Advance Passenger Information System[1] or APIS is an electronic data interchange system established by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).[2]
APIS governs the provision of a limited number of data elements (identification details from the passport and basic flight information) from commercial airline and vessel operators to the computer system of the destination state.[3] Required information should conform to specifications for UN/EDIFACT Passenger List Message (PAXLST) formats.[4]
Beginning in May 2009, private aircraft pilots must also provide the necessary information to the CBP.[5] The regulations were put into effect in December 2008 with a 180-day voluntary compliance period.[6]
eAPIS (electronic APIS) is a public website which allows small commercial carriers to transmit data to the CBP electronically.[7][8]
When travelling to or from certain countries, passengers are required to provide advance passenger information (API) before they check in or they will be unable to fly.[9] These countries include
and some more[which?]
The required information consists of:[11][10]