New Canada Border Services Agency Advance Passenger Information (API) System

April 2016 - Similar to the U.S. Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has revealed their new Interactive Advance Passenger Information  (IAPI) initiative beginning mid-March. In contrast with the U.S. system, however, API is just for commercial flights entering Canada at present. Its purpose is to ensure that all passengers entering Canada have the appropriate documentation and permissions.

I received the following response from CBSA when I asked what impact there might be on private aircraft entering Canada.

Good day,

This is to advise the General Aviation Working Group (GAWG) members that the Interactive Advance Passenger Information (IAPI) implementation timeframes and regulatory requirements which were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I in Summer 2015 will be applicable to commercial air carriers only. Therefore, once they become final in the Canada Gazette, Part II, these new requirements will not be applicable to non-commercial air carriers (i.e. private and corporate aircraft).  

The Canada Border Services Agency continues to explore policy options for the implementation of the IAPI initiative for noncommercial air carriers. The CBSA will be reaching out to engage noncommercial aviation stakeholders throughout the regulatory development process via the GAWG to ensure that needs and concerns expressed by external stakeholders are considered throughout the development and implementation of the IAPI initiative.

We will keep you informed of any updates as soon as possible.