Jazmin Li
APIS, or the Advance Passenger Information System, is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows airlines to deliver passengers' document information to the country of destination when they check in. This way, the destination country knows what passport and visa the passenger is presenting several hours before their arrival. This enables more detailed clearance without causing unnecessary delays at the immigration line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | APIS allows the delivery of document information to the country of destination when a user checks in. |
| Data required | Full name, gender, nationality, date of birth, type of identifying document, document number, country that issued the document, and the document’s date of expiration. |
| Aircraft information required | Aircraft operator, crew members on board, and aircraft arrival and departure information. |
| Time of submission | No earlier than 60 minutes before departure. |
| Submission method | Online through the eAPIS web portal. |
| Applicable aircraft | Commercial airline and vessel operators, private aircraft pilots, and small commercial carriers. |
| Exceptions | Flights that do not land at a foreign airport, flights that do not land or depart from a U.S. airport, and diplomatic flights. |
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What You'll Learn
APIS stands for Advance Passenger Information System
APIS, or the Advance Passenger Information System, is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It governs the provision of specific passenger data, such as passport details and basic flight information, from commercial airline and vessel operators to the computer system of the destination country's immigration authorities. This information is required before departure and helps enhance border security by providing officers with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members.
The implementation of APIS ensures that immigration authorities receive essential passenger information in advance, enabling them to identify potential security risks and conduct thorough risk assessments. This pre-departure requirement plays a vital role in facilitating secure and efficient international travel. It is mandatory for airlines to submit this data before entering or leaving a country, and non-compliance may result in passengers being unable to fly.
The specific information transmitted through APIS includes passengers' full names, passport numbers, issuing countries, and passport expiration dates. Additionally, flight details such as flight numbers, dates of travel, and destination countries are also provided. In some cases, contact information like phone numbers and addresses may be required to enable authorities to reach out to passengers if needed.
The APIS Pre-Departure Final Rule specifies the timeframe within which APIS data must be transmitted to CBP for commercial air passengers arriving into and departing from the United States. It also outlines three options for transmitting this data. To assist with the APIS Pre-Departure requirements, carriers and system providers must complete the APIS Pre-Departure registration form to establish the proper network systems and system development.
EAPIS (electronic APIS) is a web portal that enables users to create, manage, and submit APIS manifests electronically. It is accessible through the CBP eAPIS website, where pilots of privately owned aircraft can submit the necessary information for each person on board. This submission must be made no later than 60 minutes before departure or arrival in the U.S.
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It is managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system established and managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). APIS enhances border security by providing officers with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members. This includes information such as full name, gender, nationality, date of birth, type of identifying document, document number, issuing country, and expiration date.
The CBP has developed the APIS to govern the provision of specific data elements from commercial airline and vessel operators to the computer system of the destination state. This includes identification details from passports and basic flight information. The regulations were implemented in December 2008, with a 180-day voluntary compliance period, and they apply to both commercial and private aircraft pilots.
The Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) is a web portal that enables users to create, manage, and submit APIS manifests. eAPIS allows small commercial carriers to transmit data to the CBP electronically. The submission of APIS data can be done through various methods, including the "APIS 30" batch form submission and the "APIS Interactive Quick Query" for transmitting manifest information as each passenger checks in.
To ensure compliance with APIS requirements, the CBP has developed a list of certified vendors and carriers who have completed testing to process interactive APIS Pre-Departure data. The CBP also provides resources such as the eAPIS website and guidelines to assist users in navigating the system and submitting the necessary information.
The CBP's management of APIS is crucial for securing America's borders and facilitating efficient travel while maintaining security. By collecting and processing passenger information in advance, the CBP can perform detailed clearance, streamline the immigration process, and enhance border security. The system enables the CBP to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions before passengers even arrive at the airport, contributing to a smoother and more secure travel experience.
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It requires basic identification and flight information
The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). APIS requires the provision of basic identification and flight information from commercial airline and vessel operators to the computer system of the destination state. This includes information on passengers, crew members, and non-crew members.
Passenger information transmitted through APIS typically includes the following:
- Full name (first name, last name, and middle name if applicable)
- Gender
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Type of identifying document (usually a passport)
- Document number
- Country that issued the document
- Document's date of expiration
Crew member information includes all crew members who may operate or fly on the aircraft, such as the pilot, co-pilot, flight attendant, and relief crew member. Non-crew member information refers to air carrier employees, their family members, and persons travelling onboard for the safety of the flight, such as an animal handler when animals are onboard.
APIS data must be transmitted to CBP within specific time frames for both arrivals and departures. For arrivals into the United States, passenger, crew member, and non-crew member information must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to arrival. For departures from the United States, the same information must be transmitted to CBP no later than 30 minutes after departure.
The APIS Pre-Departure Final Rule amends the time within which APIS data must be transmitted for commercial air passengers arriving into and departing from the United States. It specifies three options for transmitting the data. Additionally, the eAPIS (electronic APIS) website allows small commercial carriers and private aircraft pilots to transmit data to CBP electronically. Aircraft arrival and departure information must be included in the eAPIS submission, and it must be received by CBP no later than 60 minutes prior to departure.
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It applies to commercial and private aircraft pilots
The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It requires commercial airline and vessel operators to submit specific data elements, including passenger identification details and basic flight information, to the computer system of the destination state. This enhances border security by providing officers with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members.
The APIS regulations apply to both commercial and private aircraft pilots. Private aircraft pilots, or their designees, must electronically transmit passenger manifest information to CBP for each individual travelling on the aircraft. This requirement applies to any private aircraft arriving in or departing from the United States to or from a foreign location. The submission is typically done through the eAPIS (electronic APIS) system, a public website that allows small commercial and private carriers to transmit data to CBP electronically.
EAPIS is a user-friendly system that enables pilots to create, manage, and submit APIS manifests online. It is important to note that pilots must be listed on each manifest, and any changes to the departure information, such as a change in departure time or cancellation, should be communicated to CBP when relevant. While eAPIS is the standard method for submitting APIS data, CBP may permit pilots to provide information telephonically in unforeseen circumstances that prevent electronic submission.
Compliance with APIS requirements is crucial for both commercial and private pilots to ensure smooth departure and arrival processes. By submitting the necessary information, pilots contribute to enhanced border security and facilitate efficient processing by CBP officers. It is important for pilots to be familiar with the specific data requirements, submission timelines, and any updates to APIS regulations to ensure compliance and a seamless travel experience.
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It helps avoid unnecessary delays at the immigration line
The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). APIS allows for the transmission of passenger information, including identification details from passports and basic flight information, to the computer system of the destination state. This process is managed by the country of destination, and the data is transmitted either by commercial airline and vessel operators or the pilots of private aircraft.
APIS helps avoid unnecessary delays at the immigration line by allowing the destination country to perform more detailed clearance procedures in advance. With APIS, the immigration officer already has the passenger's information by the time they arrive, and can simply confirm the details before letting them through. This also helps prevent the unpleasant experience of being denied entry after having already flown to the destination.
The data transmitted through APIS includes the passenger's full name, gender, nationality, date of birth, type of identifying document, document number, issuing country, and expiration date. Additionally, information about the aircraft, operator, and crew members on board is also transmitted. For commercial air carriers and charter operators, a Master Crew List (MCL) must be submitted, which includes details of crew members such as pilots, co-pilots, flight attendants, and relief crew members.
The timing requirements for transmitting APIS data vary depending on the type of flight and the destination or departure country. For arrivals to and departures from the United States, passenger, crew member, and non-crew member information must be submitted no later than 30 minutes prior to arrival or after departure. For foreign aircraft continuing within the United States, this information must be submitted no later than 60 minutes prior to departure from the U.S. port.
Overall, the use of APIS helps streamline the immigration process by providing advance passenger information to the destination country, allowing for efficient clearance procedures and reducing potential delays for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
APIS stands for Advance Passenger Information System, an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The information transmitted through APIS is the same as that found on your passport, including full name, gender, nationality, and date of birth. The type of identifying document, document number, issuing country, and expiration date are also transmitted.
All passengers and crew members must provide information through APIS. For commercial flights, the airline or charter operator must submit this information. For private flights, the pilot must submit APIS information for each person on board.
APIS information must be transmitted at least 60 minutes prior to departure or arrival in the U.S. For flights departing from or arriving in the U.S., APIS information can be transmitted up until the time the aircraft doors are secured.
Information can be transmitted through the eAPIS (electronic APIS) web portal, which allows users to create, manage, and submit APIS manifests.
