The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card provides individuals travelling for short-term business with faster and easier entry to economies of the Asia-Pacific region. Essentially, the visa allows individuals to enter certain countries for a period of up to 60 or 90 days without having to separately apply for a visa. An APEC visa is valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue and provides benefits such as access to fast-track entry and exit lanes at certain major airports.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the APEC Visa, you need to meet the following criteria:
Please Note!
Each participating economy has the right to impose additional eligibility criteria on their applicants. For example, applicants who hold an Australian passport must be a CEO, Vice president or other senior official in order to be eligible. To view the specific requirements relating to your country of passport, please click here.
The Application Process
*In the case of Hong Kong, the applicant must apply to the economy in which they hold PR.
Participating Economies and Entry Requirements
| Country | Length of Stay | Travel Purpose | Ports of Entry |
| Australia | 90 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Brunei Darussalam | 90 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Designated ports of entry only |
| Canada | Designated ports of entry only | ||
| Chile | 90 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| China | 60 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Hong Kong, China | 60 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Indonesia | 60 days | Business purposes only | Designated ports of entry only |
| Japan | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Korea | 90 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Malaysia | 90 days | Business purposes only | Designated ports of entry only |
| Mexico | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| New Zealand | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Papua New Guinea | 60 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Peru | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| The Philippines | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Russia | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Singapore | 60 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Chinese Taipei | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Taipei | 90 days | Business purposes only | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| Thailand | 90 days | Can travel for tourism and business | Can enter at all ports of entry |
| United States | Designated ports of entry only | ||
| Vietnam | 90 days | Can enter at all ports of entry |
The Apec Visa and Covid- 19
The restrictions to visa and visa processing as a result of COVID-19 also applies to ABTC visa holders. If you are seeking to travel using ABTC make sure to understand entry restrictions in your intended travel destination and consider whether you will need to quarantine upon arrival.
Related:
- How to extend your stay in Australia on a Visitor visa?
- Reasons for Australian Visitor Visa Refusal
- Australia Visa Waivers and Refunds
- Australia and New Zealand Safe Travel Zone
- Permissible Activities on Visitor Visas
- Bringing Family Members to Australia
- Visitor Visa options for Parents after COVID-19
- Australian borders likely to open in beginning of 2022
- Australia’s four-phase plan to open its border
