The Peruvian Government on Friday upgraded its customs and border control to the highest international standards through the implementation of the U.S. Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which provides officers with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members.
"Previously, we had to wait for planes to arrive and passengers to go through Migrations to proceed with control […]. Now, with APIS, we will have hours to do this beforehand," Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio explained during the system's opening ceremony.
The government official highlighted APIS' role in strengthening border and customs security preventive measures, as well as anticipated the implementation of a face recognition system later this year.
On the other hand, United States Ambassador to Lima Brian A. Nichols, who was also present at the ceremony, addressed the need to strengthen institutions through mutual cooperation to succeed in combating transnational crime.
"This strenuous, complicated task requires, among other things, technology and unity. The United States prioritizes supporting [Peru's] Interior Ministry projects," the diplomat affirmed.
"Thanks to this joint effort, Peru joins API for real-time migration data exchange," he added.
Preventive approach
Using a preventive approach, APIS reinforces border and customs control security in response to risks posed by massive passenger flows.
The system has thus been implemented in countries with high tourist and trade flow like the U.S., Germany, China, Spain and Brazil, among others.
Airlines feed the system with data of all Peru-bound flights' passengers and crew members prior to taking off.
The information is sent electronically to Migrations and Customs, where it is cross-checked with databases of Interpol, the National Police, among others.
Adopting APIS is part of International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) recommendations to enhance security in the commercial aviation sector. The United Nations Security Council also recommends its use to fight international terrorism.
U.N. data reveals more countries are increasingly turning to APIS to prevent foreign terrorists and transnational organized criminals from entering their territories.
(END) NDP/RRC/DHT/MVB