APEC Business Travel Card:

Currently, all 21 APEC economies have joined the travel card scheme, including: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. The United States and Canada are currently transitional members and do not accept travel card applications from other economies, but provide visa application and entry-exit facilitation for cardholders from other economies. Major airports in the US and Canada have dedicated APEC business travel card lanes (or shared with diplomatic lanes) to provide fast-track clearance for cardholders.

Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card:

Applicants can apply once for a card valid for five years, allowing multiple entries. Each entry permits a stay of at least 60 days. Additionally, APEC economies generally provide entry-exit facilitation for cardholders.

How long can cardholders stay in each economy?

The maximum stay allowed varies between 60 to 90 days. Below are specific details:

l 60 days: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea

l 90 days: Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Brunei, Mexico, Peru, Chile

l If the travel card's validity is less than 60 or 90 days, cardholders must leave before the card expires.

l Cardholders from other economies can stay in China for up to 60 days per entry.

How to apply for the APEC Business Travel Card:

According to the "APEC Business Travel Card Operating Framework", except for Hong Kong, participating economies only accept card applications from their own citizens.