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
Feb 26, 2017, 5:23 pm
#1156
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,505
Yes. A couple of weeks ago.
Dedicated queue for entering the country. No wait at all.
Entitlement to priority screening and emmigration on departure at the far left end of the terminal security station. Unfortuately, it is shared with the disabled and those with children, but it is FAR better than the normal security queue.
Dedicated queue for entering the country. No wait at all.
Entitlement to priority screening and emmigration on departure at the far left end of the terminal security station. Unfortuately, it is shared with the disabled and those with children, but it is FAR better than the normal security queue.
Feb 26, 2017, 8:43 pm
#1157
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CGK/LAX
Programs: KF,JMB, OZ, SPG,AA,UA,AS
Posts: 1,163
None for me. I had to use it a month ago while I was transiting ICN on separate tickets. I needed to clear immigration and customs and recheck a bag, don't know if I could have pulled it off without the ABTC.
Feb 26, 2017, 11:59 pm
#1158
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Feb 27, 2017, 1:09 pm
#1159
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,505
Feb 27, 2017, 4:07 pm
#1161
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
It depends on the country. This thread is in regards to US citizens with ABTC cards, so my comment here is a little OT. I entered SFO a month ago. I got through a GE kiosk and was showing the CBP officer my GE printout. He asked me for help in translation asking a Chinese visitor on the purpose of his trip. He said he would be vacationing with his gf. He asked me to tell him he couldn't use his ABTC card and return to the visitors' queue. So some US agents are enforcing that. I am uncertain about other countries.
Feb 27, 2017, 7:50 pm
#1162
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CGK/LAX
Programs: KF,JMB, OZ, SPG,AA,UA,AS
Posts: 1,163
When I'm using the lane in SIN, NRT, HKG and TPE I'm always entering for business purposes.
Feb 27, 2017, 9:57 pm
#1164
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
It's specifically stated in the terms of the ABTC program that it must only be used for business travel. While some officers in some countries may not enforce this I for one do not want to be caught out seemingly misrepresenting my intentions to an immigration officer, particularly since there are often language barriers involved.
Mar 1, 2017, 8:42 pm
#1165
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: United MP 1K, SPG Gold
Posts: 186
I'm currently logged into GOES. i'm already a global entry member, and can't see any place to apply for the APEC ABTC card on the website, only FAST.
Can someone direct me to exactly how to get to the application part?
Can someone direct me to exactly how to get to the application part?
Mar 1, 2017, 9:08 pm
#1166
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
How can I apply for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)?
Only U.S. citizens may apply for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).
Pending publication of the ABTC Interim Final Rule
If you are a U.S. citizen, an active member of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, Global Entry, or SENTRI), and a bona fide business person who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services or the conduct of investment activities within the APEC region, you can apply for ABTC by logging in to the GOES website with your GOES User ID and password. You may register for a GOES User ID if you do not already have one. After you log in, on the application home page click on the "Manage Membership" button next to your program membership then click on the "Apply for APEC Business Travel Card" button.
If you are a U.S. citizen and are not an active member of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program you may apply for ABTC after you have been approved and become a member of a program.
Only U.S. citizens may apply for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).
Pending publication of the ABTC Interim Final Rule
If you are a U.S. citizen, an active member of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS, Global Entry, or SENTRI), and a bona fide business person who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services or the conduct of investment activities within the APEC region, you can apply for ABTC by logging in to the GOES website with your GOES User ID and password. You may register for a GOES User ID if you do not already have one. After you log in, on the application home page click on the "Manage Membership" button next to your program membership then click on the "Apply for APEC Business Travel Card" button.
If you are a U.S. citizen and are not an active member of a CBP Trusted Traveler Program you may apply for ABTC after you have been approved and become a member of a program.
Mar 8, 2017, 11:35 am
#1168
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cupertino, CA - AA:PLT 2MM; Marriott:Plt; Hilton:Slv
Posts: 562
Renewal update. Went online and did the necessary clicks and updates to submit my renewal for ABTC. Got a letter today approving and saying they will mail my card in three weeks, no interview necessary. I was not expecting that, but a nice surprise!
Mar 17, 2017, 8:17 pm
#1169
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1
DMK
DMK (inbound) - crazy lines upon arrival. There was a special priority line with only a few people on the right side for infants and those with disabilities. A banner placed next to the line also indicated APEC. When it got to my turn, the immigration officer flipped over my ABTC and pointed out that Thailand was not listed. I explained that the US was a conditional member of APEC and would not have reciprocal visa arrangements and hence no endorsement would be possible on the back. He gave me blank stares and mentioned I needed to line up at the back of the regular lines (this would have been an extra 45 min-hour). I kept pressing and eventually he took me to his boss who said the same thing. The boss even suggested I call my government. "Not work in Thailand unless you have endorsement." After holding my ground, he eventually asked how long I was going to be in town for. I mentioned 2 days and then he said ok. We went back to the immigration desk and got everything processed. Not sure I would fly inbound to DMK again.
Outbound - worked. Didn't even look at the card. There was a priority line which all sorts of random people from the regular line snuck in. The officer didn't seem to mind who was in line.
Mar 18, 2017, 2:52 am
#1170
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 237
S.504 - APEC Business Travel Cards Reauthorization Act of 2017
It would appear a bill has been referred to committee for review in order to make the U.S. ABTC cards a permanent fixture.
Disappointingly the text only strikes out the expiration date. No mention of expanding the program to be in line with the original intent of the ABTC cards.
Disappointingly the text only strikes out the expiration date. No mention of expanding the program to be in line with the original intent of the ABTC cards.