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
Mar 9, 2015, 6:29 am
#586
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Seems like TPE is more relaxed on departure side, went through T1 without any problem this morning. Also bypassed the 30-min wait at security check.
Mar 9, 2015, 10:01 am
#587
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA ExecPlat, AC, DL Plat, Amtrk SE, AmEx Plat, Bonvoy Plat (via SPG), HH Gold, Accor Plat, WOH Dis
Posts: 196
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, 2015, 8:02 pm
#588
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 236
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, 2015, 10:42 pm
#589
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA ExecPlat, AC, DL Plat, Amtrk SE, AmEx Plat, Bonvoy Plat (via SPG), HH Gold, Accor Plat, WOH Dis
Posts: 196
I'm not an expert of the vocabulary, but thanks for the correction. I was simply relaying the conversation and what worked for me.
Mar 10, 2015, 9:02 am
#590
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 34
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, 2015, 8:45 pm
#591
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
(unless you are referring to HK/Macau passport, in which that is completely different.)
Mar 11, 2015, 2:58 am
#592
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 236
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, 2015 at 3:09 am
Mar 11, 2015, 9:53 pm
#593
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
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.
Mar 12, 2015, 8:47 pm
#594
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: TK Elite+(*G), UA*S, IHG Plat, Avis First
Posts: 43
Question for our forum friends who read/write Traditional Chinese -- does anyone know of a website that may have a doc (or screenshot) that we can print out (written in Chinese) that effectively explains that the back of the US card is blank for a reason?
Seems like printing something out and being able to show to a TPE immigration officer, may help because they are so inconsistent.
Does anyone know if something like this exists?
(And I know there is a TPE frequent traveler program, but you have to had traveled at least 3 times to TPE in the past 12 months to qualify -- and for folks like me that maybe go to TPE once or twice a year, doesn't help)
Seems like printing something out and being able to show to a TPE immigration officer, may help because they are so inconsistent.
Does anyone know if something like this exists?
(And I know there is a TPE frequent traveler program, but you have to had traveled at least 3 times to TPE in the past 12 months to qualify -- and for folks like me that maybe go to TPE once or twice a year, doesn't help)
Mar 13, 2015, 8:38 am
#595
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
There isn't even one in English but good thought!
Mar 14, 2015, 2:13 am
#596
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
I'll send another email to the ministry of foreign affairs to see if I can get something in writing to post here.
Also spoke with MNL IO. The response was a less official "no problem sir". Never had problem there anyway.
Mar 14, 2015, 6:42 am
#597
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 236
Question for our forum friends who read/write Traditional Chinese -- does anyone know of a website that may have a doc (or screenshot) that we can print out (written in Chinese) that effectively explains that the back of the US card is blank for a reason?
Seems like printing something out and being able to show to a TPE immigration officer, may help because they are so inconsistent.
Does anyone know if something like this exists?
(And I know there is a TPE frequent traveler program, but you have to had traveled at least 3 times to TPE in the past 12 months to qualify -- and for folks like me that maybe go to TPE once or twice a year, doesn't help)
Seems like printing something out and being able to show to a TPE immigration officer, may help because they are so inconsistent.
Does anyone know if something like this exists?
(And I know there is a TPE frequent traveler program, but you have to had traveled at least 3 times to TPE in the past 12 months to qualify -- and for folks like me that maybe go to TPE once or twice a year, doesn't help)
It's usually pretty simple conversation.
Me: Americans don't have [any endorsements].
Guard: Why?
Me: Because the American government is stupid.
Usually get's a laugh or a big smile and a quick stamp in my passport. I've not had any problems entering or leaving China or Taiwan through the ABTC line with that explanation.
Mar 19, 2015, 10:51 am
#598
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 236
It appears that the Indonesian government plans to go through with this with an additional 30 countries explicitly listed as being visa free access. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...countries.html
Hopefully this will make using the ABTC lines less of a hassle too.
Mar 22, 2015, 4:27 pm
#599
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,171
Just a data point for those in the Seattle area - I was able to get my signature captured as a walk-in at Boeing Field without waiting and the process was simple and pleasant.
Checking for available appointment dates would have had me coming in around July
Checking for available appointment dates would have had me coming in around July