Is an APEC Business Travel Card Worth It?

By Michael Ferguson

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a multi-country travel card designed to speed up the entry process for business travellers in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region. The card is valid for three years and has been used by both small and large companies, as well as tourists, to simplify their travel experience.

The card allows travellers to bypass lengthy visa applications and immigration procedures in several countries in the APEC region. It also allows holders to use dedicated fast-track lanes at airports, which can save them a lot of time when travelling.

On top of that, the ABTC offers holders access to special benefits such as discounts on hotel bookings, airport lounge access and more. The card also provides holders with assistance in case of lost or stolen passports or other documents.

But while there are many advantages to holding an ABTC, there are also some drawbacks. Firstly, the cost of obtaining an ABTC can be quite high depending on where you apply from and how long it takes for your application to be processed. Secondly, not all countries in the APEC region accept this card, so you may need to carry multiple forms of ID when travelling.

Finally, if you don’t use your ABTC often enough, there may be additional fees associated with renewing or maintaining your membership. This means that the cost savings may not be worth it in the long run if you don’t frequently travel around the APEC region.

Conclusion:

Overall, an APEC Business Travel Card can offer a great deal of convenience when travelling around the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation region. However, it’s important to weigh up all of the costs and benefits before committing to getting one. If you often travel within this area then it could be worth investing in an ABTC – however if not then it might not be worth it in terms of cost savings alone.