For operators flying across borders, submitting passenger and crew data is more than just a routine task — it’s a legal obligation. With more countries tightening entry protocols, the obligation to file APIS (also known as eAPIS or PNR) declarations accurately and on time has become a critical part of flight preparation.

But while the obligation is widespread, the process is anything but standardized.

Each country sets its own rules for what information must be filed, when it must be submitted, and how it should be formatted. Some require data uploads through national web portals, others accept email attachments in Excel or pre-formatted files like GENDEC. Timelines can range from hours before departure to departure time. In some regions, updates must be resubmitted whenever there is a change after 1st submission.

And the stakes are high. Failing to file correctly or on time can result in significant operational setbacks, including delays on the ground, refusal of entry by immigration authorities, financial penalties or administrative sanctions, and increased scrutiny during future border crossings. These consequences not only disrupt the passenger experience but also place additional pressure on crew, dispatch teams, and operational workflows.

Ultimately, the complexity of staying compliant across multiple jurisdictions can slow down your operations, increase your risk, and divert valuable resources from your core mission.

This is precisely the challenge myairops and Streamlane set out to solve.

myairops x Streamlane for Seamless Compliance

The integration between myairops and Streamlane turns what was once a manual, fragmented process into a smooth and unified experience. Passenger and crew data is captured directly within the myairops flight management platform, eliminating the need for manual entry of data in government portals.

Once a flight is booked, Streamlane handles the rest — automatically submitting the necessary information to the relevant authorities, in full compliance with each destination’s specific formats, timelines, and regulatory standards. Operators receive real-time responses from state authorities via Streamlane. The result: faster workflows, no errors, and complete peace of mind on every leg of your journey.

With everything built into the myairops flight management system, myairops users enjoy a streamlined, intuitive process that makes compliance feel effortless — no extra steps, no uncertainty.

In the following sections, we dive deeper into APIS requirements around the globe.

APIS Filing Requirements in North and South America

While many countries across North, Central, and South America require the submission of Advance Passenger Information (API), the methods, timelines, and scope of application vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. Among those enforcing APIS or equivalent requirements are Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Uruguay, the United States, and all CARICOM member states.

Here are three examples that illustrate this diversity:

United States – eAPIS for All Flights

The U.S. uses eAPIS, an electronic platform managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP. It applies to both commercial (part 135) and private flights (part 91), inbound and outbound. Operators must submit detailed passenger and crew information before departure, using either the eAPIS web portal or authorized systems like Streamlane and call the station to get landing approval. Data must include full identity details, travel documents, flight routing and much more. It’s one of the most rigidly enforced systems, with penalties for late or missing submissions.

Canada – APIS for Commercial Flights Only

In Canada, Advance Passenger Information (API) is only required for commercial flights, from 72h before departure, any change imposes an immediate new submission. Private and corporate operators are exempt from traditional APIS filing and instead follow a separate process: they must report passengers via phone through the CANPASS system or the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre. This makes Canada an exception in the region — a country where private aviation is regulated under a parallel system rather than a unified electronic APIS.

Mexico – Submission for All Flight Types

Mexico mandates APIS submission for both commercial (part 135) and private flights (part 91), via a government-approved system like Streamlane, via handlers or eGOV webportal once 24 hours before departure and again 30 minutes before takeoff. Transmission could also be done via emailing an Excel-based passenger manifest but this method is limited to 4 times a year and doesn’t provide any proof or acknowledgment. The web portal or email procedure is often seen as cumbersome, which makes automation through direct connection like Streamlane essential for efficiency and reliability.

Download our API PNR guide for the submission rules and requirements for over 60 states worldwide.

Coverage Beyond the Americas

Regulatory complexity extends well beyond the Americas. Around the world, more and more countries are introducing passenger and crew declaration requirements.

In some countries, APIS and/or PNR submissions can be made via official government portals; in others, there’s no web portal at all and only certified third-parties are authorized — Contrary to popular belief, FBOs and handlers can not always substitute the carrier for these submissions – this is the case in UE states for PNR submissions and most of the time for APIS too.

Adding to this complexity, new travel authorization systems are being introduced. Carriers have to check passenger authorization to enter the related country through these systems. The United Kingdom has implemented the UK ETA and eVisa requirements, and the European Union is preparing to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) and EES (Entry/Exit System). These systems further increase the need for operators to verify passenger details before departure.

Ready to streamline your APIS and PNR compliance process?

Learn more on how the myairops x Streamlane integration can help you automate passenger and crew declarations, eliminate manual filings, and stay compliant — all within a single, intuitive platform.

Contact myairops or Streamlane to learn more about our combined offer.

About myairops

myairops specializes in transforming aviation operations with a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored for corporate flight departments, Part-91/135 operators, and medical missions. The intuitive platform streamlines scheduling, enhances safety, and ensures regulatory compliance. With features such as personalized passenger management, dynamic reporting, and integrated ADS-B tracking, empowering aviation professionals to make informed, data-driven decisions. Backed by a dedicated customer success team and highly advanced technology, myairops is committed to becoming your trusted partner in aviation technology.

About Streamlane

At Streamlane, we are committed to help aviation professionals in complying with obligations related to passengers. We are experts in topics such as secured API-PNR and GenDec transmission, pre-travel passenger clearance – UK ETA & eVisa, euLISA EES-ETIAS or passenger checks against international sanction lists.