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 12, 15, 8:47 pm
#601
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, 15, 8:38 am
#602
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,732
Originally Posted by pinoymutt
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?
Mar 14, 15, 2:13 am
#603
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Originally Posted by pinoymutt
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?
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, 15, 6:42 am
#604
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by pinoymutt
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, 15, 10:51 am
#605
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SIN/PVG
Programs: Basement Lurker Club
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by AA_EXP09
Interesting-that would mean that Israelis could effectively get visa free as they can enter Singapore on a 30 day social visit pass (currently, Israelis are not even allowed visa on arrival.)
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, 15, 4:27 pm
#606
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: 39,911
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
Mar 25, 15, 12:42 pm
#608
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP 2.0MM
Posts: 73
Mixed Results
Entered at SIN March 16 and the IO at the APEC lane would not recognize the card because no countries listed on back. Still let me pass through normally after showing me the card of another pax with the countries listed. Used the card at MNL March 18 without problems - the IO didn't look at the back of the card.
Mar 26, 15, 11:35 pm
#609
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Newport Beach / San Francisco / Seattle
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold 75K, Amex Centurion, Marriott Ambassador Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 231
I applied for APEC a couple nights ago on the GOES site and was initial approved within minutes. The earliest appointment I was able to find was at LAX on a Friday night in a couple months but per the suggestions in this thread, I decided to try my luck as a walk-in at SFO today during the afternoon. The US CBP officer I approached asked twice if I had an appointment and both times I responded "no" while mentioning that I already had Global Entry and was there for a walk-in for APEC. I was thrilled when he started tapping away on the computer and had me sign on the signature pad - all this in ~15 minutes.
Question: how long before your status on the GOES site changed after your in-person interview? Upon leaving, the officer told me that I should receive my card "in a week or two" and reminded me that friends/family could not use the APEC line with me. My online status still shows as "Initial Enrollment / Interview Scheduled"
Thanks!
Question: how long before your status on the GOES site changed after your in-person interview? Upon leaving, the officer told me that I should receive my card "in a week or two" and reminded me that friends/family could not use the APEC line with me. My online status still shows as "Initial Enrollment / Interview Scheduled"
Thanks!
Mar 27, 15, 2:32 am
#610
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Originally Posted by immaculate
Question: how long before your status on the GOES site changed after your in-person interview?
Mar 27, 15, 9:57 am
#611
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 immaculate
I applied for APEC a couple nights ago on the GOES site and was initial approved within minutes. The earliest appointment I was able to find was at LAX on a Friday night in a couple months but per the suggestions in this thread, I decided to try my luck as a walk-in at SFO today during the afternoon. The US CBP officer I approached asked twice if I had an appointment and both times I responded "no" while mentioning that I already had Global Entry and was there for a walk-in for APEC. I was thrilled when he started tapping away on the computer and had me sign on the signature pad - all this in ~15 minutes.
Ummmmm . . . did you actually read the pre-approval letter?
ABTC processing for pre-existing Global Entry members without an appointment is not a favor, it is expressly provided for in the letter.
Mar 27, 15, 5:05 pm
#612
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Newport Beach / San Francisco / Seattle
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold 75K, Amex Centurion, Marriott Ambassador Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 231
Originally Posted by Always Flyin
Ummmmm . . . did you actually read the pre-approval letter?
ABTC processing for pre-existing Global Entry members without an appointment is not a favor, it is expressly provided for in the letter.
ABTC processing for pre-existing Global Entry members without an appointment is not a favor, it is expressly provided for in the letter.
Mar 27, 15, 8:39 pm
#613
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,692
Climb down off the high horse.
So they did you a favor by doing what they were obligated to do, which is how your post was worded ("I decided to try my luck as a walk-in")?
For those who read here, they may very well be left with the impression that they are not entitled to signature capture without an appointment. And that is not how it is.
So they did you a favor by doing what they were obligated to do, which is how your post was worded ("I decided to try my luck as a walk-in")?
For those who read here, they may very well be left with the impression that they are not entitled to signature capture without an appointment. And that is not how it is.
Mar 28, 15, 1:44 am
#614
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Newport Beach / San Francisco / Seattle
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold 75K, Amex Centurion, Marriott Ambassador Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 231
Originally Posted by Always Flyin
Climb down off the high horse.
So they did you a favor by doing what they were obligated to do, which is how your post was worded ("I decided to try my luck as a walk-in")?
For those who read here, they may very well be left with the impression that they are not entitled to signature capture without an appointment. And that is not how it is.
So they did you a favor by doing what they were obligated to do, which is how your post was worded ("I decided to try my luck as a walk-in")?
For those who read here, they may very well be left with the impression that they are not entitled to signature capture without an appointment. And that is not how it is.
Chill out.I said "try my luck" because walk-ins ARE based on the availability of a US CBP officer being free between appointments to do your signature capture. the GOES site showed SFO as solidly booked through May.
Last edited by immaculate; Mar 28, 15 at 7:03 am Reason: edit to add clarification on "try my luck"
Mar 28, 15, 11:03 am
#615
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,692
You may log into the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) at www.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.
