Apec Card Sets Up No-fuss Visas And Travel

[george]

APEC card sets up no-fuss travel

Over 5,000 APEC travel cards, which are valid for three years, are in circulation.

(CNN) -- While U.S. authorities and EU airlines test security schemes that allow frequent flyers to escape airport delays, the Asia Pacific region is already ahead of the game.

With Singapore recently joining the APEC Business Travel Card program, now executives from 16 countries can travel within the region with less hassle at air terminals.

Those with a card do not require a visa when entering participating Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states. They also have fast-track entry through special lanes at major airports.

"It makes travel so much easier. After a long flight it is very welcoming to arrive at an airport and use the express immigration lane," Hernan Somerville of the APEC Business Advisory Council said in a statement.

In the case of the most recent member, Singapore, card holders will be able stay 60 days without a visa and return as many times as they need for business.

The government of the Lion City says that the system will be operational within a year.

Other regions are also trying out schemes that will fast track frequent flyers. The U.S government is experimenting this summer in Minneapolis with Northwest Airlines customers.

In Europe, Frankfurt airport, Amsterdam's Schiphol, the UK Home Office and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) are just some of the operators looking at new ways of identification that speed up security checks.

Thousands in circulation

Over 5,000 APEC travel cards, which are valid for three years, are in circulation. The card works on a "pre-clearance" system through the cooperation of the immigration departments of member countries.

Besides Singapore, countries that have already joined the program include: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

Developing economies such as Papua New Guinea have also realized the importance of joining the program -- PNG signed up to the card last year.

"There have been complaints...in the past that the clearing of incoming passengers at our international airport has been time-consuming," Chief Secretary Joshua Kalinoe told the National newspaper.

"This (had) become an impediment to doing business and exploring investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea."

The card was originally tested in 1997 with three APEC members: Australia, Korea, and the Philippines. It was then expanded in April 1998 to include Chile and Hong Kong.

--CNN 2004-06-21

FACTS

Business travel between APEC Member Economies is now faster and more efficient with the innovative APEC Business Travel Card. If you travel in the Asia-Pacific region regularly or you plan to visit multiple destinations, then it is worth considering applying for your own APEC Business Travel Card. The credit-card sized APEC Business Travel Card provides you with pre-cleared short-term entry to the 14 APEC Member Economies participating in the scheme. Being a card holder means there will be no need for you to individually apply for visas or entry permits each time you travel, saving you valuable time.

Other benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme include the capacity for multiple entries into participating economies during the three years the card is valid and faster immigration processing on arrival via access to fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at major airports.

More information on the APEC Business Travel Card is available on the APEC Business Mobility Group website.

http://www.businessmobility.org/

The site provides information about airport arrangements for card holders and the possible length of stay in each economy. Eligibility requirements, information on how to apply and contact details for immigration authorities in participating economies is also provided.

The APEC Business Travel Card is just one of a number of initiatives by APEC to cut through the red tape of business travel and to facilitate business in the Asia-Pacific region. Along with the obvious benefits to business travellers, the APEC Business Travel Card also helps to enhance border integrity and security in participating economies as each applicant is checked against 'watch lists' of other participating economies.

--APEC

[sabaijai]

Very interesting. Something for the Aussies & Kiwis among us to check into.

[Digger]

This card cannot be obtained by non Thai's living and working in Thailand. I tried to get one 18 months ago and was told it was restricted to Thai's only. However if you live in HKG with work permit, you can apply for one regardless of nationality.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am reliably informed that there are a lot of obstacles to overcome to enable one to qualify for the issuance of an APEC Card.

[astral]

http://www.businessmobility.org/

I still cannot access the web site.

Have been trying for several days.

Anyone having any luck?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

That's one of the obstacles

[dr_Pat_Pong]

http://www.businessmobility.org/

I still cannot access the web site.

Have been trying for several days.

Anyone having any luck?

Your link just worked for me Astral

[chingy]

can an American get hold of this card, i saw the list of country but its not included United State.

[chuchok]

I am reliably informed that there are a lot of obstacles to overcome to enable one to qualify for the issuance of an APEC Card.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Seems preety easy to me Doc.Here is the NZ Web site addr and application form.All you have to prove/let them find out that you have no criminal record.

APEC APPLICATION

[Rinrada]

and the benis.......also from a prev.thread...3 year VISA

Thailand Short Term Business Visit

Business Visa Requirements Business persons from APEC member economies are able to apply for a multiple entry visa for 3 years into Thailand (will be effective in July 2003). Exception is made for the following member economies:

Those on the list of economies whose nationals are exempted from visa requirements and are permitted to stay for not more than 30 days, namely, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and the United States.

Those that have concluded agreements with Thailand on exemption of visa requirements, namely, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Viet Nam are permitted to stay for up to 30 days and the Republic of Korea and New Zealand and Peru are permitted to stay for up to 90 days.

Those form People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei and Russia could apply visa on arrival and will be allowed to stay up to 15 days.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Thailand participates in the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme in 2000 and has set up the APEC Lane at the airport. It will allow foreign ABTC card holders with multiple visa-free entry for three years with maximum period of stay of three months each time.

Documentation Required Business people from those economies that require visas should supply the following documentation when applying:

· Passport/travel document used in lieu of passport

· Visa application form

· Introductory or sponsorship letters relevant to the business person's purpose of visit from associated companies, business representatives, partners, government agencies or other authorities

· Thai company registration document

· 2 photographs (4 for nationals of the People’s Republic of China

Method of Lodgement

Processing Time Normally 2 to 3 working days if no further verification from the applicant is needed.

Multiple Entry Visas APEC business people may apply for three years multiple entry visas with each time, the period of stay up to 90 days. (will be effective in July 2003)

Validity/Extension APEC business people may apply for three years multiple entry visas with each time, the period of stay up to 90 days. (will be effective in July 2003)

Cost of Visa Application 500 baht for a single entry visa

5,000 baht for 3 years multiple entry visa

Regulations relating to accompanying dependants There are no specific regulations for accompanying dependants to apply visa. However, accompanying dependants can apply non-immigrant visa type “O” with the maximum stay of 90 days. After that, ones could apply for long stay with at the Immigration Department duration subject to the person whom they accompany

http://www.businessmobility.org/travel/dis...asp?id=21&fid=1