Last Updated on: October 8, 2024 at 8:20 am

Over recent years, corporate travelling around the Asia-Pacific area has seen a significant surge. This is primarily the result of rapid economic growth and industrial progress. 

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a helpful tool for those travelling for work purposes. Issued to business travellers and state officials hailing from 21 participating APEC countries, this card considerably eases inter-regional movements.

It offers attractive perks like visa waivers along with quicker airport security clearances, hence proving highly advantageous to regular corporate travellers. In this article, we will dig deeper into what the ABTC is, which benefits it provides and how to apply for it. 

What is the APEC Business Travel Card?

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has introduced the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with the goal of streamlining business travel within its 21 associated economies. Of these countries, 19 are fully participating in the scheme. These are 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. The other two countries (Canada and the United States) are transitional members.

The ABTC works both as a travel document and a pre-approved entry card, allowing visa-free travel along with expedited security checks at airports. The card’s duration is five years unless linked passports expire beforehand; however, those wishing to benefit from its advantages can renew it. In order to avoid potential interruptions, the renewal process should begin six months before expiration. 

Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card offers a range of perks designed to streamline corporate travel within the aforementioned 21 countries. 

In addition to gaining visa-free or swift visa-on-arrival access for business trips, cardholders can skim effortlessly through special pathways at airports designated for APEC travellers – bypassing boring queues and enabling swifter movement overall. 

This can also reduce costs, as those applying for a visa through the normal routes may have to incur significant processing fees. 

Eligibility Criteria

Meeting explicit eligibility requirements is necessary to be granted an ABTC. First, individuals need to have citizenship or permanent residency status within one of the participating nations under APEC.

Secondly, the collection of certain documents includes a lawful passport issued by an economy that’s part of APEC. Certain economics may demand extra paperwork like proof depicting employment in appropriate business sectors or governmental roles.

Finally, applicants are expected to show concrete evidence illustrating their frequent travels towards other economies aligning with their work responsibilities. 

Can Canadians apply for an APEC Business travel card?

Every Canadian citizen is required to have NEXUS membership prior to submitting an application for an ABTC. Incurring a non-returnable charge of US$70, the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) offers a validity period of five years, which may be influenced by the expiration of the member’s passport and/or NEXUS card. It’s crucial to note that the ABTC membership becomes void if NEXUS membership is revoked. The procedure for applications and renewals is streamlined through the U.S. Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) System. Once an application gains approval, the applicant is prompted to visit an Enrollment Centre to conclude their registration and provide a digital signature, after which the card will be dispatched to them through the mail.

A step-by-step guide to applying for the APEC Business Travel card

Getting an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a simple process, but attention to detail is crucial.

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you’re a citizen or permanent resident of an APEC participating economy and meet the business standing requirements. 
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport and proof of employment or business engagements within the APEC region.
3. Apply Online: Depending on your home economy, you can apply through trusted traveller programs like Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS in the U.S. or via national immigration websites for other economies.
4. Pay Fees: Application fees vary. In the U.S., the ABTC application fee is $70, payable when applying.
5. Interview: After reviewing your application, authorities may invite you for an interview to verify information and assess eligibility.
6. Processing Time: The application undergoes a review process that takes approximately two to three months. This allows all participating APEC economies to be notified of your application.
7. Approval: If approved, you’ll receive a unique token for your virtual ABTC via email.

Remember, each APEC country may have slightly different application processes, so always check with your local immigration authority.

Using the APEC Business travel card

To make the most of your APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), follow these tips:

1. Plan in Advance: Familiarize yourself with APEC countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. This will help you plan your business trips efficiently and take advantage of the ABTC benefits.
2. Be Airport Savvy: Get to know the airports you’ll be using. Look out for special APEC lanes that offer faster immigration clearance.
3. Keep Your Documents Handy: Always carry your ABTC and passport. Some economies may require additional documentation, so keep them easily accessible.
4. Renew in Time: The ABTC is valid for up to five years, but don’t wait until the last minute to renew. Allow for sufficient time, as the application review process may take time. Apply at least two months before it expires.
5. Stay Updated: Stay informed about any changes in the ABTC program. New economies may join, or existing requirements may change.

By following these practices, you can ensure smoother and more efficient business travel throughout the APEC region.

The impact of APEC Business travel card

The APEC Business Travel Card has proven advantageous for professionals spanning diverse sectors. Imagine a top-ranking business executive from an influential U.S. company who regularly jets off to Asia, with frequent stops in countries like China, Japan and Singapore for client meetings and partnership discussions. 

Just as common is the scenario of an Australian small-scale entrepreneur frequently visiting trade events or attending seminars across North America. Nearly 1,600 ABTC cardholders shared their perspective via a customer satisfaction survey. 

The majority voiced very positive views about this initiative primarily due to its handiness. Expeditious airport handling was cited by approximately six out of every ten respondents, while close to one-third were pleased with escaping visa paperwork.

Rating on a scale ranging from one (least satisfied) through five (extremely satisfied), more than eight-tenth scored four or higher, reflecting great user experience overall; roughly three-quarters found it easy to access designated ‘APEC’ channels at airports. Eighty-two per cent of users rated proficiently fast service during air travel checks highly, whereas bypassing tedious Visa application processes appealed greatly among seventy-four per cent.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)?

Citizens or permanent residents of an APEC participating economy who meet the business standing requirements can apply for the ABTC.

How long does it take to process the ABTC application?

An ABTC application’s review process typically takes two to three months.  

What are the main advantages of the ABTC according to users?

Users primarily appreciate the ABTC’s convenience, with 59% citing expedited airport processing as their main reason for using the card. Additionally, 31% value the card for bypassing visa applications.

How long is the ABTC valid, and when should I renew it?

The ABTC is valid for up to five years. It’s recommended to apply for renewal at least two months before expiration to allow for application review time.

Facilitate your business travel activities even further with TruTrip

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders, corporate travellers in general and travel managers can make their operations even easier by also leveraging a modern travel management company like TruTrip. This full-service solution features travel management software aimed at simplifying every layer of corporate management, from planning trips to managing expenses to setting travel policies to ensuring employee well-being during trips.

By optimizing corporate travel processes, TruTrip helps you make the most of your ABTC and other travel benefits while saving time and money. Book a demo or sign up for a free trial to test TruTrip’s benefits yourself.