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
May 18, 2015, 6:38 pm
#661
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,208
OK, so I am a US citizen and I am going to China in about a month and have an APEC card. I understand that I still need a visa as the APEC card is not a visa substitute for US citizens according to previous posts. If I get a tourist visa, can I still use the APEC card to enter the shorter line or do I have to have a business visa?
May 18, 2015, 7:00 pm
#662
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: nyc
Programs: CO Plat & MP 1K
Posts: 870
You *should* be able to use the APEC line with your tourist visa unless the inspector is being a jerk...also keep your arrival time in mind because some of the APEC lines at some Chinese airports may be closed if you arrive in the later evening, negating the benefit.
May 18, 2015, 7:33 pm
#663
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 585
ICN is great for transit but I hate going through departure security because of the long lines.
May 18, 2015, 11:01 pm
#664
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
OK, so I am a US citizen and I am going to China in about a month and have an APEC card. I understand that I still need a visa as the APEC card is not a visa substitute for US citizens according to previous posts. If I get a tourist visa, can I still use the APEC card to enter the shorter line or do I have to have a business visa?
You *should* be able to use the APEC line with your tourist visa unless the inspector is being a jerk...also keep your arrival time in mind because some of the APEC lines at some Chinese airports may be closed if you arrive in the later evening, negating the benefit.
ABTC is for business purposes. If one is entering for tourism, they are not entering for business purposes and ABTC should be rejected.
Doesn't mean that it won't work, just that it shouldn't.
May 19, 2015, 1:20 am
#665
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,208
Actually, you should not be able to use ABTC when entering on a tourist visa.
ABTC is for business purposes. If one is entering for tourism, they are not entering for business purposes and ABTC should be rejected.
Doesn't mean that it won't work, just that it shouldn't.
ABTC is for business purposes. If one is entering for tourism, they are not entering for business purposes and ABTC should be rejected.
Doesn't mean that it won't work, just that it shouldn't.
Should not be different than Nexus/GE - you state a reason for the application during the interview, but that reason is not tied to the use of your membership when using the program.
May 19, 2015, 1:34 am
#666
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: TK Elite+(*G), UA*S, IHG Plat, Avis First
Posts: 43
There is nothing in the membership documentation that states you can only use the card when entering or leaving on business - but the reason for applying for and receiving the card is due to frequent business related travel in the region.
Should not be different than Nexus/GE - you state a reason for the application during the interview, but that reason is not tied to the use of your membership when using the program.
Should not be different than Nexus/GE - you state a reason for the application during the interview, but that reason is not tied to the use of your membership when using the program.
Q:
Can I use my U.S. APEC Business Travel Card for personal travel, such as vacation?
A:
No. The APEC Business Travel Card is for members who travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments. To use the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, you must be traveling solely for business purposes to the foreign APEC economy.
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-tr...ked-questions2
But in reality, I don't think most immigration queues enforce this strictly, but technically they could according to the rules.
May 19, 2015, 4:17 am
#667
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Actually, you should not be able to use ABTC when entering on a tourist visa.
ABTC is for business purposes. If one is entering for tourism, they are not entering for business purposes and ABTC should be rejected.
Doesn't mean that it won't work, just that it shouldn't.
ABTC is for business purposes. If one is entering for tourism, they are not entering for business purposes and ABTC should be rejected.
Doesn't mean that it won't work, just that it shouldn't.
May 21, 2015, 1:33 pm
#668
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: nyc
Programs: CO Plat & MP 1K
Posts: 870
Actually according to CBP's official site that isn't quite true:
Q:
Can I use my U.S. APEC Business Travel Card for personal travel, such as vacation?
A:
No. The APEC Business Travel Card is for members who travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments. To use the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, you must be traveling solely for business purposes to the foreign APEC economy.
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-tr...ked-questions2
But in reality, I don't think most immigration queues enforce this strictly, but technically they could according to the rules.
Q:
Can I use my U.S. APEC Business Travel Card for personal travel, such as vacation?
A:
No. The APEC Business Travel Card is for members who travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments. To use the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card, you must be traveling solely for business purposes to the foreign APEC economy.
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-tr...ked-questions2
But in reality, I don't think most immigration queues enforce this strictly, but technically they could according to the rules.
May 21, 2015, 5:33 pm
#669
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Actually, although I am entering the country on a tourist visa, I am actually going to a conference, so it is related to work and I do have the card because of frequent travel in the region for work. But I was advised to have a tourist visa for this trip. Anyway, I will try to use it in a few weeks, see if it works, all they can do is say no, and report back.
What country are you traveling to?
May 23, 2015, 6:32 pm
#670
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
To add to my positive entry into Korea experience I posted earlier I was able to leave ICN with the card and skip lines, enter FUK with the card and skip lines a couple of weeks ago and just exited Japan at NRT and was able to skip a lot of lines with the card.
So far most helpful. No one at ICN, FUK or NRT looked at the back. Very nice...
So far most helpful. No one at ICN, FUK or NRT looked at the back. Very nice...
May 25, 2015, 12:24 pm
#672
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
mine was almost 3 weeks
data point...upon arrival at TPE the inspector looked at the card carefully with a magnifying glass and checked the back a couple of times, but didn't say anything. The diplomat/APEC line can be backed up a little with wheelchair and strollers, but depending on your arrival time, can still save you a considerable amount of waiting time.
she also changed the entry type on my immigration card from tourist (which I am on this trip) to business, but didn't ask what I was planning on doing in TW.
data point...upon arrival at TPE the inspector looked at the card carefully with a magnifying glass and checked the back a couple of times, but didn't say anything. The diplomat/APEC line can be backed up a little with wheelchair and strollers, but depending on your arrival time, can still save you a considerable amount of waiting time.
she also changed the entry type on my immigration card from tourist (which I am on this trip) to business, but didn't ask what I was planning on doing in TW.
I have no idea what the TPE agents are looking for. They know very well US ABTC cards do not have any countries listed.
May 25, 2015, 8:44 pm
#674
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,208
Can anyone from Taiwan tell me where you applied for the card in or near Taipei? My colleague wants the card and we have no idea where the enrollment office is, and the TW website is not helpful.
May 26, 2015, 12:13 am
#675
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 222
http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=...tNode=727&mp=1
If American, then signed up Global Entry, APEC/ABTC is next.
My recent visits to Taipei, T1, no real issues. Security at departure found my ABTC, and pointed me to EXPRESS lane for security check. Officer flipped the card and made attempt to say something, I stood firm and expressed TW Foreign Affairs Department has agreed to accept it with no endorsement in the back. She agreed. Saved me at least 20 minutes in the Monday morning rush hour.