Applying for APEC Card
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) uses an “apply once and information used for multiple purposes” approach and streamlines the entry processes into APEC economies for short-term business travellers to promote business within the region.
Firstly, successful applicants will be issued a 5-year card to enter a fully participating economy (full list here). Secondly, card holders can make multiple short-term business visits of up to 60 or 90 days without the need for a visa if pre-clearance has been granted and can use the special service lanes at selected control points. Thirdly, the card also allows holders fast track immigration processing at each economy’s major international airports. (In Hong Kong, card holders are allowed to use “resident” counters where available.)
(Canada and the United States are only transitional members of the scheme and do not offer reciprocal entry arrangements. Nonetheless, they do provide fast track immigration processing at major international airports. Card holders travelling to the United States can use the “fast-track” for clearance at all international airports upon entry. Those travelling to Canada can use the special service lanes for clearance at major international airports upon entry.)
APEC Card Application in Hong Kong
An applicant must possess a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid Hong Kong passport. He/She must have genuine needs for frequent short-term business travel within the APEC region and must not have been denied entry to any participating economies or convicted of any criminal offence.
The ABTC arrangement does not apply to Chinese citizens of Hong Kong for entry into Mainland China or Chinese Taipei.
Requirements for APEC Card Application
- Form ID 900 (must be completed in English in block letters) with recent photo affixed on page 1 and
- An additional photo identical to the one affixed on Form ID 900 and
- Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card and
- Photocopy of valid Hong Kong passport and
- A letter from employing company supporting the application
APEC Card Application Processing
After necessary local processing, an ABTC application will be referred to other participating economies for pre-clearance. Once an applicant gets an acknowledgement of receipt for his/her application, he/she can check the latest application status online or through a 24-hour telephone hotline.
Successful applicants will be informed by letter when a card is ready for collection.
Counting on FastLane HR
Applying for an ABTC can be complex and time-consuming if you do not know exactly the documents and justifications you need to provide to meet the approval criteria by the Immigration Department. It is always best to do it right the first time than trial and errors. FastLane HR has a team of experienced professionals familiar with the requirements and processes involved in ABTC application. FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need assistance to apply for an ABTC.
Full Services offered by FastLane HR
- Understand your situation and needs
- Assist and/or advise preparation of required documents
- Review documents provided by the applicant
- Prepare declarations, application forms and support letters
- Submit application to the Immigration Department
- Follow-up and communicate with the Immigration Department and provide additional supporting documents when required
- Continuous communications with the applicant
- Arrange payment and collection of ABTC
- Send the ABTC to the applicant
Information posted on this website in relation to policies by the Hong Kong Government are based on latest announcements and guidelines as published by relevant government departments at the time of posting. FastLane HR will not be responsible for any loss or damages incurred as a result of any inaccuracy of such information.
Date: September 2022