The APEC Business Travel Card is a game changer for professionals who frequently travel in the Asia-Pacific region. This card is designed to make your travel experience smoother and more efficient, letting you focus on what really matters—growing your business!
I am British and based and resident in Hong Kong with a permanent resident ID card.
You can apply online to Hong Kong immigration depoartment here
What’s So Great About the APEC Card?
- Visa-Free Travel: One of the biggest perks? You can travel to participating countries without the hassle of applying for a visa every time. That means less paperwork and more time to explore new opportunities.
- Fast-Track Airport Processing: Nobody likes standing in long lines at customs and immigration. With the ABTC, you get access to dedicated fast-track lanes at major airports across APEC economies. Say goodbye to those tedious wait times!
- Multiple Entries: The card allows for multiple entries within a 90-day period to pre-cleared economies. This flexibility means you can hop between countries without worrying about visa restrictions.
- Cost Savings: By cutting down on visa fees and speeding up airport processing, the ABTC helps lower your overall travel costs. That’s more budget for your next big project!
Participating Countries
The ABTC is recognized by 21 APEC member economies, which include:
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Hong Kong (China)
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Korea
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
- Thailand
- United States
- Vietnam
How the Process Works
- Application Submission: To apply for the ABTC, you must submit your application to your home country’s immigration authority. In Hong Kong, this involves completing Form ID 900 in English and providing supporting documents.
- Pre-Clearance Review: After your application is processed locally, it will be forwarded to other participating APEC economies for pre-clearance. Each economy will review your application based on its own criteria.
- Card Issuance: Once all necessary approvals are obtained, you will receive notification about your card’s readiness. The ABTC is typically valid for five years and allows for multiple short-term visits (up to 60 or 90 days) without needing a visa if pre-clearance has been granted.
Requirements to Apply from Hong Kong
To apply for an ABTC from Hong Kong, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Eligibility: You must possess a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid Hong Kong passport. You should also be engaged in bona fide business activities—this means you are involved in trade, service provision, or investment activities.
- Application Form: Complete Form ID 900 with your personal details and affix a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Supporting Documents:
- A photocopy of your Hong Kong identity card.
- A photocopy of your valid Hong Kong passport.
- An additional passport-sized photograph.
- A letter from your employer supporting your application.
- Criminal Record: You must not have any criminal convictions or have been denied entry into any participating economies.
- Submission: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents either online or in person at the Immigration Department in Hong Kong.
In summary, the APEC Business Travel Card is an excellent tool for facilitating business travel within the Asia-Pacific region, providing holders with expedited entry and reduced visa requirements across participating countries. If you frequently travel for business in this dynamic region, applying for an ABTC could be a significant advantage.
I applied 20th Sept 2024 through my company Glowplug Limited (HK). This page will be updated when I have more information.
