Mexico has updated the procedure for filing APIS for private flights into and out of Mexico. In September of 2014, Mexican Immigration headquarters had issued a document that spelled out how APIS for private flights could be filed. At that time, APIS could be filed by using the ARINC portal or by emailing a simple Excel template 24 hours prior to departure and again 30 minutes prior to departure for inbound and outbound flights. However, Mexican Immigration has now revised this procedure in the following ways:
- They now require APIS manifest information to be captured in a more complex Excel template (Version 1.2C) which is normally used for the ARINC portal
- Templates for private flights must be submitted via email go a new email address at the central level and they also want the template to be sent via email to immigration officials at the arrival/departure airports
- The template now only needs to be sent 30 minutes prior to departure, there is no 24 hour requirement

The new Excel manifest templates have been distributed by Mexican Immigration to FBOs and immigration authorities at the international airports in Mexico. If you are in need of a copy of the new Excel template, please email us at customersvc@cstflightservices.com and we will be happy to email it to you. Please include “Please send me new Mexico APIS template” in the subject line so that we can identify your email more quickly.
Please bear in mind that this is in the process of being rolled out and that officials and service providers at some airport may still not be aware of this so don't be surprised if you have knowledge that they don't yet have. However, at those airports where this is being rolled out the immigration officials are doing it with voracity.

CST Flight Services (Formerly: Caribbean Sky Tours)
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