The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), is a mutually recognised programme developed to facilitate business mobility within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It allows cardholders to use a single travel document for multiple business trips to any of the 21 APEC Economies. China is a key member of the APEC and participates in the ABTC programme. There are several ways to apply a ABTC Card in China.
Choose the Proper ABTC Card Type
The first step to apply for an ABTC in China is to choose the right ABTC card type. A regular ABTC Card is designed for frequent business travelers. It is valid for 3 years and allows the holder to take up to 12 trips in the span of three years. There is also a short-term ABTC Card for those who plan to take fewer trips. It is valid for one year only and allows the holder to take up to 6 trips. Many countries within the APEC also offer a mid-term ABTC Card type, which is valid for two years and allows the holder to take up to 9 trips.
Gather Required Supporting Documents
Once the applicant has chosen the right ABTC card type, the next step is to gather needed supporting documents. Applicants from China must provide a valid Chinese passport, two identical passport-size photos, an invitation letter, and a proof of full payment of the ABTC Card fee. In addition, applicants must also provide a copy of their company registration and business license from China.
Apply for the ABTC Card Online
Applicants from China can apply for an ABTC Card online using the APEC Business Travel Card website. The website provides a user-friendly application form that applicants need to fill out with all the required details. The application must be completed in English and all supporting documents must be scanned and uploaded as PDF files. Once the application and documents are approved, applicants will receive a confirmation email.
Submit the Application at the Immigration Bureau
All applicants from China must submit their application at the nearest immigration bureau. At the immigration bureau, applicants must fill out an additional form and submit it along with all supporting documents. Applicants must also make full payment of all fees and receive a receipt of the payment. Once the application is approved, the immigration officers will issue the applicant an ABTC.
Enroll in a Source-Country Preclearance Program
Cardholders from China must enroll in an APEC source-country preclearance program. The preclearance program allows cardholders to apply for visa-free entry to certain APEC economies. To enroll in the preclearance program, applicants must submit an application form at the China Service Center for APEC Business Travelers. The application form must be accompanied by a valid ABTC Card, a passport, and a passport-size photo.
Important Things to Remember
The ABTC Card can only be used for business travel. It is not a visa and cannot be used for personal travel or pleasure. Additionally, cardholders should make sure they have all the required documents before travelling, such as a valid ABTC Card, a passport, and a visa, if required.
Understand the Responsibilities of an ABTC Cardholder
Cardholders from China should be aware of the responsibilities and obligations that come with holding an ABTC Card. These include abiding by the laws and regulations of the visiting country, not participating in illegal activities, and working only for the specified company listed on the ABTC Card. Any violation of these terms could lead to the suspension or revocation of the ABTC Card.
Update the Cardholder’s Information
It is important for ABTC cardholders from China to keep their information updated. Applicants must update the China Service Center for APEC Business Travelers whenever there is any change in their passport number, place of work, contact information, or working status. Failure to keep the information up-to-date could result in the denial of entry to the APEC economy or the suspension/revocation of the ABTC Card.
Re-issue the Card in Case of Loss or Damages
In the event of loss or damage to the ABTC Card, cardholders from China must contact the China Service Center for APEC Business Travelers and submit a request for a new card. Applicants must provide proof of loss, and a new ABTC Card will be issued after all documents have been approved. The process to re-issue the card takes up to two weeks.
Renew the Card Before the Expiry Date
It is important for cardholders from China to make sure their ABTC Card is valid for the entire duration of their trip. Applicants must renew their card before the expiration date in order to continue using it. The renewal process takes up to two weeks and applicants must provide all necessary documents and pay the renewal fee.
Cancel the ABTC Card
If a cardholder from China no longer wishes to use the ABTC Card, they can cancel it by submitting a request to the China Service Center for APEC Business Travelers. Applicants must provide proof of cancellation and the remaining amount of fees will be refunded. The cancellation process takes up to two weeks.
