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 6, 2019, 10:43 am
#1576
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
This would require a fairly significant change on US Visa policy due to the requirement for reciprocity.
Residents of over half of the APEC countries require a visa to enter the US, and getting a US visa always means an in-person application. Allowing select people from those countries to receive what is basically a visa without going through such an interview would be a fairly major change.
Slightly under half of the countries are VWP countries for which they would probably be happy to do it, but applying different rules to different countries almost certainly isn't going to get visa-free access for US citizens, and especially not to the non-VWP countries.
Residents of over half of the APEC countries require a visa to enter the US, and getting a US visa always means an in-person application. Allowing select people from those countries to receive what is basically a visa without going through such an interview would be a fairly major change.
Slightly under half of the countries are VWP countries for which they would probably be happy to do it, but applying different rules to different countries almost certainly isn't going to get visa-free access for US citizens, and especially not to the non-VWP countries.
As such, convincing the other countries.to pre-clear US-issued ABTC would be tantamount to granting all US passports visa-free access. If those countries weren't politically inclined to do so today, I don't see a reason why they would do so for US ABTC especially without reciprocity.
May 13, 2019, 12:33 am
#1577
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 129
I have had problems using my Canadian issued APEC ABTC card at MEX, CUN and, SJD on several occasions now and I am getting quite frustrated. Either 1) a security person manning the crew lane doesn't want to let me enter the lane because they've never heard of the program and they say that I'm not eligible; 2) I get into the lane because there's no security person guarding the entrance but when I get to the immigration counter, the officer is not familiar with the program and says that I'm not eligible to use that lane; or 3) the officer looks at the back of my card and since Mexico is not indicated says that I cannot use the card in Mexico. Eventually I've been able to persuade them to let me through but it's very stressful and I'm always afraid that I'll be sent back to the regular queue, which continues to grow longer while I am busy trying to persuade the officer that the program is legit and that I am entitled to the benefits. Does anyone have a solution in mind? Is there a written, Mexican government-issued policy in Spanish that I can print and bring with me to show the officer whenever I am being challenged? I don't think the officers are deliberately trying to be difficult, I think they really just don't understand the program or know enough about it. Help.
May 13, 2019, 5:09 am
#1578
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,155
In many cases the ABTC line, where there is one, is the same line as the crew line, but even that's not always the case.
I wouldn't at all be surprised to find that CUN and SJD simply don't have an ABTC line. As a comparison, tomorrow I'm flying to Australia - specifically OOL (Gold Coast International airport, on the NSW/QLD border), which does not have an ABTC line nor any alternative. If I was instead going to Sydney or Brisbane then they do, but OOL being less of a business destination does not.
May 13, 2019, 6:32 pm
#1579
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: +61
Programs: SQ*PPS, QF-WP1 & LTG, VA-Gold, Marriott*LTT, Hilton*Gold, Accor*Platinum
Posts: 5,735
As a comparison, tomorrow I'm flying to Australia - specifically OOL (Gold Coast International airport, on the NSW/QLD border), which does not have an ABTC line nor any alternative. If I was instead going to Sydney or Brisbane then they do, but OOL being less of a business destination does not.
Of course the kiosk + scan is preferred and typically faster ... unless your passport isn't eligible, passport chip is broken, or you have a track record of not passing the biometric scan
May 13, 2019, 6:34 pm
#1580
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,876
In retrospect, I'm sure that's true. Next time I won't use the APEC line.
May 15, 2019, 9:36 am
#1581
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 129
I have come across program information online that states the following information for Mexico:
“APEC Cardholders are entitled to use immigration lanes currently designated for air-crew upon entry at major international airports. Where possible, APEC lanes are signposted.”
Link: http://www.philexport.ph/c/document_...groupId=127524
There’s also something similar on an informational page for ABTC cardholders in Hong Kong.
It also wouldn’t make sense for Mexico to be allowed to participate in the ABTC program if they were not providing benefits at its major airports. One of the biggest challenges I encountered was at MEX - the problem wasn’t limited to CUN and SJD.
Are there no official guidelines or regulations published anywhere?
“APEC Cardholders are entitled to use immigration lanes currently designated for air-crew upon entry at major international airports. Where possible, APEC lanes are signposted.”
Link: http://www.philexport.ph/c/document_...groupId=127524
There’s also something similar on an informational page for ABTC cardholders in Hong Kong.
It also wouldn’t make sense for Mexico to be allowed to participate in the ABTC program if they were not providing benefits at its major airports. One of the biggest challenges I encountered was at MEX - the problem wasn’t limited to CUN and SJD.
Are there no official guidelines or regulations published anywhere?
ABTC does NOT give you the right to use the "crew" line. It gives you the right to use whichever line - IF ANY - the airport has decided to designate as being for ABTC. There is NO requirement for every airport to have such a line, and no requirement for them to let you use the crew line or any other line if there is no designated ABTC line.
In many cases the ABTC line, where there is one, is the same line as the crew line, but even that's not always the case.
I wouldn't at all be surprised to find that CUN and SJD simply don't have an ABTC line. As a comparison, tomorrow I'm flying to Australia - specifically OOL (Gold Coast International airport, on the NSW/QLD border), which does not have an ABTC line nor any alternative. If I was instead going to Sydney or Brisbane then they do, but OOL being less of a business destination does not.
In many cases the ABTC line, where there is one, is the same line as the crew line, but even that's not always the case.
I wouldn't at all be surprised to find that CUN and SJD simply don't have an ABTC line. As a comparison, tomorrow I'm flying to Australia - specifically OOL (Gold Coast International airport, on the NSW/QLD border), which does not have an ABTC line nor any alternative. If I was instead going to Sydney or Brisbane then they do, but OOL being less of a business destination does not.
May 15, 2019, 10:53 am
#1582
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
I am sure they get plenty of scammers trying to find a way to bypass the long lines (as I often see people turned away who do not have the card) so maybe for whatever reason they have decided you fall into that category. And yes, the crew/diplomat line is designated for ABTC at MEX.
Last edited by Boraxo; May 15, 2019 at 11:36 am
May 15, 2019, 2:36 pm
#1583
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: AA EXP, TK Elite, HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 939
FWIW, I was just through DMK a few weeks back and used my ABTC card. They stamped for 30 days (presumably tourist visa - it looks like H.30? and the expiry was 30 days out).
I think it is important that we separate the two facts - for my US-issued ABTC, I used it for the ability to use the diplomatic lane, but for visa purposes, relied on the tourist visa-free exception. While I appreciate that the stated use of ABTC is for business-only. this is one of the many times that immigration seemed fine to allow use of ABTC while traveling for leisure.
They are probably within their right to turn ABTC holders away if you don't have a business visa, but I have yet to experience that myself (and I don't think I've seen a story to that effect here).
I think it is important that we separate the two facts - for my US-issued ABTC, I used it for the ability to use the diplomatic lane, but for visa purposes, relied on the tourist visa-free exception. While I appreciate that the stated use of ABTC is for business-only. this is one of the many times that immigration seemed fine to allow use of ABTC while traveling for leisure.
They are probably within their right to turn ABTC holders away if you don't have a business visa, but I have yet to experience that myself (and I don't think I've seen a story to that effect here).
I am using this old post to see if I am allowed to use ABTC ? I am recent US ABTC card holder. I travel to many
countries in the world for business. Most of the countries I visit are either visa free or visa on arrival for
US citizens... None of the immigration guys ask me if I am here for business ?
I do not have business visa for any country in EMEA or APAC but most of my visits are for
customer/partner meetings. My understanding of "business visa" is usually for a consultant
doing 3 months of work in the country or something to that effect. (Long term actual production of
goods/service). Never thought of getting business visa to visit a customer/partner in any country.
I recently got this card but reading this thread is making me feel like I may be asked if I
am doing any "business" in the country and if I say yes, they may ask me for business
version of the visa. Just wanted to see if there are others that have similar business reasons to
visit other APAC countries and are being asked to produce a business visa to enter ???
Thanks in advance...
Last edited by flyalways; May 16, 2019 at 4:53 am
May 15, 2019, 6:46 pm
#1584
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
I have never been hassled over the type of visa or with visa on arrival in Mexico, etc. To be fair I used a business visa when I entered Indonesia and China.
May 15, 2019, 8:45 pm
#1585
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 129
It’s really interesting to hear about your experience. What frustrates me even more is that I am actually visiting for business reasons and not trying to use the card to fast track my way through immigration so that I can start my vacation.
I tried applying for their Viajero Confiable program through the website as a backup but have never been able to receive a confirmation that my application has been received. Seems that there’s a problem with the online submission process.
I’m confident that I’d have less problems if I could find some sort of communique written in Spanish by the Mexican government regarding their participation in the ABTC program, but so far no luck.
I tried applying for their Viajero Confiable program through the website as a backup but have never been able to receive a confirmation that my application has been received. Seems that there’s a problem with the online submission process.
I’m confident that I’d have less problems if I could find some sort of communique written in Spanish by the Mexican government regarding their participation in the ABTC program, but so far no luck.
Have used ABTC multiple times at all these locations (at MEX solo and at SJD, CUN and PVR with family) and never once questioned or hassled by the line checker. I find it helps to be polite - on occasion I have let handicap/seniors in front of me and I can see that courtesy is appreciated by the immigration officer.
I am sure they get plenty of scammers trying to find a way to bypass the long lines (as I often see people turned away who do not have the card) so maybe for whatever reason they have decided you fall into that category. And yes, the crew/diplomat line is designated for ABTC at MEX.
I am sure they get plenty of scammers trying to find a way to bypass the long lines (as I often see people turned away who do not have the card) so maybe for whatever reason they have decided you fall into that category. And yes, the crew/diplomat line is designated for ABTC at MEX.
Jun 2, 2019, 10:19 pm
#1587
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
Where do you add your APEC/ABTC # on your airline profiles?
Where did you all add your ABTC # on your airline profiles? Or do you need to add it at all? I have Global Entry, and just got my ABTC.
For Global Entry, I added my PASSID/Known Traveler Number to all my airline profiles... are we supposed to do the same for the ABTC #? I can't seem to find anywhere in my profiles to add my #.
For Global Entry, I added my PASSID/Known Traveler Number to all my airline profiles... are we supposed to do the same for the ABTC #? I can't seem to find anywhere in my profiles to add my #.
Jun 2, 2019, 11:28 pm
#1588
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 20,624
Where did you all add your ABTC # on your airline profiles? Or do you need to add it at all? I have Global Entry, and just got my ABTC.
For Global Entry, I added my PASSID/Known Traveler Number to all my airline profiles... are we supposed to do the same for the ABTC #? I can't seem to find anywhere in my profiles to add my #.
For Global Entry, I added my PASSID/Known Traveler Number to all my airline profiles... are we supposed to do the same for the ABTC #? I can't seem to find anywhere in my profiles to add my #.
Jun 3, 2019, 12:14 am
#1589
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SEA & SIN
Programs: UA 1K, DL PM, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 60
Jun 3, 2019, 3:40 pm
#1590
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TYO / WAS / NYC
Programs: American Express got a hit man lookin' for me
Posts: 4,596