Electronic Advance Passenger Information System

Definition/Scope: The Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) is a user-friendly, web-based interface designed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This system is used by commercial carriers and the private aviation community to provide required information to CBP electronically. The eAPIS functionality includes the submission of notices of arrival and/or departure and traveler manifests (crew and passenger) to CBP, the transmission of master crew lists to TSA and the ability to view carrier reports. 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.

Acronym:

eAPIS

Broader Terms:

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Department of Homeland Security

Narrower Terms:

border patrol
computer security
counterterrorism
customs
flight corridor

Related Terms:

airspace management
immigration