U.s. And The Apec Business Travel Card (abtc)

[ilyushin]

When will the US start issuing APEC Cards or can it already be done?

[jstumbo]

The last time they talked about it, they started a provisional membership in the scheme in 2007, with plans to be a full member by 2010.

Now US citizens cannot get them, and people with them that want to come to the US still need to get a visa if their country is not part of the visa waiver program. But they do get to use them for expedited visa processing at the embassy and expedited service through immigration at a US port of entry.

[ilyushin]

The last time they talked about it, they started a provisional membership in the scheme in 2007, with plans to be a full member by 2010.

Now US citizens cannot get them, and people with them that want to come to the US still need to get a visa if their country is not part of the visa waiver program. But they do get to use them for expedited visa processing at the embassy and expedited service through immigration at a US port of entry.

Thanks jstumbo!

[ilyushin]

APEC Business TRavel Card

Fast and efficient travel for business people within the APEC region contributes to APEC's goal of free and open trade and investment. To this end APEC has created an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). The ABTC allows business travelers pre-cleared, facilitated short-term entry to participating member economies. The ABTC removes the need to individually apply for visas or entry permits, saving valuable time, and allows multiple entries into participating economies during the three years the card is valid. Card holders also benefit from faster immigration processing on arrival via access to fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at major airports in participating economies. The ABTC also helps to enhance border integrity and security in participating economies as each applicant is checked against 'watch lists' of other participating economies.

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Other link

Edited March 29, 2008 by ilyushin

[jstumbo]

Here is the part of that website that is pertinent part of that website that you were asking about.

In September 2007, the United States became a "transitional member" of the ABTC scheme, with the aim of becoming a full participant within a three-year period. The U.S. currently recognizes the ABTC for expedited visa interview scheduling at U.S. embassies and consulates, and facilitates immigration processing through airline crew lanes upon arrival at U.S. international airports. Cardholders from non-Visa Waiver Program countries still need to present valid passports and obtain U.S. visas as required by United States law. U.S. passport holders are not yet eligible to apply for the ABTC.

[yosithezet]

Is it possible for a US citizen to get one of these cards and thus gain quicker/easier access to member countries? Faster passport control lines?

[midas]

Russia should also join about the same time I hope and to those travel to that country

I'm hoping it will not only save money on visa charges but much more importantly

this ridiculous visa registration every time you change location. this can be very expensive

because you have to use a government agent to do the registration for you so

they can effectively charge you whatever they want.

[jstumbo]

Is it possible for a US citizen to get one of these cards and thus gain quicker/easier access to member countries? Faster passport control lines?

No, the US is not a full member yet. When they are a full member then US citizens can get one. I hear that some countries allow people that have permanent residence to get one. So maybe if a US citizen was had PR in Hong Kong or Singapore, maybe they could get one from that country.

Edited March 30, 2008 by jstumbo

[midas]

Is it possible for a US citizen to get one of these cards and thus gain quicker/easier access to member countries? Faster passport control lines?

No, the US is not a full member yet. When they are a full member then US citizens can get one. I hear that some countries allow people that have permanent residence to get one. So maybe if a US citizen was had PR in Hong Kong or Singapore, maybe they could get one from that country.

That is incorrect regarding Singapore jstumbo. Everyone needs to be a citizen and be entitled

to a passport from the issuing APEC country. Hong Kong is the only exception.

[jstumbo]

That is incorrect regarding Singapore jstumbo. Everyone needs to be a citizen and be entitled

to a passport from the issuing APEC country. Hong Kong is the only exception.

I was not sure about it, that is why I said maybe