Despite a shared border and the country’s close relationship with the United States, Mexico remains a destination more foreign to some operators than traveling overseas. A September 2025 announcement posted to the Diario Oficial de la Federación may add to their confusion.
That announcement established a mandatory, two-step Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) transmission process for all passengers flying to and from Mexico. Initial submission must be within two hours prior to departure, according to the policy, with a new, second confirmation of passengers onboard once the doors are closed and the aircraft is ready to depart.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to approximately $15,000.
While the announcement was aimed at commercial airlines, many read it to also include non-scheduled, general aviation operations. Ruben Barbosa, shift supervisor for Toluca, Mexico-based flight services provider Manny, said that hasn’t proven to be the case in practice.
“For general aviation and business aviation, you need only to send the notice anytime from 24 hours to two hours prior to departure,” Barbosa said. “That’s plenty of time.”
“... I think the best practice would be to set up a reliable system to file that second message.”
Adam Hartley Founder of The Regulatory Toolbox
Interpretation of those new requirements is “the biggest point of confusion for operators,” said Adam Hartley, founder of The Regulatory Toolbox. “I recommend a proactive approach in any global APIS scenario, so I think the best practice would be to set up a reliable system to file that second message.
“What we don’t want is the distraction for pilots on the flight deck, ready to depart, checking their cell phones for the second APIS filing,” Hartley continued. “Have that conversation ahead of time with either your dispatch team or service provider.”
Operating to Mexico also requires specific permits, as well as a specialized liability policy issued either by an insurer based in the country, or a global carrier with a Mexican office.
“You must carry the policy documentation with you, as well as clear proof that it has been paid,” said Jasiel Casillas, commercial coordinator at Manny. “All scanned documents submitted to the AFAC (Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency) must also be perfectly clear. They can be picky about that.”
Most airports in Mexico also require pre-authorized slots that may fall outside preferred arrival and departure times. “Many people in the back of the airplane understandably want to travel on their own schedule,” said Michele Kiniery, senior sales executive for Manny. “It helps to use a provider with a strong relationship with that airport so you won’t necessarily get turned away if you arrive outside that window.”
Operators should also be familiar with cabotage rules, with any passengers transported within the country required to have arrived into Mexico on that aircraft. AFAC authorities can take a hardline approach with verification and enforcement, but certain exemptions may be possible if cleared beforehand.
“I would say 99% of the flight operations coming into Mexico directly benefit our country,” Barbosa said. “They’re transporting passengers for tourism or bringing in executives to sign a contract for a new business opportunity. When difficulties arise, we try to find a solution.”
Review NBAA international operations resources at nbaa.org/intl.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.