APEC Business Travel Card Now Available to Eligible U.S. Citizens

United States

Beginning June 12, 2014, eligible U.S. citizens will be able to apply for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), which affords holders access to fast-track immigration processing at participating airports in 20 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization. 

The U.S. ABTC is available to U.S. citizens who are bona fide business persons engaged in business in the APEC region or a U.S. government official actively engaged in APEC business and are existing members or have been approved for membership in the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI trusted traveler program. 

The 21 member countries of APEC are 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, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. 

Application Process 

To apply for the U.S. ABTC, applicants must set up an account in CBP’s Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), pay a $70 non-refundable fee and undergo a background check. 

If the applicant is already a member of a CBP trusted traveler program, the applicant should select the U.S. ABTC option in GOES as a membership add-on, pay the fee and visit a designated enrollment center to provide an electronic signature. 

If the applicant is concurrently applying for membership in one of CBP’s trusted traveler programs, the applicant will be invited to set up an interview at a CBP trusted traveler enrollment center to complete the process once the application is conditionally approved. 

The U.S. ABTC is valid for three years or until the expiration date of the card holder’s passport, whichever is earlier. 

What This Means for Employers and their U.S. Citizen Employees 

The APEC Business Travel Card can speed business travel to participating Asia-Pacific countries. Cardholders should experience fewer delays in clearing immigration while abroad and upon return to the United States. Note, however, that cardholders may still need to obtain a visa for entry to APEC member countries. 

How Fragomen Can Assist 

Fragomen can assist frequent business travelers in determining their eligibility for the APEC Business Travel Card and in navigating the online application process. 

If you have questions about the APEC Business Travel Card program, please contact your designated Fragomen professional.