Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)

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 Canada are subject to heightened and more time-consuming inspections of their passengers. For details on these initiatives, please see the question and answer segment below.

What is APIS/API?

APIS/API is an automated system capable of performing database queries on air passengers prior to their arrival.

What information will be collected as part of APIS/API?

All flights: the following information will currently be collected:

• Complete name
• Date of Birth
• Citizenship
• Gender
• Passport number

Note that 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 stay while in the U.S. If passengers are connecting with a cruise ship, they should have available the name of the cruise ship and 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. Carriers must also collect advance crew information and submit both electronically to Customs prior to the passengers' arrival at their destination.

When is the passenger information provided Customs?

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