APEC Card Application Form

In the busy business age, international travel is a must for the majority of employees. The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) makes business travel quicker and easier in APEC economies. It saves the trouble of applying for separate visas and allows cardholders to enter quickly through dedicated lanes at airports. APEC Card Application Form is the primary and most important method of obtaining this privilege. For business professionals from Hong Kong, possession of an APEC Card will conserve valuable time and facilitate frequent business trips in APEC-participating economies.

In this guide, we will help you on what to put in your APEC Card application form, errors to steer clear of, and lodging your application correctly.

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    What is an APEC Card Application Form?

    APEC Card Application Form is an official application form that is utilized to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card. It collects personal, employment, and travel information to assess your eligibility for the card.

    You can download the official application form from the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website.

    Who is eligible to apply?

    To obtain an APEC Business Travel Card in Hong Kong, you should:

    • Be a Hong Kong permanent resident.
    • Hold a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card.
    • Regularly visit APEC countries for valid business reasons.
    • Have no criminal record or negative immigration history.

    Information to Provide in Your APEC Card Application Form

    As you complete your application, make sure you fill in all of the following sections appropriately:

    1. Personal Information
    • Full name (as appears on your passport)
    • Gender, date of birth, and place of birth
    • Residency status and nationality
    • Hong Kong ID card number and passport information
    1. Business and Employment Information
    • Current job title and employer information
    • Nature of business and your role responsibilities
    • Evidence of regular business travel within APEC economies
    • Self-employment registration certificate (if self-employed)
    1. Contact Information
    • Residence address in Hong Kong
    • Office address and phone number
    • Email address for official messages
    1. Travel History and Purpose of Business
    • Details of business trips taken in the previous 12 months
    • List of APEC economies visited regularly for business
    • Explanation of what businesses do and why they do it.
    1. Declaration and Signature
    • Declaration of accuracy of the information
    • Applicant’s signature and date.

    Employer’s signature and consent (where necessary)

    Mandatory Support Documents

    Your application must be accompanied by the following documents:

    • Completed APEC Card application form
    • Copy of Hong Kong Permanent ID Card
    • Copy of valid travel document (passport)
    • Proof of employment or business registration certificate
    • New passport photo
    • Proof of business activities in APEC economies (not mandatory but strongly suggested)

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    To avoid undue delay or rejection, steer clear of these most common mistakes:

    • Inadequate or incomplete personal information
    • Different information in the ID card and travel document.
    • No signature or approval from any employer
    • Failure to attach all the required supporting documents.

    How to Apply for Your APEC Card Application Form in Hong Kong

    You can submit your application in two easy ways:

    Submitting Online

    Via the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s e-Visa platform

    Upload all the necessary documents and pay the application fee.

    Personal Submission

    At the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai

    Please bring hard copies of the application form and documents.

    Application Fees and Payment Instructions

    A non-refundable application fee per application. Payment can be made by:

    • Online credit card
    • Cash, EPS, or cheque (in-person)

    Processing Time and Follow-Up

    • The usual processing time is around 8 to 12 weeks. This differs based on the response time for other APEC economies.
    • You can also verify the status of your application on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s e-Visa portal.
    • If additional documents or explanation are required, you will be notified by mail or email.

    After Approval: What's Next?

    After approval, you’ll get your APEC Business Travel Card. The card:

    • Is usually good for 5 years.
    • Allows visa-free travel among participating APEC economies.
    • Allows the use of quick immigration lanes.
    • Yet the card does not guarantee entry — immigration authorities can still request more documentation.

    Conclusion

    It is important to complete the APEC Card Application Form correctly for a smooth application process. Clear, consistent, and correct information, along with all the necessary supporting documentation, will prevent delays and rejections. If you’re unsure about the process, consider seeking professional assistance to streamline your application.

    How FastLane HR Can Help

    We at FastLane HR make it easy to get the APEC card. Our services include: Expert advice on putting together your application Documentation review to ensure compliance and accuracy End-to-end application processing Help with renewal and travel documents needed. Call us today and allow your business to travel around APEC economies with ease!