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 ABTC/APEC Business Travel Card: Updates, Experiences, Q&A
Jan 18, 2017, 10:04 am
#1111
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
How are renewals - mine is ready to come up soon. Anyone note if a renewal requires another interview?
Jan 18, 2017, 12:27 pm
#1112
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: ORD
Posts: 73
Just to update my original post, I submitted a complaint to the CBP Information Center (help.cbp.gov) on 12/16/16. I provided a play-by-play of what happened and why I was told I was rejected, and I summed up the necessary information surrounding my application's intention. I closed with: "I am requesting your approval for the APEC card as I meet the eligibility requirements listed on the CPB website."
Today, I received a response today asking for more information to validate my identity (full name, city/state of birth). After I provided that, they replied within a few hours and told me to expect a follow-up. Their direct words were:
I'm hopeful, and I'll let you all know how it plays out.
Today, I received a response today asking for more information to validate my identity (full name, city/state of birth). After I provided that, they replied within a few hours and told me to expect a follow-up. Their direct words were:
I'm hopeful, and I'll let you all know how it plays out.
Jan 21, 2017, 6:49 am
#1113
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: ORD
Posts: 73
For those that are following, and as my final update, I went on Thursday as requested. The front desk officer seemed surprised that I asked for a specific person, and he "wouldn't guarantee" that the officer would see me. Regardless, my officer was out quickly. After we walked back, we spent about two minutes signing the form and about 15 minutes talking about travel and such. He was a really nice guy, and I'll be writing an "attaboy" letter for that interaction. My understanding is that the original officer had an outdated set of instructions and hadn't been re-trained for the APEC processing.
Jan 22, 2017, 2:37 am
#1114
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Oakland, CA USA
Programs: UA MM, Avis CHM
Posts: 118
Traveling companions at HND
An update from the ground here at HND:
Previously the departure immigration counter had a posted sign indicating it was OK for one traveling companion (presumably an immediate family member) to come along with the ABTC cardholder. This was removed, and so I asked about it. The nice immigration officer says it's still OK on HND arrival (not that you'd need it really, it rarely if ever seems to get crowded) but the departure immigration is cardholder-only now.
Previously the departure immigration counter had a posted sign indicating it was OK for one traveling companion (presumably an immediate family member) to come along with the ABTC cardholder. This was removed, and so I asked about it. The nice immigration officer says it's still OK on HND arrival (not that you'd need it really, it rarely if ever seems to get crowded) but the departure immigration is cardholder-only now.
Jan 23, 2017, 4:14 pm
#1115
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
Response from CBSA regarding renewal of ABTC after passport renewal:
Dear Mr. eigenvector,
This is in response to your email dated January 19, 2017, regarding re-applying for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (ABTC) as it relates to your passport renewal.
Because the passport number is embedded in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the ABTC, it is recommended that members re-apply to the ABTC when they receive a new passport to avoid issues when using the ABTC lanes overseas.
To re-apply for APEC Business Travel membership, please log onto your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account with your GOES User ID and password, and click on the "Manage Membership" button next to your program membership, then click on the "Apply for APEC Business Travel Card" button. There is a non-refundable fee of $75.
If you require further assistance you may contact the GOES Support Help Desk at https://help.cbp.gov/app/ask . For additional information you may also access the section “Frequently asked questions about GOES” at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/goes/common/FAQ.html.
Once your application is approved, you will be asked to visit an Enrolment Centre to finalize your enrolment and provide a digital signature. A list of enrolment centres can be found at this link: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html. You will received your new card in the mail. The ABTC is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until the expiration date of the card holder’s passport and/or NEXUS card, if this is earlier than three years.
For additional information, please consult http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/abtc-cvaa/menu-eng.html.
Thank you for contacting the Canada Border Services Agency and for your continued interest in the ABTC program.
This is in response to your email dated January 19, 2017, regarding re-applying for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (ABTC) as it relates to your passport renewal.
Because the passport number is embedded in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the ABTC, it is recommended that members re-apply to the ABTC when they receive a new passport to avoid issues when using the ABTC lanes overseas.
To re-apply for APEC Business Travel membership, please log onto your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account with your GOES User ID and password, and click on the "Manage Membership" button next to your program membership, then click on the "Apply for APEC Business Travel Card" button. There is a non-refundable fee of $75.
If you require further assistance you may contact the GOES Support Help Desk at https://help.cbp.gov/app/ask . For additional information you may also access the section “Frequently asked questions about GOES” at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/goes/common/FAQ.html.
Once your application is approved, you will be asked to visit an Enrolment Centre to finalize your enrolment and provide a digital signature. A list of enrolment centres can be found at this link: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html. You will received your new card in the mail. The ABTC is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until the expiration date of the card holder’s passport and/or NEXUS card, if this is earlier than three years.
For additional information, please consult http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/abtc-cvaa/menu-eng.html.
Thank you for contacting the Canada Border Services Agency and for your continued interest in the ABTC program.
Jan 23, 2017, 5:20 pm
#1116
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,634
eigenvector - Did you ABTC not having an expiration as per above?
Jan 24, 2017, 1:19 am
#1117
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
Printed expiration of my ABTC is May 2018, which was also my passport expiration date. I had to renew the passport ahead of that because it was full (in Canada we cannot get extra pages added sadly). It seems CBSA is telling me I "should", but don't "need", to renew the ABTC immediately before using it again. I am going to SCL in two weeks I'll try using it and report back.
Jan 24, 2017, 9:06 am
#1118
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Printed expiration of my ABTC is May 2018, which was also my passport expiration date. I had to renew the passport ahead of that because it was full (in Canada we cannot get extra pages added sadly). It seems CBSA is telling me I "should", but don't "need", to renew the ABTC immediately before using it again. I am going to SCL in two weeks I'll try using it and report back.
Jan 27, 2017, 4:29 am
#1119
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Hi All-
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
Jan 27, 2017, 6:46 am
#1120
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,634
Hi All-
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
Jan 27, 2017, 6:48 am
#1121
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,634
Does/should Wiki been cleaned up on enrollment center being up and running with signature capture equipment? Seems to be obsolete given US ABTC has been up an running for a while.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
Jan 27, 2017, 7:19 am
#1122
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Jan 27, 2017, 11:07 am
#1123
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,634
I understand the logic behind re-applying upon obtaining a new passport. However, this post suggests a transfer is possible in lieu of an outright new application.
It should also be noted that other country ABTC seems to carry a 5 year expiration and not tied to passport expiration while US/CAN ABTC are 3 years and tied to passport expiration.
Feb 1, 2017, 10:03 pm
#1124
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: ORD
Posts: 73
Hi All-
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
I currently have Global Entry (previously also NEXUS). I would like to apply for the APEC card (US Citizen).
If you currently have Global Entry, I assume you still need to interview to get APEC?
If so, I won't be back in the USA until September. How far in advance can you schedule interviews? I saw a post that there was a 6 month backlog so I might as well get in the queue if that's the case.
Thanks
Safe travels!
Feb 1, 2017, 11:58 pm
#1125
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,744
I went on-line this morning to renew the ABTC card. Filled in the renewal form on-line, paid the $70.00, and 20-minutes later received notice that it was renewed and they would be mailing the new card to my home.
So no interview on renewal.
And best of all, the new card does not expire until 2022.
