Your complete guide to the APEC Business Travel Card
Discover why the APEC card is a secret weapon in the passport wallet of Australian business travellers.
Imagine a single card which not only unlocks fast-tracked dedicated immigration lanes at the airports of over a dozen countries but lets you visit those countries without the hassle of applying for a visa.
Now stop imagining it because this card is the real deal – it’s the APEC Business Travel Card, and it’s part of a multi-national program to make business travel quicker, easier and a lot more affordable.
The APEC Business Travel Card is also surprisingly easy to obtain. Here’s what you need to know.
Also read: Australia to join US Global Entry, PreCheck programs
What is an APEC business travel card?
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is issued and recognised by 19 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation pact to facilitate business travel across the APEC region.
It significantly streamlines the travel process by removing the need to apply for a separate visa with each APEC country, with the bonus of letting you zip through airports using a special lane typically reserved for cabin crew and diplomats.
The following countries are full APEC members, in addition to Australia, of course:
- Brunei
- Chile
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
While the USA and Canada are not full members, they still offer some fast-track benefits to APEC Business Travel Card holders.
Benefits of the APEC Business Travel card
There are two core benefits to holding an APEC Business Travel Card, and all of them will be music to the ears of any frequent flyer.
Visa-free travel: with an APEC Business Travel Card, you no longer need to apply for a visa to enter any of the 19 APEC member nations. That’s an immediate saver of time, hassles and money.
As a bonus, you can also stay up to 60 or even 90 days on each trip (the exact number depends on which country you’re visiting) and enjoy multiple entries within a consecutive 90-day period, again without the need for a special ‘multiple entry’ visa .
This all vastly simplifies the process of embarking upon a single business trip to Asia and visiting several countries within the region.
The only exception to this is the USA and Canada, which as ‘transitional’ APEC members still require travellers to complete a visa waiver.
Fast-track customs and immigration: say goodbye to all those times you’ve turned up at the airport, or landed in another country, only to be confronted with long snaking barely-moving lines for immigration and customs.
Your APEC Business Travel Card unlocks access to a special series of fast-track lanes at customs and immigration checkpoints.
These aren’t just the same priority lanes assigned to first and business class passengers: instead, they’re the special lanes used by cabin crew and the holders of diplomatic passports.
That’s the fastest of fast-tracks and it’ll get you to your hotel or meeting in record time – especially if you’re in the habit of being a ‘hand-luggage only’ flyer who eschews checked bags.
And because the APEC Business Travel Card is valid for five years, you’re in for five years of quicker, easier travel throughout Asia and beyond.
How do I apply for an APEC Business Travel Card?
While each APEC member country has its own set of guidelines for applying for an APEC Business Travel Card, the eligibility criteria and overall process is generally quite similar.
In Australia, applications for an APEC Business Travel Card are processed by the Department of Home Affairs and requires a $200 non-refundable application fee.
Though once a physical card, the APEC BTC is now fully virtual – accessible via a smartphone app available on the Apple iPhone and Google Android platforms.
To be eligible for an APEC Business Travel Card, Australian applicants must first of all travel frequently to an APEC country for business purposes, and have not been convicted of any criminal offence.
Assuming you tick both of those boxes, you can be any of the following:
- an owner, director or board member of a registered business entity
- Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or regional or country head of a registered business entity
- Chief Executive Officer of Chief Financial Officer “of an Australian-based business peak body”
- a Vice President, Executive, Director, Senior Manager or similar of an eligible company
- an employee of a registered business entity nominated by the CEO, CFO, regional head, owner or director of the organisation
- a senior government official (defined as a member of the Australian Public Service who is at the Senior Executive Service level or above, or a state/territory equivalent)
Finally, your business or “Australian-based peak business body” must be “engaged in international trade or investment between APEC economies.”
That can cover “trading goods, services or conducting investment activities between APEC economies”, although the rules provide leniency “if the business is a start-up operation.”
The Department of Home Affairs website offers more detail on how it assesses if your business is uitable for the APEC Business Travel Card.
APEC Business Travel Card: FAQs
Do I still need a passport for entry into APEC economies?
Yes. The APEC Business Travel Card is not intended to replace the passport and you will be required to present it together with your APEC Business Travel Card when arriving and departing from participating economies.
What’s the processing time of my APEC business travel card application?
As a general rule, each application takes between two to three months to be processed. However, some economies require additional information and may impose additional eligibility criteria, which may delay the clearing process even further.
If you are planning to travel through the APEC region within a short time of applying, the Australian Government offers an interim APEC Business Travel Card option.
This alternative will allow you to indicate five priority economies when submitting your application and receive a provisional card for those five economies whilst you wait to receive your official APEC Business Travel Card.
How long does it take for my ABTC to expire?
The ABTC is valid for five years. Note, however, that your APEC Business Travel Card is associated with the specific passport you used in your application, so if your passport expires, you’ll have to update the details by submitting a copy of your new passport bio-data page through your ImmiAccount.
How can I renew my APEC business travel card?
Unfortunately, there is no established renewal process. Your only option is to file a new application once your current APEC Business Travel Card has expired, meaning you’ll once again have to wait for all the countries of the APEC Business Travel Card scheme to process and approve your application.
We therefore recommend submitting the application for the new APEC Business Travel Card at least three months before the expiry of your current card.
Singapore Airlines - The PPS Club
20 Apr 2015
Total posts 33
Be careful if you are applying for an APEC card for visa free travel to Vietnam. I've had my card since February and Vietnam has still not processed/updated my status. I was told that Vietnam stopped reviewing applications during Covid and have only recently started to assess applications. Assume there is quite a back log.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
I have had all countries other than Vietnam, PNG and of course RUS approved for approx 6 months so unsure if and when this will change although no issues with the interim virtual card entering IDN, MYS, PHL, SGP and AUS so far in this time.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jun 2019
Total posts 4
Vietnam took over 12 months to appear on my card
31 Oct 2018
Total posts 11
Does the APEC Business Travel Card permit you to bring family members / companions through the diplomatic queue? Or does each person need a card?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
While no direct experience with this i have witnessed what looks like family members being turned away at the counter and then ending up at the back of a huge line in MNL. Personally i would not risk as most immigration officers in SEA aren't the friendliest people at the best of times when not trying to bend the rules.
25 Oct 2010
Total posts 24
I have had mixed experience here. Mostly I am able to get my spouse through using the card. But I was stopped in New Zealand once. Was told "this is only for business trips, you are clearly on a holiday, head to the other queue".
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
As the application, and approval, is based on specific criteria, including your role within an approved company and frequency of travel, and is linked to a specific passport, it is ultimately an individual card that cannot be used to take family members through with you. It does not provide visa free entry for anyone other than the card holder.
I have had my partner refused entry through the ABTC immigration line a few times. Having said that it sometimes depends on the immigration officer. If they don’t really care that that the person travelling is using the ABTC line then they may process your family member as per usual, but I wouldn’t rely on it.
25 Oct 2010
Total posts 24
sssshhhhhhhh! The first rule of APEC card is dont talk about APEC card!! The only "best tips on travelling" that I dont give as I (selfishly) want to make the APEC queues as short as possible in Oz, Japan, Korea, Thailand and more!
04 Nov 2022
Total posts 1
Tim is correct. These APEC Cards are tremendous. I have managed to get a few friends through in different cities, always looking very business like, of course. They were cracking down on the pre-requisites a few years back and making it harder for people to get them. To renew your Card you have to prove that you made 4 trips to those countries listed in the last 12 months. I dont know what will happen to me as mine runs out in 6 months and because of Covid, I have not travelled. I sometimes use my physical card as an identity document as it has my face on it, so well worthwhile having one. Not sure about the virtual ones.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
14 Jul 2017
Total posts 18
Just be aware China has said it will not recognize virtual cards and you'll need to apply for a visa to enter China. I've not been able to confirm if physical cards will be accepted.
05 Oct 2017
Total posts 526
For the foreseeable future, foreigners aren't really able to enter China anyway. Everyone has to submit to quarantine so that's only going to become relevant once China fully reopens, which could be a while away.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1205
China has now begun accepting the digital ABTC.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Mar 2015
Total posts 13
Do you have any link where I can confirm this?
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
China has been accepting virtual cards since May 1, 2023
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/business-travel-card/australian-citizens
You can check your status on your virtual card, if you see CHN, then you have been pre-cleared for China and can use your virtual card
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 May 2017
Total posts 18
China has been accepting the virtual cards for a long time. I used mine last year to enter via train from Hong Kong, no problem.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
Has anybody tried their luck at DPS using card while going in as tourist and what was the outcome?
13 Sep 2013
Total posts 116
Have done it multiple times. Never had an issue
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Dec 2011
Total posts 20
We will be travelling to Bali this August. I have an APEC card and will use this at DPS.
M<y wife does not have the card but will travel with me.
Can she use the same entry lane with me?
Does she need to apply for an Indonesian visa before arrival?
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
Technically she cannot use the same line as you, and yes, she will need a visa
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 419
She will need her own visa, and while technically she should be in a normal visa lane, I often see APEC travellers with their partner and sometimes their family in the APEC lane at various airports, immigration staff appear to be pretty cool with that.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jun 2017
Total posts 73
I have had 3 APEC cards. They are truly great, save a huge amount of time and energy in preparation for travel and when actually travelling. My advice (if it’s worth anything) don’t try to get anyone through the APEC line with you if they don’t have a card. I have seen plenty of travelling companions turned around during my travels so respect the APEC BTC rules and those of the country you are visiting.
I am on a virtual card now. The Interim card as described in the story is not quite right now. With the old physical card you could have an interim card sent when your 5 priority economies had approved you. Now with the virtual card, each economy appears on the app when approved and this is totally random and can’t be sped up. Most came through in 3 to 4 weeks. Vietnam still not approved after 4 months.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2013
Total posts 16
Never been brave enough to try using my APEC card for visa free entry to Vietnam for what is obviously a holiday (based in HKG so fly in Friday night and fly out Sunday night for a short weekend away). Has anyone ever been questioned ' challenged for using it for non business travel?
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
I have used my card for personal trips without issue. As long as the card is valid
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
05 Nov 2014
Total posts 65
A couple of comments:
1. NZ citizens with a registered business in Australia are highly likely to find that they are eligible for an ABTC.
2. Upon arrival in Asia the immigration officers generally anticipate an ABTC being presented by a male in professional dress. Don’t even think of wearing shorts or thongs or, for women, what they would consider “revealing” attire.
3. More than that, forget about taking your spouse or friends or kids in the ABTC queue. They will get redirected to the back of the general queue and you might too.
The ABTC line is for businessmen and businesswomen travelling on business. You can (mis)use it for leisure travel, but at least make sure that you go though the motions of looking like you’re travelling for business purposes!
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
I am not sure about the need to dressed professionally? Do you mean a suit? I travel in casual clothes because it is more comfortable, jeans, t-shirt, sneakers. I have never been challenged about it. As long as the passport and card are valid I see no reason for being refused entry
25 Feb 2015
Total posts 66
I’m in the process of applying for this card and trying to get just a simple dot pointed list of what documents I need to provide. Does anyone have a list of these? (Executive Traveller this would be a great type of thing to include in these articles in the future :) )
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2560
They're outlined at the Govt website linked in the article: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/business-travel-card/australian-citizens
CX
16 May 2015
Total posts 23
I much preferred having a physical card to having it virtually on my phone. Some places don't want you using phones in immigration.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Jan 2023
Total posts 2
any word on when Australia will be included in the US Global Entry list?
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 419
Next year according to https://www.executivetraveller.com/australia-us-global-entry-tsa-precheck
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
Quick note to Executive Traveller.
APEC members are referred to as Member Economies, never as countries. It may seem like semantics but it is an important distinction that anyone working with APEC will understand and relates to the international status of some members
The article says you can go through the same line as air crew. I usually find this is not the case and indeed crew will have a separate line to ABTC holders. In general card holders will be turned away from crew lines.
This is often the case with diplomatic passport holders as well, who more often than not have their own line. It is sometimes the same as the ABTC line but worth checking at the airport as you can be turned away from these channels as well. Having said that I entered Vietnam last week via the diplomatic channel as it was dual purpose on that occasion.
It is always best to look for, or ask someone, where is the ABTC line and enter via the dedicated lane.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Oct 2016
Total posts 113
I realise this is for Asia Pacific countries, but does it have any value for leaving/entering Australia when travelling to/from EU/UK?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Jan 2017
Total posts 26
It's useless outside the member economies.
15 Aug 2024
Total posts 8
No. There isn’t any benefit for non-APEC economies
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 85
Great card to have especially if you are unfortunate to have to do an International transfer at Sydney Airport, can save half hour using Apec line. Never in my life after maybe 20 times have I been asked to show card / and or digital card. Straight through. Never been asked to present card at KLIA, Jakarta, HKIA or Haneda.
24 Oct 2024
Total posts 2
Quick question guys,
Sorry for so many questions but answers to any of them will be great help. I have blasted an email to home affairs as well on 3 email addresses I could find but have 0 hope of getting a satisfactory response from them, if at all.
Thanks in advance
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