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
Aug 8, 2014, 2:14 pm
#241
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE-MM, BA Bronze, Marriott Titanium & lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,820
So, I did a walkup in YYZ today. Signed in as an "update". I didn't need to see the Canadian officer, just the US. Only one of the agents there had actually seen one of these signups before, so he had to show the others how to do it. Very simple. They ask if you travel regularly to Asia for business. Presuming the answer is yes, they get you to sign on an electronic strip and you're done.
Aug 8, 2014, 9:16 pm
#242
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
Just checked and additional approvals granted for the following:
Australia
Chile
New Zealand
Malaysia
Russia
Looks like the slower processing nations include Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam!
Aug 8, 2014, 10:30 pm
#243
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
And this has what to do with U.S. ABTC, the topic of this thread?
Aug 8, 2014, 10:45 pm
#244
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
Aug 9, 2014, 7:01 am
#247
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
Well, my first post on this clearly said: OT.
Second, I believe it was you who was lobbying for split threads to get feedback on ABCT from all countries.
Last, I thought this might prove useful to other FTer's who also hold other passports.....
Not just yet, made the app and waiting for pre-clearance on all members before asking them to issue the actual card. Then can compare with US ABCT.
Second, I believe it was you who was lobbying for split threads to get feedback on ABCT from all countries.
Last, I thought this might prove useful to other FTer's who also hold other passports.....
Not just yet, made the app and waiting for pre-clearance on all members before asking them to issue the actual card. Then can compare with US ABCT.
Aug 9, 2014, 12:40 pm
#248
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
But I don't see why there is a comparison being we don't get pre-clearance because the US is only a transitional economy. Obviously any economy participating the full scheme is better!
Aug 11, 2014, 8:51 pm
#250
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
Bkk airport update
At Bkk airport, just finished formalities. Successfully entered the Premium Lane entry with my ABCT, long que for all but the Air Crew counter. Tried to use the latter with my ABCT and the lazy officer said NO, LOL.
So waited patiently at one of the other lines, when I got to the counter, officer looked at front of my card and never turned it over....proceeded to chop chop my passport.
So waited patiently at one of the other lines, when I got to the counter, officer looked at front of my card and never turned it over....proceeded to chop chop my passport.
Aug 12, 2014, 7:44 am
#251
Join Date: Sep 1999
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton GLD
Posts: 974
Went to the Seattle office to verify my signature and complete the registration. At first they seemed confused. The officer working with me spent at least 15 minutes asking pointed questions regarding my travel and destinations. He really did not seem well versed on the program. What should have been a 5 minute session turned into a 45 minute meeting. At the same time they had two officers chit chatting with one another at an adjacent desk while people lined up in line waiting in the waiting area.
Aug 13, 2014, 10:53 am
#252
Join Date: May 2007
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 2K, Marriott Platinium, Global Entry, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 370
I did the signature at den yesterday . I had an appointment already scheduled for GE renewal. Officer asked why I applied and I signed the pad. I believe he had processed these before because it was seamless.
Aug 15, 2014, 3:18 pm
#253
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: A3, AA. Plasticy things! That give me, y'know, Stuff!
Posts: 6,293
Applied US card Monday, SEA. Walk in. Nice saign saying no walk ins. I and the staff ignored it. 10 minute wait. 10 minutes of slow typing, 2-3 questions, signature capture, a bit more typing. Out in less than 20 minutes total. Card arrived Thursday.
Applied for NZ card ~3 weeks ago. Just got letter asking me to visit NZ for an interview on Monday... that isn't going to be happening!
As an aside for the US card - has anyone tried using it as ID for TSA ID checks? It's not on the TSA list, but I'm interested to see how they treat it. Shall find out tomorrow for ORD, I guess.
Applied for NZ card ~3 weeks ago. Just got letter asking me to visit NZ for an interview on Monday... that isn't going to be happening!
As an aside for the US card - has anyone tried using it as ID for TSA ID checks? It's not on the TSA list, but I'm interested to see how they treat it. Shall find out tomorrow for ORD, I guess.
Aug 16, 2014, 2:46 pm
#254
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,638
Foreign national with APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
I am a foreign national and have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). Do I have access to an express immigration lane when I enter the United States?
Yes. ABTC cardholders have access to express immigration lanes at all U.S. international airports and pre-clearance locations. In most airports, the express lane is the same as the crew lane. Due to the varying layouts of some airports (such as in Miami), the express lane is the same as the diplomatic lane.
Yes. ABTC cardholders have access to express immigration lanes at all U.S. international airports and pre-clearance locations. In most airports, the express lane is the same as the crew lane. Due to the varying layouts of some airports (such as in Miami), the express lane is the same as the diplomatic lane.
Aug 19, 2014, 9:56 pm
#255
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
Well in reporting on using my second passport (non-matching), it works. Since my card isn't really precleared for anything, so far nobody has made the effort to tell me the card number doesn't match my passport number.
So far used in PVG, NRT, HND, SIN.
So far used in PVG, NRT, HND, SIN.