What Does an APEC Business Travel Card Do?

By Anna Duncan

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card is an official document issued by APEC member countries to business travelers. It grants cardholders various advantages, including visa-free access to most of the twenty-one APEC member countries.

The card was introduced in 1997 to facilitate business travel and investments among APEC economies. The holders of an APEC Business Travel Card are eligible for short-term visits to other participating countries for purposes such as attending business meetings, conferences, and trade shows.

The card is valid for three years and can be renewed if the holder meets the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for an APEC Business Travel Card, the applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of an APEC economy and must have a legitimate professional purpose for traveling within the region.

The application process involves submitting certain documents such as a passport, proof of residence in an APEC economy, and proof of employment with a company that is registered in the same economy.

Once approved, the cardholder can travel visa-free between participating nations in the region without having to apply for a new visa each time they enter a country. The card also serves as identification at customs checks when entering or departing from any participating country.

Apart from visa-free travel, another advantage that comes with being an APEC Business Travel Cardholder is reduced processing times at immigration checkpoints. This can save time and money for frequent travelers who need to move quickly between different countries.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, an APEC Business Travel Card provides its holders with numerous benefits such as visa-free entry into most of the twenty-one participating nations within the region, reduced processing times at immigration checkpoints, and identification at customs checks when entering or departing from any participating country. It is an invaluable tool for frequent business travelers who need to quickly move across borders in order to conduct their business activities.