What is the APEC Business Travel Card?

For those who travel abroad for work, you probably spend a good chunk of your time waiting in immigration lines. To make matters more confusing, every country has its own requirements for entry. That’s why many international business people apply for the APEC travel card. This document helps frequent fliers traveling for business streamline the immigration process in 21 countries!

What is APEC?

Formed in 1989, APEC stands for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. The organization was established to help open dialogue about trade and economics internationally. There are 21 member economies that belong to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and they work together to make the global marketplace connected and support international economic growth. Fully participating members offer most of the benefits, while transitional members of this group, like the U.S. and Canada, provide fast-track lanes, though not visa-free entry.

What is the Business Travel Card (ABTC)? 

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC program was established to make short-term business travel entry and exit processing faster and more efficient between the participating APEC economies.  

Once approved for the APEC card, applicants can successfully move between participating countries with pre-clearance and fast-track immigration. Recipients can remain in a participating country on business for up to 90 days. It also gives members express entry lanes in many major international airports, helping to expedite the travel process.  

What are the Key Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)? 

The main benefits of holding an APEC business travel card (ABTC) include: 

•  Express entry with access to fast-track immigration lanes in many major airports across fully participating APEC economies.

•  Pre-cleared, visa-free short-term business travel to many participating economies, reducing the need to apply for multiple separate visas.

What Countries Participate in the APEC Travel Card (ABTC)? 

As of right now, there are 19 fully participating and engaged APEC members for the business travel card: 

• Australia

• Brunei Darussalam

• Chile

• China

• Hong Kong (China) 

• Indonesia

• Japan 

• Korea

• Malaysia

• Mexico 

• New Zealand

• Papua New Guinea

• Peru

• The Philippines

• The Russian Federation

• Singapore 

• Chinese Taipei

• Thailand

• Vietnam

What is the Difference Between Fully Participating and Transitional APEC Members?

The key difference between fully participating and transitional members is that for the 19 fully participating members, a pre-clearance check is a benefit of holding the APEC business travel card. For the United States and Canada, the two transitional members, the pre-clearance check is not included. Instead, they allow their own ABTC holders to use fast-track immigrant lanes at select international airports. In the United States and Canada, even ABTC holders need to provide any required visa and standard immigration documents upon arrival at the customs and border check.

Who is Eligible? 

Eligibility for the APEC Business Travel Card varies by home economy, but generally requires that the applicant is a verified business traveler who frequently travels for trade or investment activities within the APEC region.

Eligibility criteria include:  

• A valid passport

• Must travel frequently for business 

• No criminal history 

• Proof of international travel for trade or investment purposes

Depending on where you plan to travel, certain countries may have their own additional requirements for entry. 

In addition to travel card application approval, you still need to show your passport upon arrival and departure in each country. The APEC travel card (ABTC) does not replace your passport, but simply expedites the process for business travelers. Always make sure to do ample research on each country’s travel and visa requirements.

The APEC travel card is only for business travel. If you plan to visit a country that is a member for any personal reasons, you will still need to fill out the appropriate travel and visa documents. 

Why Consider an APEC Travel Card?

The APEC business travel card (ABTC) is meant for those who travel frequently for international business and trade opportunities. If you need to travel more than a few times a year within the region consider applying for an APEC business travel card to streamline the process. 

Depending on what your needs are as a business traveler, you should do research on the application process for the card. It can help take your company into the international marketplace by making the opportunity to expand easier.

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