Caribbean Sky Tours, with the strong support and backing of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), has been working with the Mexican government to ease the burden faced by General Aviation pilots for filing a Mexican APIS
In September of 2014 we received an Official Clarification Letter from INM in response to our inquiry on Mexico’s APIS sent to INM in April 2014. The document explains some of the misconceptions that exist in the industry and it is the first written response we have received so far.
This is a Summary of the letter:
- • APIS was mandatory as of January 1, 2014
- • Fines range for US$ 5,000 to US$ 50,000. A Mexican APIS must be filed with Mexican Immigration for flights TO and FROM Mexico
- • The program was managed centrally until June, 2014 when training began with immigration authorities at the regional level
- • A new interim process for filing a Mexican APIS for PRIVATE General Aviation flights is now available that DOES NOT require the use of a third party portal
- • The timing requirements for when manifests have to be filed have been modified to make it easier to comply within a more reasonable time frame
- • Work continues by the Mexican government on a free, public portal for filing APIS for General Aviation Flights
New Procedure:
- • A manifest must be filed by completing the approved Excel spreadsheet provided by Mexican Immigration
- • You must send the manifest (Excel file) to apis_cna@inami.gob.mx within 24 hours of departure
- • You must re-send the manifest to confirm flight to apis_cna@inami.gob.mx 30 minutes prior to take off
- • Do NOT expect to receive a reply from Mexican Immigration acknowledging receipt of the manifest, confirmation or authorization
Excel Spreadsheet Instructions:
Please note the following important points when completing the APIS Spreadsheet:
• DO NOT alter the layout of the Excel spreadsheet in ANY WAY Modifications can affect the processing of data and could trigger improper data transmission and enforcement action by the Mexican authorities
• Include all text in CAPITAL LETTERS
• Please enter names EXACTLY as they appear in the passport being used
• All fields MUST be filled out
• All airports must be identified using city name and country
• All countries should be identified using their full name, no codes
• All times are to be expressed in LOCAL time, NOT in Zulu nor UTC
Please note the following important points:
If you prefer to have Caribbean Sky Tours file your Mexico APIS you can still proceed with the purchase of Mexico APIS and have it processed by us. To do so, we kindly ask you to first pre-purchase the number of APIS submission that you will require for your planned trip(s). Please note that for all flights to Mexico you will require two APIS submissions, one for your flight into Mexico and a second one for your flight from Mexico. Please make sure you have access to a computer with internet connection to be able to complete the Excel spreadsheet.
The procedure to request CST to process and submit APIS on your behalf is as follows:
1. Visit our on-line Pilot Shop and purchase the required number of APIS filings.
2. Once you have successfully completed the purchase, we will automatically be notified and we will send you the corresponding documents and instructions. The documents we will be sending to you include an MS Spreadsheet and additional files containing reference information needed to correctly fill out the Spreadsheet.
3. Once you have completed the Excel spreadsheet you need to return the file to this e-mail address: ops@cstfltsvc.com
To complete the Excel spreadsheet please refer to the Excel Spreadsheet Instructions above
4. Once we have submitted your APIS manifest and received confirmation, we will advise you via email. Unfortunately, the system implemented by INM does not have an automated confirmation message generated by the Mexican government.
5. Please allow up to 48 hours for processing.
Fees for APIS submissions are non-refundable; once we have processed your APIS and submitted it to the Mexican government, there are no refunds or credits if flights are canceled or rescheduled.
IMPORTANT:
As we have no way of validating any of the information provided, we cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the data you are submitting to the Mexican government. By using this service, you are accepting responsibility for the accuracy of the data and holding Mako Leasing Company I, LLC harmless from any enforcement action due to incorrect/incomplete/erroneous data supplied on this Excel spreadsheet. |