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

The required information consists of:^[11][10]

• Full name (last name, first name, middle name if applicable)
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Country of residence
• Travel document type (normally passport)
• Travel document number (expiry date and country of issue for passport)
• [For travelers to the US] Address of the first night spent in the US (not required for US citizens/nationals, legal permanent residents, or alien residents of the US entering the US)