|
Home > Public Services > Hong Kong Visas > The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China APEC Business Travel Card Public Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China APEC Business Travel Card
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
The aim of the Scheme is to enhance the mobility of business travellers within the APEC economies for promotion of business within the region.
The Card is plastic and of the size of a credit card. It is normally valid for 3 years. The Card is good for multiple visits of 2 to 3 months to participating economies without visas.
Card holders will also enjoy streamlined immigration clearance at special lane at the control points of participating economies. When you travel to the APEC economies participating in the Scheme, you must bring along your valid national passport together with your APEC Business Travel Card in order to enjoy streamlined immigration clearance. In Hong Kong, Card holders will be allowed to use "resident" counters where available. Effective from November 19, 2006, card holders travelling to the United States can use the "fast-track" lanes (currently designated for aircrew) for passenger clearance at all international airports in the United States upon entry. However, ABTC holders are still subject to the usual immigration clearance process as applicable to other travellers, such as presenting valid passports and where applicable, valid visas for the United States. Should an ABTC holder require a visa for urgent business travel and find that there are no appointments available for the next working day, he or she may fax the U.S. Consulate General's office at 2147 3586 to request a special appointment slot.
Since March 15, 2007, Card holders have been able to use the specific immigration lanes (currently used by diplomats and aircrew) for passenger clearance at the major international airports in Mexico upon entry. However, ABTC holders are still subject to the usual immigration clearance process as applicable to other travellers, such as presenting valid passports and where applicable, valid visas for Mexico. Moreover, the Mexican Consular Officers will also expedite and give priority to the Card holders applying for business visa to enter Mexico.
Since January 1, 2008, Card holders have been able to use the special service lanes for passenger clearance at the major international airports in Canada upon entry. ABTC holders may follow signage with the APEC logo to access the lane. However, they are still subject to the usual immigration clearance process as applicable to other travellers, such as presenting valid passports and where applicable, valid visas for Canada.
Participating economies
The APEC economies participating in the Scheme are :
 |
Australia |
|
Brunei Darussalam |
|
Chile |
|
People's Republic of China |
|
Hong Kong (China) |
|
Indonesia |
|
Japan |
|
Republic of Korea |
|
Malaysia |
|
Mexico |
|
New Zealand |
|
Papua New Guinea |
|
Peru |
|
The Philippines |
|
Singapore |
|
Chinese Taipei |
|
Thailand |
|
Vietnam |
Eligibility
A business person residing in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) may apply for an APEC Business Travel Card if he :
|
holds a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport; |
|
has not previously been denied entry to any of the participating economies; |
|
has never been convicted of a criminal offence; |
|
must be a bona fide business person who needs to travel frequently on short term visits within the APEC region to fulfil business commitments. |
A bona fide business person is taken to mean a person who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services or the conduct of investment activities. It does not include entertainers, musicians, artists or persons engaged in similar occupations.
Form Completion and Submission
As the application will be referred to other participating APEC economies, the application form (ID900) should be completed in English in block letters and black ink, with your photograph affixed on it and enclosed with :
- a photocopy of your Hong Kong permanent identity card (only the side with your personal particulars and photograph is required);
- a photocopy of your valid passport showing your personal particulars, nationality, dates of issue and expiry;
- another identical photograph of yourself;
- address label (ID839) fully completed; and
- a letter from your employing company supporting your application.
The completed application form should be sent by post, or in person to the Other Visas and Permits Section, 7/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Fees
The current prescribed fee for new issue of the Card is HK$427; a fee of HK$165 will be charged for card replacement for the remainder of its validity period. The fee is payable upon collection in cash, by cashier order, bank draft or crossed cheque in Hong Kong currency made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region". Cash should not be sent.
Issue and Collection
The Card will be issued to you if you have fully met the eligibility criteria and have been pre-cleared by at least one APEC economy.
You may collect the Card either in person or authorise a representative to do it on your behalf. Upon collection, you/your authorised representative must produce your original valid passport for inspection if this has not been done when you submit the application.
Additional Information
If you wish to get more information about the Scheme, please contact us on telephone number (852) 2824 6111 or by fax (852) 2877 7711 or by email enquiry@immd.gov.hk. You may also visit the APEC official website for further information on the Scheme.
|