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.