Don’t fly to Mexico Without Submitting an APIS

As of December 31, 2013, any aircraft arriving or departing Mexico (including U.S. Part 135 and 91 operators) is required to transmit an Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) manifest to the National Immigration Institute (INM) of Mexico. Mexico decided to add the requirement primarily to assist in their security efforts and secondarily to improve accounting for tariffs.

This new requirement was only published a month ago, little time for us to prepare. The good news is the format of the APIS submissions are the same as the current U.S. APIS manifest transmissions. The bad news is there is no way to directly submit your report to the Mexico Immigration authorities like we have in the U.S.

ARINC has been chosen by Mexico to be its provider of the APIS information and is currently working on a solution that will allow for direct transmission to the Mexico Immigration authorities. In the meantime, while we wait for this solution, give your APIS information to your handling company to submit the report on your behalf. Make sure to keep copies of your report as it is likely, as with any new process, that your record of submission may get lost.

”Mexico is taking a particularly aggressive approach to the new API policy, with fines for non-compliance established at $5,000 per flight.” said Peter Korns of NBAA’s Operations Service Group. “Operators should note that Mexican authorities are prepared to strictly enforce this new mandate starting Dec. 31.” ”The most important thing for business aviation operators flying to Mexico right now is to be aware that this requirement is out there and that it impacts pilots both inside and outside Mexico,” he said.