Jun 23, 14, 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.
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)
HND - 07/30/14 - success
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)
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)
HND - 07/30/14 - success
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)
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
Mar 3, 15, 9:04 pm
#586
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 39,909
Originally Posted by jerrywu
I have not been to TPE T1 for a while. 4 months ago, far right is for APEC holders, Disabled person as well as Diplomat. There were two Frequent Visitor lanes, left to APEC lane. Things might be different now.
Mar 3, 15, 11:18 pm
#587
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 221
Originally Posted by bocastephen
Pretty much the same setup now in T2 - but for those who want fast entry to Taiwan, the frequent visitor permit is much easier and faster than the APEC card and will avoid the argument over endorsement.
Last edited by jerrywu; Mar 3, 15 at 11:19 pm Reason: Correction.
Mar 8, 15, 12:25 pm
#588
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: TPE, SZX, HKG, SAN
Programs: CI: Emer; CX: Sliver; DL: PM; PC: RA;
Posts: 272
TPE T1
Was denied to use APEC lane and I asked officer to show official document why! After he showed me a paper I told him this is not an official government document. He let me in and speaks nothing.
Mar 8, 15, 1:01 pm
#589
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,618
Originally Posted by wpyeh
Was denied to use APEC lane and I asked officer to show official document why! After he showed me a paper I told him this is not an official government document. He let me in and speaks nothing.
Where was it? If it is in the title, I apologize. On mobile I cannot see it easily.
That was with TPE T1.
Last edited by geclub1; Mar 8, 15 at 2:17 pm
Mar 8, 15, 2:13 pm
#590
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,692
Originally Posted by GotSeoul
Entry Experience:
BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Saturday 3 January 2015 approx. 11:40am.
Used my US Issued ABTC to go through Premium Lane, no wait, walked right up and had no problems getting through. I do have a non-Imm-B Visa so was stamped with 90 days. Don't know if they would have stamped 30 or 60 if I didn't have the visa.
BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Saturday 3 January 2015 approx. 11:40am.
Used my US Issued ABTC to go through Premium Lane, no wait, walked right up and had no problems getting through. I do have a non-Imm-B Visa so was stamped with 90 days. Don't know if they would have stamped 30 or 60 if I didn't have the visa.
Were you granted the normal 30-day visa free entry or the the longer 59-day APEC entry?
Mar 8, 15, 3:53 pm
#591
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal to the rest of the world...
Programs: AA EXP with lots of BA. UA 2MM Lifetime Plat - No longer chase hotel loyalty
Posts: 6,665
Originally Posted by Always Flyin
Has anyone used a U.S. or Canada issued ABTC to enter Thailand without a visa?
Were you granted the normal 30-day visa free entry or the the longer 59-day APEC entry?
Were you granted the normal 30-day visa free entry or the the longer 59-day APEC entry?
Mar 8, 15, 4:28 pm
#592
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,692
Originally Posted by NickP 1K
I used the ABTC card last week to enter and exit Thailand; stamped in my passport was a 30 day entry. The agent who actually had good english stated you can use ABTC card to enter the line but we will do non endorsed cards with 30 day entry if passport allows visa free.
Mar 9, 15, 10:01 am
#594
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Admirals Club, DL Plat Med, AmEx Plat, SPG Plat, MR Plat (via SPG)
Posts: 191
Originally Posted by Theforeigner
Seems like there is no change - I went through bali maybe six months ago and had long argument with the IO supervisor there - they let me go through but it may have been just to get rid of me - being a little aggressive usually works for me - and I really want them to look up the regulations and change their policies.
Anyone heard from Taiwan - I remember a post saying there was likely to be some change before Chinese New Year...
Anyone heard from Taiwan - I remember a post saying there was likely to be some change before Chinese New Year...
IO: Is this your card?
Me: Yes.
IO: You need to have countries listed on the back.
Me: United States cards don't have countries listed.
IO: Yes they do.
Me: No they don't. US citizens don't need a visa to enter Indosenia.
IO: You don't need a visa for Indosenia?
Me: No.
IO: Stamps passport without a further word.
I wish there was paperwork we could show to explain this....
Mar 9, 15, 8:02 pm
#595
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by BosTravel
Me: No they don't. US citizens don't need a visa to enter Indosenia.
IO: You don't need a visa for Indosenia?
IO: You don't need a visa for Indosenia?
I assume you mean we need a visa, rather that it is a visa on arrival. I read Russians and Chinese were given visa waivers or are in the process of receiving them but nothing for Americans.
Mar 9, 15, 10:42 pm
#596
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Admirals Club, DL Plat Med, AmEx Plat, SPG Plat, MR Plat (via SPG)
Posts: 191
Originally Posted by hessinger
US citizens don't need a visa I assume you mean we need a visa, rather that it is a visa on arrival. I read Russians and Chinese were given visa waivers or are in the process of receiving them but nothing for Americans.
I assume you mean we need a visa, rather that it is a visa on arrival. I read Russians and Chinese were given visa waivers or are in the process of receiving them but nothing for Americans.
Mar 10, 15, 9:02 am
#597
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
Originally Posted by BosTravel
Similar challenge upon leaving DPS, but the exchange lasted less than 2 minutes.
IO: Is this your card?
Me: Yes.
IO: You need to have countries listed on the back.
Me: United States cards don't have countries listed.
IO: Yes they do.
Me: No they don't. US citizens don't need a visa to enter Indosenia.
IO: You don't need a visa for Indosenia?
Me: No.
IO: Stamps passport without a further word.
I wish there was paperwork we could show to explain this....
IO: Is this your card?
Me: Yes.
IO: You need to have countries listed on the back.
Me: United States cards don't have countries listed.
IO: Yes they do.
Me: No they don't. US citizens don't need a visa to enter Indosenia.
IO: You don't need a visa for Indosenia?
Me: No.
IO: Stamps passport without a further word.
I wish there was paperwork we could show to explain this....
Mar 10, 15, 8:45 pm
#598
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Originally Posted by hessinger
US citizens don't need a visa I assume you mean we need a visa, rather that it is a visa on arrival. I read Russians and Chinese were given visa waivers or are in the process of receiving them but nothing for Americans.
I assume you mean we need a visa, rather that it is a visa on arrival. I read Russians and Chinese were given visa waivers or are in the process of receiving them but nothing for Americans.(unless you are referring to HK/Macau passport, in which that is completely different.)
Mar 11, 15, 2:58 am
#599
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by AA_EXP09
PRC passport is also visa on arrival unless said PRC passport holder is an APEC card holder with endorsement valid for travel to Indonesia.
(unless you are referring to HK/Macau passport, in which that is completely different.)
(unless you are referring to HK/Macau passport, in which that is completely different.)
The visa waiver has a possibility of extension to Americans and Europeans. Who knows if or when this all play out though. However, given the recent collapse in the IDR, I am not all that surprised if these changes come rather soon.
Last edited by hessinger; Mar 11, 15 at 3:09 am
Mar 11, 15, 9:53 pm
#600
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Originally Posted by hessinger
Sorry, should cited a source: http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=24110
The visa waiver has a possibility of extension to Americans and Europeans. Who knows if or when this all play out though. However, given the recent collapse in the IDR, I am not all that surprised if these changes come rather soon.
The visa waiver has a possibility of extension to Americans and Europeans. Who knows if or when this all play out though. However, given the recent collapse in the IDR, I am not all that surprised if these changes come rather soon.
