Update Aug 2025: BOEs Move to eAPIS (No More Email Applications)
Until now, getting a Border Overflight Exemption (BOE) was an email game. You’d draft up a message to CBP with your operator details, compliance statement, and a few other bits depending on whether it was a new application, renewal, or name change.
That’s now changed. CBP has shifted BOE applications and renewals into the eAPIS web portal. Instead of emailing back and forth, you log in with your usual eAPIS credentials and hit the new “Border Overflight Exemption” link under the manifest options.
Thanks to the NBAA for this behind-the-scenes screenshot.
CBP says they’ll process these within 30 days or less (same as before). Commercial operators still need to add carrier bond info and confirm customs fees are current, but otherwise it’s a much smoother process. If you use a handler or third-party provider, they’ll continue doing it for you behind the scenes.
New to BOEs? If you’re arriving from the south, CBP normally requires your first landing to be at the nearest southern airport of entry. A Border Overflight Exemption lets you bypass that rule and fly straight to the airport you actually want to reach. More info here.
Original Story Sep 2024: BOE Guide
Back in the days when you had to email your BOE requests to CBP and everything was way more painful, we lovingly prepared a 1-page quick-ref cribsheet showing what to do.
But with the Aug 2025 switch to doing all your BOEing via the eAPIS website, that guide is now defunct! We hereby forever consign it to the great FOD bin of history!
More on the topic:
- More: US Pre-Clearance: How does it work?
- More: US Airport Fact Sheets (CBP)
- More: US: New Rules For Outbound Private Flights
- More: US no longer limiting international arrivals to 15 airports
- More: Customs now closed overnight at KBGR/Bangor
More reading:
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- Safe Airspace: Risk Database
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It appears that CBP have a new process for applying for initial or renewal of an existing BOE. Yesterday, I emailed as per the guide, and was told that all applications now have to be done through the eAPIS website – https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov
You will need to create an account, but once that’s done, the process is pretty simple – took me no more than 5 minutes.