Jun 23, 2014, 10:17 pm
Last edit by: Boraxo
US/Canadian-issued ABTC can only be used to access the APEC/Crew/Diplomat lane. It does not replace/waive any visa requirements. Chinese embassy webpages mentioning visa not being required is for ABTC with CHN endorsed on the back. No US/Canadian-issued ABTC will have that endorsement.
The button to renew your US/Canadian ABTC will appear in your profile 30 days before the card expiration date.
Locations confirmed up and running:
AUS
BOS (Logan) only one of the two signature pads was working (late nov 2014)
BOS (Logan) still only 1 signature panel working, and a bit of confusion, but it all worked out (Jan 2015)
CVG (Minneola Pike)
EWR
IAD signature capture working in GE enrollment center; walk-in accepted after appointments accommodated - I was in the office for less than two minutes
IAH (outside security in E, no word on inside security GE office yet)
JFK (walk-in accepted; entrance directly across from Central Diner on arrivals level, T-4)
LAS
LAX
Long Beach, CA (downtown CBP Seaport offices, not LGB airport); posted as No Walk In, but may accommodate just the signature capture
MIA
MCO
ORD
PHX (Terminal 4, behind #6 baggage carousel)
SEA (Nexus office)
SFO (walk-in)
TUS (walk-in accepted)
Washington, DC/Reagan Bldg. walked in, only person there, signature captured, walked out, all within 5 minutes
YYZ (Nexus office)
YVR (Nexus office)
Usage Experience Updates:
BKK - 11/11/14 - success, 03/19/17 - success, 05/10/17 - success
CGK - 02/20/15 - denied (exit), 05/10/17 - success (exit), 08/20/17 - success (entry)
CRK - 10/28/16 - success, but only 30 days, not 59 days for no-endorsement US issued ABTC.
CTU - 03/18/16 - denied -(APAC lane has limited hours)
CUN - 12/30/17 & 12/27/19 - success (with family) but difficult to enter express lane due to pushback from line monitor
DMK - 9/20/17 inbound - success, had to go under lane ropes; use Official/Diplomatic, not Crew. No APEC markings.
DPS - 03/08/15 - success but with pushback (exit)
GMP - 09/18/14 - success, 03/18/15 - success (arrival)
HKG - 09/21/14 - success, 02/28/15 - success, 02/29/15 - success (exit), 3/18/17 success, 3/19/17 - success (exit)
HKT - 12/23 - success on entry - sign says +1 allowed and "THA" endorsement required, but didn't even check the back of card. On departure the APEC lane was not staffed
HND - 07/30/14, 03/30/23 - success - lane in clearly marked
ICN - 09/13/14 - success, 03/24/25 - success (departure)
KUL - 03/10/16 - success
MEX - 06/28/15 - success, 7/11/17 - success
MNL - 11/27/2015 - success (T1) (business visa not necessary for U.S. citizens) 59 days (depends on agent training. Most give 59, some give only 30, (Oct 2018))
NRT - 12/1/2014 - success both inbound and outbound immigration (visa not needed); 9/25/17 - inbound success
PEK - 07/25/14 - success (T3)
POM - 11/01/15 - denied, PNG immigration has a sign saying "only endorsed ABTC cards"
PVG - 07/24/14 - success (T2)
PVR - 11/2018, 4/2021 success (with family),4/2023 fail
SGN - 09/04/2014 - success (visa on arrival), 02/15/2017 - denied (visa on arrival)
SHA - 11/10/2014 - success
SJD - 6/2017 & 6/2018 - success (with family)
SIN - 2/3/2016 - denied, 5/3/2017 - success; 9/16/17 - success at APEC lane
TPE - 07/24/14 - success (T2), 9/30 - success (T1), 10/12 - Denied (T2), 02/24/2015 - success (T1), 5/11 & 5/13 - success (T1)
YUL - 11/2014 - success inbound (repeatedly into 2016 via dip line)
YVR - 06/2015 - success inbound
YYZ - 07/2016 - Success inbound
SCL - 04/02/2017 - Success inbound
LIM - 12/04/2017 - Success inbound
China land crossings from HK:
Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Huanggang, Shenzhen Bay - 09/29/14 reported - success
China Train crossings from HK:
Dongguan and Guangzhou - 09/29/14 reported - success
Hung Hom (Hong Kong's International Train Station) - 04/30/15 - success in both directions
China Seaports from HK/Macau:
Shekou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Baoan and and Macau/China ferry terminal in Hong Kong - 09/29/14 reported - success
[On all above China-HK crossings look, to use ABTC to enter/exit China, look for the "Special" counters]
For CGK: Go to line marked 3 on left side just before main immigration hall. If you get to line in main hall you've gone too far. Do not use crew line.
Locations confirmed up and running:
AUS
BOS (Logan) only one of the two signature pads was working (late nov 2014)
BOS (Logan) still only 1 signature panel working, and a bit of confusion, but it all worked out (Jan 2015)
CVG (Minneola Pike)
EWR
IAD signature capture working in GE enrollment center; walk-in accepted after appointments accommodated - I was in the office for less than two minutes
IAH (outside security in E, no word on inside security GE office yet)
JFK (walk-in accepted; entrance directly across from Central Diner on arrivals level, T-4)
LAS
LAX
Long Beach, CA (downtown CBP Seaport offices, not LGB airport); posted as No Walk In, but may accommodate just the signature capture
MIA
MCO
ORD
PHX (Terminal 4, behind #6 baggage carousel)
SEA (Nexus office)
SFO (walk-in)
TUS (walk-in accepted)
Washington, DC/Reagan Bldg. walked in, only person there, signature captured, walked out, all within 5 minutes
YYZ (Nexus office)
YVR (Nexus office)
Usage Experience Updates:
BKK - 11/11/14 - success, 03/19/17 - success, 05/10/17 - success
CGK - 02/20/15 - denied (exit), 05/10/17 - success (exit), 08/20/17 - success (entry)
CRK - 10/28/16 - success, but only 30 days, not 59 days for no-endorsement US issued ABTC.
CTU - 03/18/16 - denied -(APAC lane has limited hours)
CUN - 12/30/17 & 12/27/19 - success (with family) but difficult to enter express lane due to pushback from line monitor
DMK - 9/20/17 inbound - success, had to go under lane ropes; use Official/Diplomatic, not Crew. No APEC markings.
DPS - 03/08/15 - success but with pushback (exit)
GMP - 09/18/14 - success, 03/18/15 - success (arrival)
HKG - 09/21/14 - success, 02/28/15 - success, 02/29/15 - success (exit), 3/18/17 success, 3/19/17 - success (exit)
HKT - 12/23 - success on entry - sign says +1 allowed and "THA" endorsement required, but didn't even check the back of card. On departure the APEC lane was not staffed
HND - 07/30/14, 03/30/23 - success - lane in clearly marked
ICN - 09/13/14 - success, 03/24/25 - success (departure)
KUL - 03/10/16 - success
MEX - 06/28/15 - success, 7/11/17 - success
MNL - 11/27/2015 - success (T1) (business visa not necessary for U.S. citizens) 59 days (depends on agent training. Most give 59, some give only 30, (Oct 2018))
NRT - 12/1/2014 - success both inbound and outbound immigration (visa not needed); 9/25/17 - inbound success
PEK - 07/25/14 - success (T3)
POM - 11/01/15 - denied, PNG immigration has a sign saying "only endorsed ABTC cards"
PVG - 07/24/14 - success (T2)
PVR - 11/2018, 4/2021 success (with family),4/2023 fail
SGN - 09/04/2014 - success (visa on arrival), 02/15/2017 - denied (visa on arrival)
SHA - 11/10/2014 - success
SJD - 6/2017 & 6/2018 - success (with family)
SIN - 2/3/2016 - denied, 5/3/2017 - success; 9/16/17 - success at APEC lane
TPE - 07/24/14 - success (T2), 9/30 - success (T1), 10/12 - Denied (T2), 02/24/2015 - success (T1), 5/11 & 5/13 - success (T1)
YUL - 11/2014 - success inbound (repeatedly into 2016 via dip line)
YVR - 06/2015 - success inbound
YYZ - 07/2016 - Success inbound
SCL - 04/02/2017 - Success inbound
LIM - 12/04/2017 - Success inbound
China land crossings from HK:
Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Huanggang, Shenzhen Bay - 09/29/14 reported - success
China Train crossings from HK:
Dongguan and Guangzhou - 09/29/14 reported - success
Hung Hom (Hong Kong's International Train Station) - 04/30/15 - success in both directions
China Seaports from HK/Macau:
Shekou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Baoan and and Macau/China ferry terminal in Hong Kong - 09/29/14 reported - success
[On all above China-HK crossings look, to use ABTC to enter/exit China, look for the "Special" counters]
For CGK: Go to line marked 3 on left side just before main immigration hall. If you get to line in main hall you've gone too far. Do not use crew line.
US/Canadian Issued APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): Updates, Experiences, Q&A
Jun 26, 2014, 7:57 am
#106
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: SoCal to TPE
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Silver (somehow)
Posts: 22
The APEC letter specifically says you can do a walk-in. The first day I went they were confused (fair enough on the first day) but read the letter and did their research. Before I left that day the Chief gave me her number and I made an appointment for my second visit through the Chief not the online system.
Jun 27, 2014, 5:09 pm
#107
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SMF
Programs: BR *G, Hertz President Circle, Hilton Silver
Posts: 27
Went to Blaine Nexus office this morning and they had the signature equipment but software is still not up to date. So, can't do it there yet.
However, just stepped out from SEA Nexus office (NOT GE enrollment center at Sea-Tac) and got my singature collected. Logged in to GOES and my ABTC is approved!!
However, just stepped out from SEA Nexus office (NOT GE enrollment center at Sea-Tac) and got my singature collected. Logged in to GOES and my ABTC is approved!!
thanks to all of you for providing the valuable info...
Jun 27, 2014, 7:18 pm
#108
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Jun 29, 2014, 10:07 am
#109
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New Jersey
Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 3,235
I got my conditional approval letter and went for my appointment at EWR yesterday.
Neither of the two agents had ever processed one of these, and the one who assisted me complained that they had received no training or materials. She pointed to the line in the letter that says that during the appointment agents would be available to answer any questions and said, "well, this isn't true."
Based on what I have read in this thread, I asked her if there was a place in the computer program for her to indicate the countries I travel to or anything else she could do to have the names of individual countries show up on the back of the card. She said there wasn't. Just swiped my passport, asked if I had any felonies since I got my GE card, asked if I'd changed employers since then, and had me sign the signature pad (which was working).
Minor observation about the pad - unlike store signature pads, this one doesn't show you your signature while you're signing. Just a stylus on a black background which only a signature line showing. If you normally go back and dot an "i" or cross a "t" in your signature, you'll have to guess where it goes. If you care about a perfect signature, then practice with your eyes closed a few times.
She then said I was approved and should expect my card shortly.
Neither of the two agents had ever processed one of these, and the one who assisted me complained that they had received no training or materials. She pointed to the line in the letter that says that during the appointment agents would be available to answer any questions and said, "well, this isn't true."
Based on what I have read in this thread, I asked her if there was a place in the computer program for her to indicate the countries I travel to or anything else she could do to have the names of individual countries show up on the back of the card. She said there wasn't. Just swiped my passport, asked if I had any felonies since I got my GE card, asked if I'd changed employers since then, and had me sign the signature pad (which was working).
Minor observation about the pad - unlike store signature pads, this one doesn't show you your signature while you're signing. Just a stylus on a black background which only a signature line showing. If you normally go back and dot an "i" or cross a "t" in your signature, you'll have to guess where it goes. If you care about a perfect signature, then practice with your eyes closed a few times.
She then said I was approved and should expect my card shortly.
Jun 29, 2014, 8:37 pm
#110
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
I stopped by LAX today and was told they do have the signature pad up and running, but the office is only open for processing Mon through Fri so they wouldn't process me.
Jul 1, 2014, 11:08 am
#111
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,698
SFO live now
At SFO GE while connecting thru
In line to get it done. They have signature pad setup now
Mod: please add to list (BTW noticed earlier mention of Long Beach being live not listed)
Edit: made me wait for appts that have priority. I was walk-in with no appt. Took me after a 10 min wait for scheduled appt to have a gap and was done in 5 min after that
In line to get it done. They have signature pad setup now
Mod: please add to list (BTW noticed earlier mention of Long Beach being live not listed)
Edit: made me wait for appts that have priority. I was walk-in with no appt. Took me after a 10 min wait for scheduled appt to have a gap and was done in 5 min after that
Jul 1, 2014, 11:31 am
#112
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
At SFO GE while connecting thru
In line to get it done. They have signature pad setup now
Mod: please add to list (BTW noticed earlier mention of Long Beach being live not listed)
Edit: made me wait for appts that have priority. I was walk-in with no appt. Took me after a 10 min wait for scheduled appt to have a gap and was done in 5 min after that
In line to get it done. They have signature pad setup now
Mod: please add to list (BTW noticed earlier mention of Long Beach being live not listed)
Edit: made me wait for appts that have priority. I was walk-in with no appt. Took me after a 10 min wait for scheduled appt to have a gap and was done in 5 min after that
I updated the wiki for you. By the way, You can edit the Wiki yourself as well.
Jul 4, 2014, 10:05 am
#113
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
LAX now up and running.
Took my signature but they refused to take a new photo (the one on my Global Entry card was awful).
Had to wait about 10 to 15-minutes.
Took my signature but they refused to take a new photo (the one on my Global Entry card was awful).
Had to wait about 10 to 15-minutes.
Jul 4, 2014, 12:30 pm
#114
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
Hello, all...
After receiving several PMs with helpful suggestions for managing this topic, I've gone through and split the two primary discussions into separate threads. This thread is to be used exclusively for card-specific matters, such as application procedures, updates on locations that have rolled out software/signature equipment, questions about who qualifies for the card, the card's benefits etc. If you see posts that I missed during the split, please use the alert button to let me know.
Please note the Wikipost at the top of the thread for tracking locations that are or aren't up and running, as well as any other guidance members feel should be consolidated there. This is a member-maintained wiki that can be modified by any FTer with at least 90 posts and 90days of membership. Everyone is encouraged to add updates and/or expand on the wiki content.
Posts pertaining to U.S. policy and other peripheral issues will be restricted to the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...iscussion.html thread. When in doubt about where a post belongs, please feel free to contact me for assistance.
Thanks to all who offered feedback, including those few who may not have received a personal reply from me. Your input and participation is very much appreciated!
~Moderator
After receiving several PMs with helpful suggestions for managing this topic, I've gone through and split the two primary discussions into separate threads. This thread is to be used exclusively for card-specific matters, such as application procedures, updates on locations that have rolled out software/signature equipment, questions about who qualifies for the card, the card's benefits etc. If you see posts that I missed during the split, please use the alert button to let me know.
Please note the Wikipost at the top of the thread for tracking locations that are or aren't up and running, as well as any other guidance members feel should be consolidated there. This is a member-maintained wiki that can be modified by any FTer with at least 90 posts and 90days of membership. Everyone is encouraged to add updates and/or expand on the wiki content.
Posts pertaining to U.S. policy and other peripheral issues will be restricted to the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...iscussion.html thread. When in doubt about where a post belongs, please feel free to contact me for assistance.
Thanks to all who offered feedback, including those few who may not have received a personal reply from me. Your input and participation is very much appreciated!
~Moderator
Last edited by aBroadAbroad; Jul 4, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Jul 5, 2014, 3:35 pm
#117
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Jul 5, 2014, 3:38 pm
#118
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
Jul 6, 2014, 10:36 am
#119
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
U.S. Citizen APEC ABTC Entry Experiences
I am traveling on a business trip to Singapore and the Philippines later this month. I should have my ABTC in hand before I depart (my signature was scanned on July 3rd and I depart on July 20th).
Neither country requires a separate business visa, so I expect to be able to use the APEC entry lines at both airports, but we'll see.
I thought it would be appropriate to start this thread so card holders can voice their experiences.
Suggest the country be listed, the airport where entry occurred, whether a business visa as held (and necessary), and whether APEC entry queue was permitted.
Once we have a few experiences listed, I'll form a Wiki.
Neither country requires a separate business visa, so I expect to be able to use the APEC entry lines at both airports, but we'll see.
I thought it would be appropriate to start this thread so card holders can voice their experiences.
Suggest the country be listed, the airport where entry occurred, whether a business visa as held (and necessary), and whether APEC entry queue was permitted.
Once we have a few experiences listed, I'll form a Wiki.
Jul 6, 2014, 11:52 am
#120
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
I'm not seeing a strong reason for a third thread on this subject. It seems that members' experiences using the card (updates) are very much relevant to the ongoing discussion in the existing http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...s-updates.html thread. It would be quite simple to add another category to the wiki.
Please use the alert button to share your thoughts. Absent any compelling observations to the contrary, I will merge the two threads.
Thanks everyone.
~Moderator
Please use the alert button to share your thoughts. Absent any compelling observations to the contrary, I will merge the two threads.
Thanks everyone.
~Moderator