U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require rail carriers to transmit electronic advance passenger information for all crew and travellers crossing the U.S. border by train. Unlike airlines and maritime operators—already subject to Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) rules—rail carriers currently provide such data only on a voluntary basis. CBP says the information gap allows high-risk individuals to exploit rail links with Canada and Mexico. Mandatory reporting would enable officers to vet passengers before arrival, aligning rail with other transportation modes and supporting the agency’s biometric Entry/Exit programme. Under the proposal, carriers would have to send a manifest with each train’s arrival or departure notice and use specified data formats compatible with CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment. The agency projects initial compliance costs of US$78 million, largely for IT upgrades and staff training, but estimates long-term benefits of faster inspections and fewer secondary examinations. Comments are due by 14 December 2026. Cross-border passenger services such as Amtrak’s Maple Leaf (New York–Toronto) and Cascades (Seattle–Vancouver) could be affected. Business travellers should anticipate new data-collection processes—similar to airline check-in questions—once the rule is finalised. Companies with frequent cross-border rail commuters may need to update travel-booking systems to capture passport details at ticket purchase.
Source: Federal Register
