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
Nov 15, 2014, 7:35 am
#437
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
So I printed it, and arrived TPE T1, noon time today, headed to the far right where Speedy Immigration (two-counter) are after landing. Counters were closed, thus I tried my luck at APEC counter which is right next to SI counters. Immigration officer did not mind, and did not ask me to present the printed copy.
Me: "Can I use APEC counter in the event Speedy Immigration counters are closed?"
Officer: "No problem!"
Me: "Do you want me to present the printed certificate copy?"
Officer: "That's OK!"
Me: "Can I still use my APEC ABTC in lieu?"
I presented my ABTC, he took a look, returned it to me.
Officer: "Yes, you can use it as well."
This is totally different from my experience only few weeks ago. So, have the printed copy ready for inspection, and use APEC counter when Speedy Immigration counters are closed. But, there are certainly hardliners around, and as always - YMMV.
Me: "Can I use APEC counter in the event Speedy Immigration counters are closed?"
Officer: "No problem!"
Me: "Do you want me to present the printed certificate copy?"
Officer: "That's OK!"
Me: "Can I still use my APEC ABTC in lieu?"
I presented my ABTC, he took a look, returned it to me.
Officer: "Yes, you can use it as well."
This is totally different from my experience only few weeks ago. So, have the printed copy ready for inspection, and use APEC counter when Speedy Immigration counters are closed. But, there are certainly hardliners around, and as always - YMMV.
I will report in after my entry next week will also ask about APEC card.
Nov 15, 2014, 10:37 am
#438
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Interesting. I asked a Taiwanese friend to check up on the whole egate thing. The article apparently mistskes speedy immigration for egate, no egate possible for frequent visiting foreigners without residency.
I will report in after my entry next week will also ask about APEC card.
I will report in after my entry next week will also ask about APEC card.
I sent an inquiry to Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs regarding this issue. Here's a quick and rough translation of their response:
"We are aware of the fact US-issued APEC Business Travel Cards do not have Taiwan or any countries listed for validation. Previous incidents involving forged APEC Business Travel Cards is the reason we are putting a temporary hold on accepting cards without validation. We are having continuous discussions with US representatives to resolve this matter."
Nov 15, 2014, 12:22 pm
#439
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
APEC card validity to be increased to 5 years
I have not read this elsewhere. This news article of today (in Chinese)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014...1113258101.htm
says:
My rough translation:
In 2014, upon Chinese suggestion, all APEC echonomic entities have agreed in priciple to extend validity of ABTC cards from 3 years to 5 years.
In the same article, it was said that, as of 10/2014, China has the most ABTC card holders: 33K.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014...1113258101.htm
says:
2014年，在中方倡议下，APEC各经济体已原则同意将商务旅行卡有效期从3年延长至5年。
In 2014, upon Chinese suggestion, all APEC echonomic entities have agreed in priciple to extend validity of ABTC cards from 3 years to 5 years.
In the same article, it was said that, as of 10/2014, China has the most ABTC card holders: 33K.
Nov 15, 2014, 12:38 pm
#440
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
That requirement seems to be dependent on passport being presented. For US passports, only need to be valid for period of intended stay while, for example, HKSAR or UK, 6 month required.
The 6 month seems YMMV with airlines. Buddy of mine ran into this issue traveling to SIN last month. JetStar refused to board him. SQ said no. CX allowed him on even when he pointed out his passport had less than 6 months left (had to purchase walk up fare). SIN let him in without problem.
The 6 month seems YMMV with airlines. Buddy of mine ran into this issue traveling to SIN last month. JetStar refused to board him. SQ said no. CX allowed him on even when he pointed out his passport had less than 6 months left (had to purchase walk up fare). SIN let him in without problem.
Last edited by seawolf; Nov 15, 2014 at 12:44 pm
Nov 15, 2014, 6:45 pm
#441
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
That requirement seems to be dependent on passport being presented. For US passports, only need to be valid for period of intended stay while, for example, HKSAR or UK, 6 month required.
The 6 month seems YMMV with airlines. Buddy of mine ran into this issue traveling to SIN last month. JetStar refused to board him. SQ said no. CX allowed him on even when he pointed out his passport had less than 6 months left (had to purchase walk up fare). SIN let him in without problem.
The 6 month seems YMMV with airlines. Buddy of mine ran into this issue traveling to SIN last month. JetStar refused to board him. SQ said no. CX allowed him on even when he pointed out his passport had less than 6 months left (had to purchase walk up fare). SIN let him in without problem.
http://www.taiwanembassy.org/US/NYC/...ode=2963&mp=62
They were VERY quick to do the paperwork and get the paper visa in his passport - about 15 min
Nov 17, 2014, 10:50 am
#442
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
I have not read this elsewhere. This news article of today (in Chinese)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014...1113258101.htm
says:
My rough translation:
In 2014, upon Chinese suggestion, all APEC echonomic entities have agreed in priciple to extend validity of ABTC cards from 3 years to 5 years.
In the same article, it was said that, as of 10/2014, China has the most ABTC card holders: 33K.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014...1113258101.htm
says:
My rough translation:
In 2014, upon Chinese suggestion, all APEC echonomic entities have agreed in priciple to extend validity of ABTC cards from 3 years to 5 years.
In the same article, it was said that, as of 10/2014, China has the most ABTC card holders: 33K.
And yes, at present China has the largest number of cardholders by a large margin. Singapore and Australia also have high numbers.
Nov 19, 2014, 7:09 am
#443
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 217
Anybody have any recent experience regarding the length of time required to receive your ABTC card following approval at your Global Entry interview? I was told three weeks, but I am now up to five weeks and counting....no card yet.
Nov 20, 2014, 8:25 am
#444
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
I know people were reporting very quick turnarounds earlier. Maybe this is a sign that the number of applications is growing rapidly.
Nov 21, 2014, 3:15 am
#445
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Tpe and dps
Landed at tpe last night and speedy immigration saved me at least 30 mins wait - showed speedy io my Apec card but I think she did not understand my question - told me I don't need the card as I get 90 days on uspp anyway...was far too late at night for me to explain. Used Apec line on way out Today no issue.
Got into DPS today and long queue for immigration control. Went over to abtc Io asked why there are no countries and then went to get her suoervisor. Supervisor came out and said I can't use it because no countries are listed. I Refused to back down - basically said I can show it to him on the phone and I am not leaving - they processed me but I spent time with supervisor explaining the details - unfortunately Internet was slow but he either seemed to understand me when I explained that we still needed a visa this is why there were no countries listed at the back. Will carry a printout or have it ready on phone next time. It saved me an hour in line.
Seems like more education needed there - don't back down - take a printout
Btw if anyone has a good official link that explains the no countries at the back of the card thing it would be good to have.
Got into DPS today and long queue for immigration control. Went over to abtc Io asked why there are no countries and then went to get her suoervisor. Supervisor came out and said I can't use it because no countries are listed. I Refused to back down - basically said I can show it to him on the phone and I am not leaving - they processed me but I spent time with supervisor explaining the details - unfortunately Internet was slow but he either seemed to understand me when I explained that we still needed a visa this is why there were no countries listed at the back. Will carry a printout or have it ready on phone next time. It saved me an hour in line.
Seems like more education needed there - don't back down - take a printout
Btw if anyone has a good official link that explains the no countries at the back of the card thing it would be good to have.
Nov 21, 2014, 8:55 am
#446
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
Landed at tpe last night and speedy immigration saved me at least 30 mins wait - showed speedy io my Apec card but I think she did not understand my question - told me I don't need the card as I get 90 days on uspp anyway...was far too late at night for me to explain. Used Apec line on way out Today no issue.
Got into DPS today ... Btw if anyone has a good official link that explains the no countries at the back of the card thing it would be good to have.
Got into DPS today ... Btw if anyone has a good official link that explains the no countries at the back of the card thing it would be good to have.
Nov 21, 2014, 11:16 am
#447
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: SPG/Marriott/Hyatt P, Hilton/EVA D, Hertz PC
Posts: 3
APEC Card in Taiwan
Thanks for the update on TPE and on issues in DPS... I'm getting the feeling ABTC Travel Mobility folks need to put out a PDF whitepaper for immigration agencies on what is allowed what isn't (e.g. No endorsements still means they can use the line but you must process as a standard entry)
I would highly that for those of us who travel to Taiwan often, we should all write a complaint letter to APEC.org so that they'll try to do something about it. Just my $0.02.
Nov 21, 2014, 6:20 pm
#448
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
I am also experiencing problems using my APEC going inbound in TPE today, November 21st. I have just went on APEC's website to complain that I am not paying the money to being called that U.S. issued APEC cards are not "valid".
I would highly that for those of us who travel to Taiwan often, we should all write a complaint letter to APEC.org so that they'll try to do something about it. Just my $0.02.
I would highly that for those of us who travel to Taiwan often, we should all write a complaint letter to APEC.org so that they'll try to do something about it. Just my $0.02.
Thanks
Nov 22, 2014, 1:47 pm
#449
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: Gate Lice, Credit Card Cattle
Posts: 131
The US side only takes the digital signature. The "approve" button is visible after inputting my signature on the pad but the US side won't click the approval button. Funny to watch two US and Canadian officer sitting next to each other, and both are not 100% sure about the ABTC process. I guess the North American ABTC participation is not defined clearly to all the officials.
Anyway, the Canadian side approved it after a week (I checked GOES) and it took about 6 weeks for the card to show up in my mailbox.