The rule would mandate that rail carriers send notice of arrival or departure no later than 24 hours before the train reaches the U.S. border crossing. This applies to trains arriving in the United States, departing from it, or crossing the border while in transit.
CBP says the current system leaves a gap. Rail carriers can voluntarily submit passenger information through a program called APIS-VRBS (Advance Passenger Information System Voluntary Rail and Bus Submissions), which has existed since at least 2009. But CBP argues that voluntary reporting is not enough. The agency says it lacks timely information to evaluate the risk of individuals arriving or departing by train, and cannot detect violations of immigration, customs, agricultural, or other laws it enforces. The proposal states that "the lack of this advance information in the rail environment has left a gap in U.S. national security that terrorists or other criminals could exploit."
The information CBP wants includes name, date of birth, sex, country of citizenship, country of residence, and details from your passport or DHS-approved travel document (type, number, country of issuance, expiration date). It also includes your status on the train (conductor, engineer, passenger, crew), complete itinerary, U.S. address (except for those in transit), alien registration number if applicable, passenger name record locator, known traveler number, redress number, baggage tag information, seat location, phone number with country code, and email address if available.
Rail carriers would have two options for transmitting this data. They could use a CBP-certified transmission system—meaning they would submit their electronic system to CBP for testing and certification. Or they could use any CBP-approved electronic data interchange system, including the eAPIS web portal or any CBP-approved application with manifest capabilities.
After a carrier transmits the information, CBP conducts an initial vetting and sends a response message. If CBP identifies no concerns, the message states that CBP has accepted the transmission and no further advance action is required. If CBP flags a traveler as a concern, the response message instructs the carrier to call CBP. The document states that "if CBP's vetting flags a traveler as having potential security, immigration, customs, or other law enforcement issues, then CBP may recommend that the carrier not board the traveler."
CBP's legal authority comes from sections 431 and 433 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended. Section 433(d) requires the person in charge of a vehicle—which includes a train—to transmit information the Secretary of Homeland Security requires by regulation. Section 431(b) requires the person in charge to sign, produce, deliver, or electronically transmit any manifest required by the Secretary.
The agency frames this as a security and efficiency measure. CBP says that when advance information is received in accurate and complete form, overall processing time for the train and travelers improves. The proposal also states that "the knowledge that all rail travelers will be vetted in advance would deter travelers planning to use rail travel for illicit purposes."
The document does not specify which rail carriers would be affected, whether there are exemptions for certain routes or train types, or what penalties carriers face for non-compliance. It also does not detail the specific costs to carriers or passengers, though CBP notes it evaluated costs and benefits during the analysis period 2026-2030. The full cost-benefit analysis is not included in the text provided.
Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by December 14, 2026, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov using docket number USCBP-2026-0992. For further information, CBP lists Timothy Tyler, Director of External Engagements and Initiatives in the Office of Field Operations, at (202) 344-3801.
General information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Confirm the details with Homeland Security Department before you act.
