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
Jul 16, 2014, 12:19 pm
#151
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CVG
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, Sixt Gold
Posts: 44
Cincinnati (CVG) can be added to the list as working. The CBP Officer told me that they had installed the signature pad about 2 hours prior to my appointment, and that I was the first one to come through that office for it.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
Last edited by keoughma; Jul 16, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Jul 17, 2014, 8:35 am
#152
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Jul 17, 2014, 9:32 am
#153
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Cincinnati (CVG) can be added to the list as working. The CBP Officer told me that they had installed the signature pad about 2 hours prior to my appointment, and that I was the first one to come through that office for it.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
Yeah - I was asked for a business card at sfo and did not have one (Sunday - I was in flip flops) - officer asked what my position was and where and what I needed to travel for. Did not ask for passport - they can see travel details on their system I believe...took less than five mins and was approved.
Jul 17, 2014, 9:45 am
#154
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SMF
Programs: BR *G, Hertz President Circle, Hilton Silver
Posts: 27
just landed TPE and used my ABTC thru ABTC lane. The immigration officer looked at the back of my ABTC and was wondering how come no country code was on it. She asked me to line-up in regular lane next time and I had to educate her US is a special case and blah blah blah. hopefully she can pass the info to her colleagues...but anyways, I'm in...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
Jul 17, 2014, 12:15 pm
#155
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,635
just landed TPE and used my ABTC thru ABTC lane. The immigration officer looked at the back of my ABTC and was wondering how come no country code was on it. She asked me to line-up in regular lane next time and I had to educate her US is a special case and blah blah blah. hopefully she can pass the info to her colleagues...but anyways, I'm in...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
Jul 17, 2014, 3:19 pm
#156
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
just landed TPE and used my ABTC thru ABTC lane. The immigration officer looked at the back of my ABTC and was wondering how come no country code was on it. She asked me to line-up in regular lane next time and I had to educate her US is a special case and blah blah blah. hopefully she can pass the info to her colleagues...but anyways, I'm in...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
Would be great to hear other reports...
Jul 18, 2014, 6:18 am
#157
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
just landed TPE and used my ABTC thru ABTC lane. The immigration officer looked at the back of my ABTC and was wondering how come no country code was on it. She asked me to line-up in regular lane next time and I had to educate her US is a special case and blah blah blah. hopefully she can pass the info to her colleagues...but anyways, I'm in...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
Jul 18, 2014, 7:05 am
#158
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
I tried to search for something but no luck....maybe someone else has more patience and can find and post here?
Jul 19, 2014, 11:41 pm
#159
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
just landed TPE and used my ABTC thru ABTC lane. The immigration officer looked at the back of my ABTC and was wondering how come no country code was on it. She asked me to line-up in regular lane next time and I had to educate her US is a special case and blah blah blah. hopefully she can pass the info to her colleagues...but anyways, I'm in...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
let's hope I can use the ABTC lane when I leave TPE...
However, the Singapore immigration authority site says:
"For the purpose of providing greater convenience, all ABTC holders (with or without pre-clearance) can also enjoy extended border facilitation, i.e. they would be allowed to use the APEC lanes in all participating economies, except when entering Chinese Taipei (to use designated lanes in Chinese Taipei, card holders must obtain prior pre-clearance)."
In any event the completely blank U.S. card is bound to surprise some staff at first. There is definitely going to be a learning curve. Hopefully as the other economies start seeing a surge of incoming U.S. cardholders they will catch on fast.
Jul 22, 2014, 9:26 am
#160
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CVG
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, Sixt Gold
Posts: 44
Cincinnati (CVG) can be added to the list as working. The CBP Officer told me that they had installed the signature pad about 2 hours prior to my appointment, and that I was the first one to come through that office for it.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
One thing to note: I was asked for documentation supporting my profession and relevant travel information for why I thought I'd be eligible. I was not prepared with any official form of supporting paperwork, as neither the website or invitation letter list that as an item bring to the office when your signature is collected. After a conversation regarding my occupation and the officer browsing my passport for visas she thought it was clear that I was the target audience and approved me.
*Should also note that this office is not inside of CVG, but a mile or two away on Minneola Pike. Same location for GE interviews.
Received my card yesterday, 21-July-2014, after the signature collection on 16-July-2014.
Can someone add CVG to the Wiki? I'm unable to.
Jul 22, 2014, 10:10 am
#161
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
OT as it relates to HK ABCT status. But does offer glimpse of how other economies work.
Approval letter received 4 weeks after application, includes pre-clearance to a few economies. Will require up to 3-4 months to complete pre-clearance for other economies. Interim card can be issued at time, usually takes two weeks after formal request is filed. Status of other economies available on-line.
So it appears the pre-clearance by individual countries is real and does take time, unlike the perfunctory approval stateside. My target economies not completed yet, i.e. Vietnam/Indonesia. So will patiently wait
Approval letter received 4 weeks after application, includes pre-clearance to a few economies. Will require up to 3-4 months to complete pre-clearance for other economies. Interim card can be issued at time, usually takes two weeks after formal request is filed. Status of other economies available on-line.
So it appears the pre-clearance by individual countries is real and does take time, unlike the perfunctory approval stateside. My target economies not completed yet, i.e. Vietnam/Indonesia. So will patiently wait
Jul 22, 2014, 11:10 am
#162
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: TK*G OZ*G AA Plat
Posts: 627
Success at IAD today. Had to wait 10 minutes while they booted up the computer that had the signature pad on it. The officer said they've done a number of ABTC applications before, but I was the first one that day (11am).
Once the computer was ready, the whole process took under 5 minutes. He asked a bit about my business/travel, but I also showed him my business card which includes our office address in SE Asia, and I think that was convincing enough.
Once the computer was ready, the whole process took under 5 minutes. He asked a bit about my business/travel, but I also showed him my business card which includes our office address in SE Asia, and I think that was convincing enough.
Jul 22, 2014, 12:28 pm
#163
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
OT as it relates to HK ABCT status. But does offer glimpse of how other economies work.
Approval letter received 4 weeks after application, includes pre-clearance to a few economies. Will require up to 3-4 months to complete pre-clearance for other economies. Interim card can be issued at time, usually takes two weeks after formal request is filed. Status of other economies available on-line.
So it appears the pre-clearance by individual countries is real and does take time, unlike the perfunctory approval stateside. My target economies not completed yet, i.e. Vietnam/Indonesia. So will patiently wait
Approval letter received 4 weeks after application, includes pre-clearance to a few economies. Will require up to 3-4 months to complete pre-clearance for other economies. Interim card can be issued at time, usually takes two weeks after formal request is filed. Status of other economies available on-line.
So it appears the pre-clearance by individual countries is real and does take time, unlike the perfunctory approval stateside. My target economies not completed yet, i.e. Vietnam/Indonesia. So will patiently wait
Jul 22, 2014, 3:30 pm
#164
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
Hong Kong (China)
Korea
Hong Kong (China)
Brunei Darussalam
Peru
Not -sure why HK {China} appears twice but they did advise need re-entry permit to enter in lieu of visa.
Jul 22, 2014, 4:02 pm
#165
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
Korea seems to run this program very efficiently, so it's not surprising to see them answer quickly.