There are several common errors business aviation operators make regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures that lead to them receiving penalties.

Here are three things operators flying to the United States should keep in mind to ensure full compliance with CBP procedures.

Ensure APIS data is accurate and complete

All data submitted via eAPIS must be accurate, precise, and complete. This is to avoid any confusion between passengers on the system. Additionally, operators should ensure all passengers must also carry the relevant travel documents.

Secure landing permission

As well as the accurate and timely processing of eAPIS, operators must contact CBP at the airport of arrival and request for Permission to Land. In the past, this may not have been uniformly enforced, but all operators who fly to a CBP airport without doing this will now be penalized.

Obtain clearance for departure

Operators must receive an email from the Department of Homeland Security clearing them for departure after submitting their eAPIS data. Without this, they won’t be given permission to depart. This email also contains specific instructions that pilots must take the time to understand.

These are just a few of the CBP errors that will incur fines for operators.

For more information, visit the office CBP website here.

For support with you CBP obligations in the United States, contact UAS Americas