Who qualifies for APEC?
Nineteen APEC economies are fully participating members to the ABTC scheme: 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, and Viet Nam.
What is the benefit of APEC card?
Visa-Free Travel APEC cardholders do not need to apply for visas before visiting any of the full participatory countries listed on their cards. This unique benefit eliminates the need to apply — and pay — for multiple short-term visa entries, saving businesses considerable money on total business travel expenditures.
Whats is APEC?
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum of 21 Asia-Pacific economies. APEC's member economies are home to more than 2.9 billion people and make up over half of global GDP.
Can Americans get APEC card?
If you are a U.S. citizen, an active member of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, Global Entry, or SENTRI), and a bona fide businessperson who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services or the conduct of investment activities within the APEC region, you can apply for ABTC.
How much does APEC card cost?
What is the fee for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card? The application fee for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card is $70. The fee is non-refundable. This fee is in addition to the fee for the selected CBP Trusted Traveler Program.
Do I need a visa with an APEC card?
Benefits of having an ABTC? ABTC holders do not require a visa to enter any one of the above 19 APEC countries and are granted pre-clearance. In addition, ABTC holders are given fast-track entry and exit immigration lanes at participating airports.
How many countries are in APEC?
There are 12 founding members of APEC, who were original signatories when the organization was formed in 1989. Those countries are the United States, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Brunei, and Australia....APEC Countries | Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2022.Country2022 PopulationBrunei445,43119 more rows
Is APEC a free trade agreement?
Current Activities. APEC continues its work on free trade agreements and regional trade agreements (FTAs/RTAs) in the region, towards promoting regional economic integration. Work and discussions on the eventual realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) also continue.
How does APEC operate?
APEC operates with the consent of the Economic Leaders and Ministers of APEC member economies who meet throughout the year to chart the future of trade and investment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. At the highest level, the leaders of APEC member economies are the custodians and guardians of the APEC process.
Can APEC card holders enter Japan?
(2) Those who possess a passport issued by the countries for which visa exemption measures are suspended (including APEC Business Travel Card holders) and intend to enter Japan without obtaining a visa.
Can APEC card holders enter Australia?
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) for Australian citizens. Australian citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated for international travel purposes can travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption ...
How long is APEC card valid for?
Documentary RequirementsAPEC EconomyLength of stay granted to foreign ABTC holdersChinese Taipei90 daysThailand90 daysUnited StatesValid visas must be obtained if required by existing United States lawVietnam60 days16 more rows
What is an ABTC card?
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a card issued to business travellers and senior government officials who meet certain requirements. APEC manages the ABTC program, which it refers to as the ABTC scheme. The ABTC scheme seeks to facilitate travel in the APEC region.
What is a Hong Kong passport?
hold a valid passport issued by the home economy or, in the case of Hong Kong China, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a valid travel document issued by another country or territory; and, are bona fide business persons who may need to travel frequently on short term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments.
Does the ABTC replace a passport?
The ABTC is not intended to replace the passport.
Can you use an ABTC card for travel?
Please refer to the relevant economy for individual entry arrangements for cardholders and tourist visits ( link ). In addition, the card cannot be used for travel by: Students;
What is an APEC business travel card?
An APEC business travel card, commonly referred to as an ABTC, is issued to eligible business travellers within the APEC region, to make it easier to travel in and out of other APEC card countries. The scheme is also open to government officials.
What are the requirements for getting an APEC business travel card?
The general APEC business travel card requirements include the following:
What are the benefits of having an APEC business travel card?
The ABTC exists to make it easier for business people to travel within the APEC economies. APEC business travel card benefits include pre-cleared visa free entrance to countries in the region, as well as access to fast track entry and exit lanes in certain airports.
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What is an APEC business card?
The APEC Business Travel Card is for members who travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments. To use the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, you must be traveling solely for business purposes to the foreign APEC economy.
What are the requirements for APEC?
To be eligible for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card Program, you must meet three criteria: you must be a U.S. citizen; you must be an existing member in good standing or be approved for membership in a CBP trusted traveler program (SENTRI, NEXUS, or Global Entry) during the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card application process, , ...
Can I get an APEC business card outside the US?
No. Interviews and signature collection for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card must be done at a CBP trusted traveler enrollment center and none are located outside of the United States and Canada. See a list of all CBP enrollment centers for Global Entry , NEXUS, and SENTRI.
Is the APEC business travel card refundable?
All application fees are non-refundable.
Who is not considered a verified business traveler in the APEC region?
Professional athletes, news correspondents, entertainers, musicians, artists or persons engaged in similar occupations are not considered to be verified business travelers engaged in business in the APEC region when they are traveling in such a capacity.
Can CBP revoke APEC membership?
CBP can also revoke membership if the card holder is no longer a member of a CBP trusted traveler program. A U.S. APEC Business Travel Card applicant or card holder who is denied, suspended, or removed will not receive an application fee refund.
When did the APEC travel card expire?
On November 2, 2017 , prior to the September 2018 expiration of the temporary program, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017 (S. 504) was signed making the APEC Business Travel Card a permanent program.
When did Russia join the APEC?
United States. Russia began full participation on 1 June 2013. Citizens of these economies can apply for a card from their national government, with the general criteria being business persons who may need to travel frequently on short term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments.
What is an ABTC card?
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel document issued to business travellers who are citizens of APEC participating economies. Valid for five years, the card eliminates the need for its holder to possess a visa when visiting other APEC participating economies as long as pre-clearance has been obtained during the application process.
Is Russia part of the APEC?
Most APEC economies are full participating economies in the APEC Business Travel Card: Russia began full participation on 1 June 2013. Citizens of these economies can apply for a card from their national government, with the general criteria being business persons who may need to travel frequently on short term visits within ...
Does APEC apply to Hong Kong?
APEC offers a fast-track option for interim card issuance covering up to five "priority economies" of an applicant's preference. The Visa free arrangement does not apply to Chinese citizens of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for entry into the Mainland China.
What are the benefits of an APEC card?
The key benefits of an APEC card include: Visa-free travel to 19 countries. A more streamlined immigration process in US and Canadian airports.
What countries are part of the APEC?
Most of the 21 countries that make up the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation participate in the APEC Business Card scheme. This allows eligible citizens to apply for the card and also for foreign citizens from participating members to travel visa-free under the scheme. The countries that currently participate fully in the scheme, granting access to foreign APEC cardholders include: 1 Australia 2 Brunei 3 Chile 4 China 5 Hong Kong 6 Indonesia 7 Japan 8 South Korea 9 Malaysia 10 Mexico 11 New Zealand 12 Papua New Guinea 13 Peru 14 Philippines 15 Russia 16 Singapore 17 Taiwan 18 Thailand 19 Vietnam
Overview
Participating APEC economies and application process
Most APEC economies are full participating economies in the APEC Business Travel Card:
• Australia
• Brunei
• Chile
Physical appearance
The card is issued in creditcard form, is machine-readable and has the following fields:
• Name
• Sex
• Economy [name of the member economy]
• Date of Birth
Use
The card must be used in conjunction with a passport and has the following advantages:
• No need to apply for a visa or entry permit, as the card is treated as such (except by transitional members)
• Multiple short term entry for a maximum stay of between 59 days to 90 days
• Expedited border crossing in all member economies, including transitional members
Country specific information
As Australia is a full participating member of the scheme, Australian citizens who are frequent bona fide business travellers can apply for a card through the Department of Home Affairs (Australia) online. Foreign holders of the card can visit Australia visa-free for 90 days, and special fast-track lanes are available for them at Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports.