July 29, 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced border overflight exemption applications and renewals are available on the electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) web portal.
Moving border overflight exemption applications and renewals to the website is the latest in CBP’s efforts to streamline the process. Border overflight exemption processing and approvals were centralized to a single team at CBP headquarters a few years ago, with a new simplified format. Now, submitting applications and renewal requests through eAPIS even further simplifies the process for operators and CBP personnel.
“This centralized electronic application and renewal process is the most recent step to streamlining the border overflight exemption process,” said Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations. “Operators should begin using the border overflight exemption link on the eAPIS website with their next application or renewal. CBP anticipates processing time of 30 days or fewer after receiving the application on eAPIS.”
Operators should use their existing login information for eAPIS. Commercial operators should plan to provide their international carrier bond information and affirm customs user fees are up to date.
Detailed guidance is available in CBP’s Electronic Advance Passenger Information System RESTful Web Service – Border Overflight Exemption API Documentation.
Those using third-party vendors or international service providers for APIS and/or border overflight exemption processing will not notice a change, as the third party will utilize their own login to process border overflight exemption applications and renewals on behalf of an operator.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.