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
Jul 29, 2014, 1:11 pm
#198
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: MPC, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 407
I haven't been able to find this so I'm hoping someone could help me out. In anticipation of the ABTC application, I applied for GO a few weeks back and got conditionally approved. I can't seem to find any ABTC application option when I log in to GOES though - any guidance as to where this option is? I was hoping to get my GO and ABTC all sorted out with one interview visit, so any thoughts about how to make that happen would be great. Thanks!
Jul 29, 2014, 9:51 pm
#199
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SMF
Programs: BR *G, Hertz President Circle, Hilton Silver
Posts: 27
Jul 29, 2014, 10:01 pm
#200
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
I haven't been able to find this so I'm hoping someone could help me out. In anticipation of the ABTC application, I applied for GO a few weeks back and got conditionally approved. I can't seem to find any ABTC application option when I log in to GOES though - any guidance as to where this option is? I was hoping to get my GO and ABTC all sorted out with one interview visit, so any thoughts about how to make that happen would be great. Thanks!
Jul 30, 2014, 10:35 am
#201
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
What has been your experience in terms of the length of time required to pass through the ABTC lanes? Can you usually just walk directly right up to the officer, present the card, and be on your way in 30 seconds or so? Or have you sometimes had to line up and wait a few minutes?
Last edited by AsiaFlyer2014; Jul 30, 2014 at 10:48 am
Jul 30, 2014, 3:15 pm
#202
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE-MM, BA Bronze, Marriott Titanium & lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,820
Anyone had any luck with walk-up interview recently? Have an ABTC application in with an interview due in October, but could go to YYZ an hour early tomorrow and be at the door at 9am.
(I'm an existing GE/NEXUS member)
(I'm an existing GE/NEXUS member)
Jul 30, 2014, 9:29 pm
#203
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Entered Singapore through Terminal 2 yesterday. Business visas are not required for U.S. citizens.
The single APEC line is shared with air crews, Singapore citizens, and long term residents. So the queue was not much shorter than the Any Passport queues.
First thing the immigration officer did was turn my card over and look at the back. Several times. Clear she could not understand why there were no pre-clearance countries listed. She then turned it over to see the front again.
Never asked a question.
Stamped me in, but the stamp is blurred where the maximum amount of stay would be indicated. There are two stamps (one in the passport and one on the arrival/departure card), but they are both blurred in the same place so it was the stamp itself.
So I can't tell if U.S. APEC at SIN is worthwhile or not. When I depart tomorrow, I'll ask how long my entry was valid for and will be able to determine.
You mean you didn't read through the whole thread to find the relevant information you want (which is discussed above)?
I predicted this thread would become such a jumble of information on multiple subjects and this is what would occur, but my opinion was overruled.
As to your query, they are taking walk-ins for ABTC signature collection. I had to wait about 15-minutes at LAX.
The single APEC line is shared with air crews, Singapore citizens, and long term residents. So the queue was not much shorter than the Any Passport queues.
First thing the immigration officer did was turn my card over and look at the back. Several times. Clear she could not understand why there were no pre-clearance countries listed. She then turned it over to see the front again.
Never asked a question.
Stamped me in, but the stamp is blurred where the maximum amount of stay would be indicated. There are two stamps (one in the passport and one on the arrival/departure card), but they are both blurred in the same place so it was the stamp itself.
So I can't tell if U.S. APEC at SIN is worthwhile or not. When I depart tomorrow, I'll ask how long my entry was valid for and will be able to determine.
I predicted this thread would become such a jumble of information on multiple subjects and this is what would occur, but my opinion was overruled.
As to your query, they are taking walk-ins for ABTC signature collection. I had to wait about 15-minutes at LAX.
Jul 31, 2014, 7:45 am
#204
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE-MM, BA Bronze, Marriott Titanium & lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,820
So, the answer is definitely and completely "no". At least for YYZ. Agent seemed appalled that I'd even ask...
Jul 31, 2014, 8:10 am
#205
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
You may log into the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) at ww.cbp.gov to schedule an interview to finalize your enrollment; or finalize your enrollment on a walk-in basis. If you choose to finalize your enrollment as a walk-in, be aware that scheduled appointments have priority and you will be seen at the first available opportunity.
Jul 31, 2014, 10:37 am
#207
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Did you try and explain that you have an oct appointment but want to do this early? if so best not to bring that up and just say your letter asks you to walk in for signature and hand over letter.
Jul 31, 2014, 11:19 am
#208
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 112
Entered Singapore through Terminal 2 yesterday. Business visas are not required for U.S. citizens.
The single APEC line is shared with air crews, Singapore citizens, and long term residents. So the queue was not much shorter than the Any Passport queues.
First thing the immigration officer did was turn my card over and look at the back. Several times. Clear she could not understand why there were no pre-clearance countries listed. She then turned it over to see the front again.
Never asked a question.
Stamped me in, but the stamp is blurred where the maximum amount of stay would be indicated. There are two stamps (one in the passport and one on the arrival/departure card), but they are both blurred in the same place so it was the stamp itself.
So I can't tell if U.S. APEC at SIN is worthwhile or not. When I depart tomorrow, I'll ask how long my entry was valid for and will be able to determine.
The single APEC line is shared with air crews, Singapore citizens, and long term residents. So the queue was not much shorter than the Any Passport queues.
First thing the immigration officer did was turn my card over and look at the back. Several times. Clear she could not understand why there were no pre-clearance countries listed. She then turned it over to see the front again.
Never asked a question.
Stamped me in, but the stamp is blurred where the maximum amount of stay would be indicated. There are two stamps (one in the passport and one on the arrival/departure card), but they are both blurred in the same place so it was the stamp itself.
So I can't tell if U.S. APEC at SIN is worthwhile or not. When I depart tomorrow, I'll ask how long my entry was valid for and will be able to determine.
For Singapore the entry should be valid for 60 days.
It is interesting to hear that the shared APEC lane was crowded. Maybe Singapore needs to consider creating a dedicated APEC lane.
Although in my few visits to Singapore I have never had to wait more than 3-4 minutes even in the normal lanes, so ABTC may not be essential for Singapore travel.
Jul 31, 2014, 7:22 pm
#209
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
Jul 31, 2014, 10:22 pm
#210
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
I remember when SIN used to be no real waiting as well, but that has not been my experience in the past 3-4 months.
On arrival, there were at least 10-people in each queue. The ABTC/Air Crew/Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident queue was almost as long. Took me 10-15 minutes to get through.
On departure today, there is no ABTC line in T1. There is a handicap/Air Crew line, but everyone with kids uses it as well since I guess they think having kids is a handicap.
The queues were all 15+ people deep. Took me 20-minutes to get through.
I asked how long I had been stamped in for. I was told 90-days, but the immigration official didn't look at the computer and I asked how he could read that on the stamps. He said it was faint. Ha! It was a smudge and I think he just assumed it was 90-days since I had an ABTC.
My conclusion is that Singapore is paying the same lip service to ABTC that the U.S. is. I categorize it as a fail.
On arrival, there were at least 10-people in each queue. The ABTC/Air Crew/Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident queue was almost as long. Took me 10-15 minutes to get through.
On departure today, there is no ABTC line in T1. There is a handicap/Air Crew line, but everyone with kids uses it as well since I guess they think having kids is a handicap.
The queues were all 15+ people deep. Took me 20-minutes to get through.
I asked how long I had been stamped in for. I was told 90-days, but the immigration official didn't look at the computer and I asked how he could read that on the stamps. He said it was faint. Ha! It was a smudge and I think he just assumed it was 90-days since I had an ABTC.
My conclusion is that Singapore is paying the same lip service to ABTC that the U.S. is. I categorize it as a fail.