Apex Gateway

APEC

Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is designed to facilitate the movement of business personnel within the economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Currently, there are 21 participating economies in the program, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. However, within the ABTC program, only 19 economies are actively participating, with Canada and the United States providing only expedited clearance lanes.
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Eligibility Criteria

Chinese nationality / Malaysian nationality / Myanmar nationality and others

China passport / Malaysia passport / Myanmar passport / others

Frequent travelling to APEC countries due to work / business

Age 20 - 65

Company executives, directors and frequent travellers

Required Documentation for Application:

  • Original APEC Card application form (must include a passport-sized photo with a blue background)
  • Passport copy (front page, passport validity must be more than 3 years)
  • Copy of the identity card (front and back)
  • Copies of passport pages with stamps from APEC countries to demonstrate frequent travel
  • Company letter addressed to The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and the Immigration Department (refer to letter samples)
  • Latest corporate information provided by SSM
  • Job position description to demonstrate the necessity of frequent business interactions in the Asia-Pacific region
  • Copy of ABTC (if available)
  • Copy of employment contract

In addition to the above documents, applicants must also prepare two copies of documents (1) through (9) to be submitted to The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia will collect ABTC applications from member organizations and submit them directly to the Immigration Department, sending the application number by email to the respective member organization/individual applicant. Reminder emails will be sent three months after submission to check the status of the application. Typically, the application process takes 4 to 6 months.

Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Card is valid for five years. Cardholders can use their card along with an associated valid passport for multiple entries and exits from participating economies and benefit from expedited clearance through dedicated APEC lanes.

Per entry, the stay in the relevant economy can vary from 60 to 90 days, as per the regulations of each economy.

60 Days
90 Days

Indonesia

Malaysia

Philippines

Singapore

Vietnam

Papua New Guinea

China

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Malaysia

Philippines

Singapore

Vietnam

Papua New Guinea

China

Hong Kong

Russia

Australia

New Zealand

Russia

Japan

Korea

Thailand

Brunei

Mexico

Peru

Chile

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The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program, advocated by the Malaysian government, aims to attract foreign investment, promote local tourism, and stimulate economic development. Eligible foreign nationals can obtain a multiple-entry social visit visa to reside in Malaysia for an extended period.

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Malaysia Employment Pass (EP) Application

Malaysia Employment Pass (EP) Application

We provide Employment Pass (EP) and dependent pass application services for foreign nationals and their families. We can assist you in obtaining your employment pass within 2 to 3 months, without the need to travel to Malaysia before the application is approved.

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FAQ

What is an APEC Card?
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel card issued to eligible business professionals and high-ranking government officials who meet specific criteria. Managed by APEC, the ABTC program aims to streamline travel across the APEC region by offering expedited entry and exit procedures.
What is a Virtual APEC Card?

The Virtual APEC Card is an advanced digital version of the traditional APEC Business Travel Card. This innovative approach integrates the APEC Card scheme into the digital world, allowing cardholders to access the benefits of the APEC Card through their mobile devices.

How Long Is the APEC Card Valid For?

APEC member economies may issue APEC Cards with a validity period of up to five years. Please check the expiration date on your card to ensure continued use.

Can I Only Use My APEC Card to Travel to Economies Listed on My Card?

APEC Card holders are exempt from applying for visas only for the economies listed on the back of their card. However, the fast-track APEC lanes at participating airports can be used by all APEC Card holders, regardless of which economies are listed on the card.

What Are the Benefits of Holding an APEC Card?

The APEC Card provides frequent business travellers with:

  1. Access to fast-track immigration lanes at participating APEC airports;
  2. Multiple short-term entries to precleared APEC economies without needing a separate visa for fully participating members.
Do I Still Need a Visa and Passport for Entry into APEC Economies?

For fully participating APEC economies, APEC Card holders do not need a separate visa if they have received preclearance. However, each economy reserves the right to grant or deny entry despite holding an ABTC. The ABTC does not replace the need for a valid passport, which remains a crucial travel document. You must present both your passport and APEC Card upon entry and exit.

In transitional economies, APEC Card holders may need additional documents, such as a passport, visa, or travel authorization. It’s essential to verify the specific entry requirements of your destination before traveling.

What are APEC Business Travel Card Transitional Members?
Currently, the United States and Canada are transitional members of the travel card program. They do not accept APEC Business Travel Card applications from other countries but offer visa application and immigration clearance conveniences for cardholders.
Is it possible to apply for a visa for a specific country to shorten the approval time?
The travel card cannot be applied for a specific country. If there is a need, an application for early card issuance can be made.
What should I do if I lose my travel card?
As the travel card is as important as the passport, cardholders should keep it safe. If lost, the cardholder should promptly report the loss to the local police and apply for a replacement through relevant department or the local foreign affairs office.
What should I do if my APEC Business Travel Card expires?
Upon expiration, the cardholder can reapply for a new card through the local foreign affairs office. Additionally, cardholders may apply for a renewal six months before the expiration of their original travel card. The application materials and process are the same as those for the initial application.
How can applicants check the progress of their APEC Business Travel Card application?
Applicants can inquire about the progress of their travel card application at the foreign affairs office handling their application materials.

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