U.S. citizens employed in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation region might qualify for a special travel card that expedites their immigration processing at certain airports.
Here’s all the information you need regarding the use of an APEC Business Travel Card.
What exactly is an APEC Business Travel Card, and what are the places where it can be utilized?
The U.S. APEC Business Travel Card Program is offered to U.S. citizens and government officials who conduct business within the APEC region. APEC, an economic forum, promotes free trade and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific area. The organization includes 21 member countries, with the U.S. being one of them.
Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card can utilize a special fast-track lane for quicker immigration processing at major international airports in each APEC member country, including the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card who are U.S. citizens can also use the card for expedited entry into the United States through Global Entry, utilizing automated kiosks at over 75 airports.
Who qualifies for an APEC Business Travel Card?
APEC Business Travel Cards are issued to U.S. citizens and government officials who are “actively engaged” in APEC-related activities. Specifically, they must be “a verified business person” participating in the “trade of goods, provision of services, or the conduct of investment activities within the APEC region,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Please be aware that these terms exclude professional athletes, news reporters, entertainers, musicians, artists, or individuals involved in similar professions.
Furthermore, you must also be an active member in good standing of a CBP trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, Sentri, or Nexus, to qualify.
What is the procedure for obtaining an APEC Business Travel Card?
You can submit an application for an APEC Business Travel Card on the Trusted Traveler Program website. This website also allows you to apply for other trusted traveler programs.
Daily Newsletter
Enhance your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter.
Become one of over 700,000 readers who receive breaking news, comprehensive guides, and exclusive deals from the experts at TPG.
According to CBP, “Tick the box for the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card in TTP. After that, arrange an appointment at any CBP trusted traveler enrollment center for an interview (if you are not already a trusted traveler with CBP) and to collect your electronic signature.”
Filling out the application should take around 10 minutes.
Current CBP-trusted travelers are not required to make an appointment and can go to any enrollment center to finish the interview process.
Applicants applying independently should anticipate a nonrefundable application fee of $70. Individuals applying for both the card and Global Entry would be charged $170. However, as the cost of Global Entry will rise soon, they must pay the new fee if they apply after the start of October.
Bottom line
While it’s only beneficial for a select group of travelers, U.S. citizens involved in APEC business should consider applying for an APEC Business Travel Card to enjoy quicker re-entry into the U.S.
Related reading: