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General Aviation Processing

For CBP processing, General Aviation (GA) aircraft are comprised of private and non-scheduled, commercial aircraft.

  • “Private Aircraft” are generally defined as aircraft which are not carrying passengers and/or cargo for “commercial purposes” (that is, for payment or other consideration).
  • “Commercial Aircraft” are generally defined as aircraft “transporting passengers and/or cargo for some payment or other consideration, including money or services rendered.” Commercially scheduled carriers and airlines are not included within the General Aviation scope.

For all arrivals to and departures from the United States, Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) manifest information is required of all General Aviation operators. The APIS manifest is the virtual representation of all GA flights. As such, pilots and operators of GA aircraft are responsible for transmitting APIS manifest information that is correct, valid, accurate, complete, and transmitted within specified timeline requirements.

Hot Topics and Latest Updates

  • "Coffee with Customs" - Join us for a cup of coffee and a conversation about CBP General Aviation processing. The one hour webinar runs 1:00 PM - 2:00PM Eastern Time.
  • Collection of Biometrics - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the publication of the Notice of Final Rule titled “Collection of Biometric Data from Aliens Upon Entry to and Departure from the United States.”  In short, at this time, nothing has changed for General Aviation processing.
  • President Donald J. Trump International Airport - On March 30, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, effective July 9, 2026.
  • The airport’s FAA locational identifier (LID) and 3-character airport code will be changed to “DJT”.  The 4-character airport code will be changed to “KDJT”.  General Aviation aircraft operators must adjust accordingly.
  • CBP General Aviation is ready to process all flight manifests transmitted to “DJT” and “KDJT”.