurostar to the UK are retained only until shortly after the moment of travel.