Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)
The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is an electronic data interchange system that allows aircraft operators to transmit passenger and flight information. This system is recognized by the international community as the standard for data sharing and passenger processing. Many countries, including the United States, require operators to utilize APIS to transmit passenger information in advance of arriving or departing international flights. In the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for APIS requirements.
Once an operator transmits passenger information, it is checked against the combined Federal Law Enforcement Database. This system obtains data from watch lists maintained by 21 federal agencies. APIS allows security officials to determine if a passenger appears on a watch list before a flight departs for or arrives from an international destination.
Requirements for Private Aircraft Operators
Beginning on May 18, 2009, all general aviation (GA) pilots departing from or arriving in the United States will be required to provide passenger manifest and aircraft owner/operator information to the government 60 minutes prior to departure or arrival. Operators will be required to utilize Customs and Border Protection’s Electronic Advance Passenger Information (e-APIS) system or a third party vendor to transmit this information. NBAA has prepared an analysis of the final rule to assist Members in understandings its implications. Review the final rule and NBAA analysis.
Requirements for Part 135 Operators
Beginning on December 31, 2001, Part 135 operators were required to transmit passenger information to CBP using APIS. Part 135 operators have the following options for APIS filings: (1) “APIS 30” allows operators to submit passenger manifests in batch form by an interactive or non-interactive method no later than 30 minutes prior to securing aircraft doors for departure; (2) “APIS Interactive Quick Query” allows transmission of manifest information as each passenger checks in, up to, but no later than, the time aircraft doors are secured. Review additional information on APIS requirements for Part 135 operators.
New APIS Notification Requirement for Several Caribbean Countries
A new Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System (eAPIS) notification requirement became effective on February 1 for private and commercial flights to and from member states of the Caribbean community (CARICOM), which are: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Visit the NBAA CARICOM APIS resource for more information.