Important Updates
Important Updates
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 12, 2025 | MauritiusMauritius: New Conditions for Occupation Permit, Young Professional Permit and Permanent Residency Applications
September 12, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 12, 2025 | MauritiusMauritius: New Conditions for Occupation Permit, Young Professional Permit and Permanent Residency Applications
September 12, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

APEC Business Travel Cards: An Overview

April 21, 2015

Marco Deutsch

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Mario Tablan

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Mobility Group introduced the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) program in 1997 with the aim of facilitating the travel of business people between APEC countries. In participating economies, ABTC holders can enjoy expedited immigration clearance, visa free entry, and in some cases, longer stays. The ABTC may be used only for business travel and not for tourism, social visits or other non-business activities.

Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam are ABTC participating economies. As transitional member states, Canada and the United States do not yet fully participate in the ABTC program.  

Expedited immigration clearance

ABTC holders are permitted to use the APEC immigration lanes at major international airports in APEC member countries, thereby avoiding arrival and departure queues at immigration counters.

Cardholders are required to present a valid ABTC with the requisite member country initials marked on the back of the card (e.g. “SGP” for Singapore), signifying the holder is pre-cleared to enter that country.  Travelers must also show a passport issued by a designated APEC country which is valid for at least six months, as well as an onward/return travel itinerary or air ticket.

Visa-free entry

The ABTC is especially useful for nationals who would normally need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to a given country. If the card holder is pre-cleared for entry, as evidenced by the country initials on the back of the card, the ABTC would generally take the place of a business visa and be admitted into the country under that status. While this is generally true, conditions could still vary depending on the receiving country. For example, the ABTC may not be used by residents of mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan to enter one of the other two locations, and these travelers will still be required to show the required special travel permits.

Longer stays

Certain countries grant longer stays for ABTC holders than they would receive if using just their passport. In Malaysia, for example, card holders may enter for 60 days, whereas if they received the usual Social Visit Pass, the stay will vary depending on nationality. Likewise, in the Philippines, card holders receive 60 days up front, while most nationalities are granted an initial 30 days on 9(a) visitor status. However, in South Korea, while most card holders receive 90 days, certain nationals receive a shorter stay, such as 60 days for nationals of China, Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and 59 days for nationals of the Philippines.

It must be noted that ABTC applications are personal applications that have to be supported by the applicant’s home government. The approval process by other member countries can also take a long time to obtain. Furthermore, we understand that some countries are more supportive than others of helping their business travelers to obtain the card. Eligibility criteria vary between countries, and business people should contact their home government for details. Individual business travelers (and their employers) should take these factors into account when considering whether to apply for an ABTC.

As Southeast Asia enters the new era of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), it will be interesting to see whether plans will develop for the creation of an ASEAN business travel card similar to the ABTC offering.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Brisbane
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.