APIS / API

In an effort to increase security in the area of international air travel, many countries have instituted an Advanced Passenger Information System that affects most international flights.

Carriers that do not comply with APIS/API for flights to and from these countries may be subject to heightened, and more time-consuming, inspections of their passengers upon arrival. For details on these initiatives please see the question and answer segment below.

What is APIS/API?

APIS is an automated data collection system capable of performing queries on air passengers prior to their arrival into an applicable country.

The following information will be collected (all flights) :

• Complete name
• Date of Birth
• Citizenship
• Gender
• Travel document number. (ie., passport)
  
• Travel document expiry date
  
  

Please note the above information is what is currently required. Further requirements may be added.

U.S. flights: In addition to the above, passengers travelling to the U.S. are required to provide the full address (including zip code) where they will be staying while in the U.S. If passengers are connecting with a cruise ship, they should be able to provide the name of the cruise ship and the city/state of point of embarkation. Passengers should be prepared to provide this information prior to arriving at the airport.

How is the passenger data collected?

The data is collected by the air carrier during the check-in process and must be submitted electronically to Customs prior to the passengers' arrival at their destination.

When is the passenger information provided to Customs?

Air carriers must submit passenger information within fifteen minutes after the aircraft departs.