APEC Business Travel Card

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Sample of an Australian APEC Business Travel Card issued in 2019 Apec-business-travel-card.jpg
Sample of an Australian APEC Business Travel Card issued in 2019

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.

Contents

In 2021, the Virtual APEC Business Travel Card (VABTC) was introduced, offering the same benefits via a mobile application. [1] Virtual cards are intended to replace physical cards entirely, although each participating economy will decide their own timeline for doing so. [2] [2] As of 2023, all APEC economies except Russia now accept the VABTC for entry. [2]

Participating APEC economies and application process

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  Full members of the scheme
  Transitional members (Canada, United States)

Most APEC economies are full participating economies in the APEC Business Travel Card: [3]

Transitional members:

Russia began full participation on 1 June 2013. [4] [5]

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. Different economies may have very different criteria for vetting applications from their own citizens; for example, Hong Kong accepts applications from all permanent resident bona fide business people, but Australia restricts participation to representatives of businesses engaged in international trade or investment between APEC economies, have received an Export Market Development Grant from Austrade in the past five years, are listed on the current Forbes Global 2000 business list, or meet other similar criteria. [6]

After submitting an application, an applicant's name is circulated amongst the other participating economies which give entry pre-clearance when all conditions are met. The names of the economies for which entry pre-clearance has been given are printed on the card's reverse. It may take as long as three to four months for all member economies to respond to the pre-clearance queries from the applicant's government, as a result of which applicants may choose to have their card issued without waiting for some governments' dilatory responses and thus not enjoy travel privileges in those economies. [7] For applications made after September 2015, the card is valid for five years (previously 3 years), after which a fresh application must be made. If the holder's passport is renewed during the 5 year validity period, the card must be reissued to reflect the new passport number. As of February 2014, there were roughly five hundred thousand ABTCs in active use. [7]

Canada and the United States are transitional members. This permits them to issue ABTCs to their own citizens and nationals so that they can take advantage of expedited visa appointment and immigration clearance procedures in other economies, but without their citizens and nationals enjoying additional visa-free travel, or having to grant visa-free travel status to holders of APEC cards issued by other participating economies. [8] [9] The U.S. began accepting applications for ABTCs in June 2014, while Canada announced in October 2013 that it would begin a limited-participation trial programme.

It is also possible for a citizen of a third party country (including the United States and Canada) who is also permanent resident of Hong Kong to apply for an APEC card via the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This exception does not apply to any other member economies.

Physical appearance

The card is issued in creditcard form, is machine-readable and has the following fields:

Apart from the name of the member economy, no national signs are present on the card. On the back of the card, the member economies for which clearance has been approved are shown. The Machine-readable strip starts with "CP", followed by the abbreviation of the issuing economy. The abbreviations are in conformation with the 3-letter ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 country codes. Although Taiwan is a member economy under the name Chinese Taipei, the abbreviation TWN is used here.

Use

The card must be used in conjunction with a passport [10] and has the following advantages: [11]

Country specific information

Australia

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. [14] 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.

Eligibility requirements for Australian citizens to get an ABTC include: [6]

Canada

Although Canada is not a full participant of the scheme, card holders are eligible to use special service lanes at major international airports upon arrival in Canada, but are still subject to the regular entry/visa requirements. [15] At the APEC Indonesia 2013 summit, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that his country would begin a pilot scheme allowing Canadian citizen NEXUS members to apply for ABTCs. [10]

In June 2014, the Canada Border Services Agency published a final rule regarding the issuance of ABTCs to Canadian Citizens. Applicants for ABTCs must already be enrolled in the NEXUS program. Applicants can apply through the GOES portal, the same US CBP operated website used for its other trusted traveler schemes. [16] [17]

Since Canada is only a transitional member of the ABTC scheme and does not grant any visa waiver to ABTC holders from other economies, Canadian citizens reciprocally do not enjoy any additional visa-free travel through the ABTC scheme. However, they qualify for expedited visa appointment procedures for those economies which require visas for Canadian citizens, and use of specially marked ABTC lanes at airports. [16]

Hong Kong

All Hong Kong permanent residents who are bona fide frequent business travellers are eligible to apply for the card through the Immigration Department upon submission of form ID900, regardless of whether they are Chinese citizens, as long as they have never committed a criminal offence and have never been denied entry into another APEC participating economy. The application fee is HKD540. [18]

As Hong Kong is a full participant of the scheme, non-Hong Kong residents who hold an APEC Business Travel Card can enter Hong Kong visa-free for 60 days and are entitled to use special fast-track or resident counters.

Japan

Japan is a full member since 2003 and MOFA issues these cards to businessmen who are Japanese citizens. Popularly it is called as ABTC card. Visa free travel is allowed for either 60 or 90 days depending on the travel destination except for Philippines where the stay is limited to 59 days. Card holders can avail special fast-track lanes to expedite the immigration process. However, as Japanese passport already enjoys several visa-free travel perks, using this card may not always prolong the stay any further (ex: in case of travelling to Chile, South Korea or Taiwan) and rather using this card may reduce the period of stay (eg. travelling to Peru).

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens can apply for an ABTC if they travel frequently on business and are of a good character through Immigration New Zealand for NZD150. [19]

As New Zealand is a full participant of the scheme, foreign cardholders can enter New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days.

Russia

Card holders are permitted to stay for business purposes for a maximum of 90 days in each period of 180 days.

United States

Although the United States is not a full participant in the scheme, card holders can use special fast-track lanes for aircrew at international airports in the United States, but they are still subject to regular entry/visa requirements.

Applicants for ABTCs must already be enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. As the United States is only a transitional member of the ABTC scheme and does not grant any visa waiver to ABTC holders from other economies, U.S. citizens reciprocally do not enjoy any additional visa-free travel through the ABTC scheme. However, they qualify for expedited visa appointment procedures for those economies which require visas for U.S. citizens, and use of diplomatic or crew lines at airports. [8] Among the 21 ABTC scheme member economies, the visa policies of China, of Russia, and of Vietnam require advance visas for U.S. citizens making short-term business visits, while visa policy of Papua New Guinea issues visas on arrival for a fee. As of 3 January 2017, the fee is $70. [20]

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act (Pub. L.   112–54 (text) (PDF)) was passed in November 2011 to authorize the issue of ABTCs to US travellers until September 2018. [21] Implementation began shortly thereafter. [22] In May 2014, the United States Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule regarding the issuance of ABTCs to U.S. citizens. In June 2014, U.S. Customs and Border Protection began accepting ABTC applications through the GOES portal, the same website used for its other trusted traveler schemes. 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. [23]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport</span> Passports issued to Chinese citizens of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China passport is a passport issued only to permanent residents of Hong Kong who also hold Chinese citizenship. In accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, since the transfer of sovereignty on 1 July 1997, the passport has been issued by the Immigration Department of the Government of Hong Kong under the authorisation of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. As the official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English, the passport is printed bilingually in both Chinese and English.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Australia</span> Policy on permits required to enter Australia and its external territories

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of the United States</span> Policy on permits required to enter the United States and its unincorporated territories

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. The same rules apply for travel to all U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with additional waivers, while similar but separate rules apply to American Samoa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Taiwan</span> Policy on permits required to enter Taiwan (ROC)

Visitors to the Republic of China (Taiwan) must obtain a visa or authorization in advance, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose nationals are eligible for visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

Visitors to the mainland of the People's Republic of China must obtain a visa from one of the Chinese diplomatic missions, unless they are a national of one of the visa-exempt countries. The two special administrative regions – Hong Kong and Macau – maintain their own independent border control policies and thus have their own separate visa requirements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Hong Kong</span> Policy on permits required to enter Hong Kong

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa requirements for Taiwanese citizens</span> Administrative entry restrictions

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens</span> Administrative entry restrictions

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa requirements for Peruvian citizens</span> Administrative entry restrictions

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Visa requirements for Papua New Guinean citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Papua New Guinea. As of 2 July 2019, Papua New Guinean citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 82 countries and territories, ranking the Papua New Guinean passport 64th in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.

The visa policy of the Philippines is governed by Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Philippine Immigration Act, and by subsequent legislation amending it. The Act is jointly enforced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Visitors from 157 countries are permitted visa-free entry for periods ranging from 14 to 59 days.

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e-Channel

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The visa policy of Malaysia consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in Malaysia. Most visitors to Malaysia are granted visa-free entry for a period of 90, 30, or 14 days respectively. However, nationals from some countries must first obtain a visa from one of the Malaysian Diplomatic Missions before being allowed into the country. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Thailand</span> Policy on permits required to enter Thailand

Visitors to Thailand must obtain a visa from one of the Thai diplomatic missions unless they come from a visa-exempt country or a country whose citizens are eligible to obtain visas on arrival/eVisa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of New Zealand</span> Policy on permits required to enter the Realm of New Zealand

Non–New Zealand citizens wishing to enter the Realm of New Zealand must obtain a visa unless they are

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visa policy of Singapore</span> Policy on permits required to enter Singapore

The visa policy of Singapore deals with the requirements to enter Singapore. A foreign national, depending on their country of origin, must meet certain requirements to obtain a visa, which is a permit to travel, to enter and remain in the country. A visa may also entitle the visa holder to other privileges, such as a right to work, study, etc. and may be subject to conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automated border control system</span> Type of automated self-service barrier

Automated border control systems (ABC) or eGates are automated self-service barriers which use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder's identity. Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. After the identification process is complete and the passport holder's identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage. If the passport holder's identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open and an immigration officer will meet the person. E-gates came about in the mid-2000s as an automated method of reading the then-newly ICAO mandated e-passports.

An electronic visa, electronic entry visa or electronic travel authorisation/electronic travel authority (ETA) is a travel permit in an electronic form. It is often required in addition to a valid passport for access into a particular jurisdiction.

References

  1. ↑ "Immigration and citizenship Website".
  2. 1 2 3 "Virtual APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)".
  3. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". APEC. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  4. ↑ "Russia opens visa-free entry for ABTC card-holders". Russia Beyond the Headlines . 2013-06-07. Archived from the original on 2013-07-07. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  5. ↑ "Russia Implements Visa-Free Entry for APEC Businessmen". Bernama. 2013-06-08. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  6. 1 2 "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) for Australian citizens". Department of Home Affairs (Australia). Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  7. 1 2 Dodwell, David (2014-02-26). "Apec card opens doors to shorter immigration queues – but not all". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2014-06-15.
  8. 1 2 79 FR 27161
  9. ↑ "U.S. Participation in the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme". Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Archived from the original on 2020-09-24. Retrieved 2014-06-13.
  10. 1 2 "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card". Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. 2013-10-08. Archived from the original on 2014-06-09. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
  11. ↑ "Summary Information about ABTC lanes arrangements at airports, length of stay granted to APEC Cardholders and average foreign pre-clearance processing time". Business Mobility Group. March 2008. Archived from the original on 2011-12-18. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
  12. ↑ "Length of Stay". Fast Track Consultancy. Archived from the original on 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2017-09-01.
  13. ↑ "Air New Zealand Travel Tips" . Retrieved 2018-01-24.
  14. ↑ "Business Travel Card for Australian citizens". immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
  15. ↑ "Fact Sheet – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card". Canada Border Services Agency. Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
  16. 1 2 "Customs Notice 14-012: Implementation of the Canadian Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card Pilot". Canada Border Services Agency. 14 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  17. ↑ "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card". Canada Border Services Agency. 24 January 2017. Archived from the original on 23 August 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  18. ↑ "APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme". Hong Kong Immigration Department. 2019-05-12. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  19. ↑ "APEC Business Travel Card Application" (PDF). Immigration New Zealand.
  20. ↑ "APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) for U.S. citizens". United States Customs and Border Protection. Retrieved 2020-06-13.
  21. ↑ "Fact Sheet: APEC on Travel Facilitation". White House Press Office. 2011-11-12. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
  22. ↑ "Business leaders applaud Obama's move on APEC travel card". Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. 2011-11-12. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
  23. ↑ Hirono, Mazie K. (November 2, 2017). "Actions - S.504 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017". www.congress.gov.
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