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
May 21, 15, 5:33 pm
#676
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 rlbmorton
Actually, although I am entering the country on a tourist visa, I am actually going to a conference, so it is related to work and I do have the card because of frequent travel in the region for work. But I was advised to have a tourist visa for this trip. Anyway, I will try to use it in a few weeks, see if it works, all they can do is say no, and report back.
What country are you traveling to?
May 23, 15, 6:32 pm
#677
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svcs, AA ExecPlat, WN RR, AZ(RIP) Freccia Alata+, Hilton Gold, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez
Posts: 3,385
To add to my positive entry into Korea experience I posted earlier I was able to leave ICN with the card and skip lines, enter FUK with the card and skip lines a couple of weeks ago and just exited Japan at NRT and was able to skip a lot of lines with the card.
So far most helpful. No one at ICN, FUK or NRT looked at the back. Very nice...
So far most helpful. No one at ICN, FUK or NRT looked at the back. Very nice...
May 25, 15, 12:24 pm
#679
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Originally Posted by bocastephen
mine was almost 3 weeks
data point...upon arrival at TPE the inspector looked at the card carefully with a magnifying glass and checked the back a couple of times, but didn't say anything. The diplomat/APEC line can be backed up a little with wheelchair and strollers, but depending on your arrival time, can still save you a considerable amount of waiting time.
she also changed the entry type on my immigration card from tourist (which I am on this trip) to business, but didn't ask what I was planning on doing in TW.
data point...upon arrival at TPE the inspector looked at the card carefully with a magnifying glass and checked the back a couple of times, but didn't say anything. The diplomat/APEC line can be backed up a little with wheelchair and strollers, but depending on your arrival time, can still save you a considerable amount of waiting time.
she also changed the entry type on my immigration card from tourist (which I am on this trip) to business, but didn't ask what I was planning on doing in TW.
I have no idea what the TPE agents are looking for. They know very well US ABTC cards do not have any countries listed.
May 25, 15, 8:44 pm
#681
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: 39,907
Can anyone from Taiwan tell me where you applied for the card in or near Taipei? My colleague wants the card and we have no idea where the enrollment office is, and the TW website is not helpful.
May 26, 15, 12:13 am
#682
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 221
Originally Posted by bocastephen
Can anyone from Taiwan tell me where you applied for the card in or near Taipei? My colleague wants the card and we have no idea where the enrollment office is, and the TW website is not helpful.
http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=...tNode=727&mp=1
If American, then signed up Global Entry, APEC/ABTC is next.
My recent visits to Taipei, T1, no real issues. Security at departure found my ABTC, and pointed me to EXPRESS lane for security check. Officer flipped the card and made attempt to say something, I stood firm and expressed TW Foreign Affairs Department has agreed to accept it with no endorsement in the back. She agreed. Saved me at least 20 minutes in the Monday morning rush hour.
May 26, 15, 12:41 am
#683
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: 39,907
Originally Posted by jerrywu
Assuming your colleague is a Taiwanese nationality, then
http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=...tNode=727&mp=1
If American, then signed up Global Entry, APEC/ABTC is next.
My recent visits to Taipei, T1, no real issues. Security at departure found my ABTC, and pointed me to EXPRESS lane for security check. Officer flipped the card and made attempt to say something, I stood firm and expressed TW Foreign Affairs Department has agreed to accept it with no endorsement in the back. She agreed. Saved me at least 20 minutes in the Monday morning rush hour.
http://www.boca.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=...tNode=727&mp=1
If American, then signed up Global Entry, APEC/ABTC is next.
My recent visits to Taipei, T1, no real issues. Security at departure found my ABTC, and pointed me to EXPRESS lane for security check. Officer flipped the card and made attempt to say something, I stood firm and expressed TW Foreign Affairs Department has agreed to accept it with no endorsement in the back. She agreed. Saved me at least 20 minutes in the Monday morning rush hour.
May 26, 15, 1:09 am
#684
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Places
Programs: CI Paragon, AF Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Shangri-La Jade
Posts: 170
Originally Posted by bocastephen
Yes, they are Taiwanese...but that website is not really clear on where to go to apply, just describes the general BOCA office in each region, so we need to assume they go to their closest BOCA office and ask someone where to apply.
Assuming the individual/business qualifies, one only has to gather the documentations and walk up to BOCA office. I highly recommend your pals to call BOCA. They are surprisingly helpful.
Jun 5, 15, 7:20 pm
#685
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Sorry side tracking a bit:
I hold an ABTC but it has expiry on the card as 'August 2015'. I have just been asked to go to Beijing in July for a week. Previously I won't need a visa. I can't find out if there is a minimum valid duration of the ABTC for exemption of visa entry. My local chinese embassy said they do not know and referred me to an office in Beijing.
Does anyone have experience in similar situation?
I hold an ABTC but it has expiry on the card as 'August 2015'. I have just been asked to go to Beijing in July for a week. Previously I won't need a visa. I can't find out if there is a minimum valid duration of the ABTC for exemption of visa entry. My local chinese embassy said they do not know and referred me to an office in Beijing.
Does anyone have experience in similar situation?
Jun 5, 15, 8:32 pm
#686
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,618
Originally Posted by HKGNZL
Sorry side tracking a bit:
I hold an ABTC but it has expiry on the card as 'August 2015'. I have just been asked to go to Beijing in July for a week. Previously I won't need a visa. I can't find out if there is a minimum valid duration of the ABTC for exemption of visa entry. My local chinese embassy said they do not know and referred me to an office in Beijing.
Does anyone have experience in similar situation?
I hold an ABTC but it has expiry on the card as 'August 2015'. I have just been asked to go to Beijing in July for a week. Previously I won't need a visa. I can't find out if there is a minimum valid duration of the ABTC for exemption of visa entry. My local chinese embassy said they do not know and referred me to an office in Beijing.
Does anyone have experience in similar situation?
Jun 5, 15, 8:47 pm
#687
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: 39,907
Had a less than stellar welcome with my APEC card in Singapore. Inspector looks for the endorsement on the back, doesn't see one, then compares the card to passport and mumbles something about I can't use the card (APEC is US issued, I entered with Canadian passport), but let me through anyway.
When I ask for clarification and try to explain the US cards don't have endorsements, she waved me off with a "that's all" that sounded (and looked) exactly like Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada
When I ask for clarification and try to explain the US cards don't have endorsements, she waved me off with a "that's all" that sounded (and looked) exactly like Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada
Jun 6, 15, 1:45 pm
#688
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Originally Posted by bocastephen
Had a less than stellar welcome with my APEC card in Singapore. Inspector looks for the endorsement on the back, doesn't see one, then compares the card to passport and mumbles something about I can't use the card (APEC is US issued, I entered with Canadian passport), but let me through anyway.
When I ask for clarification and try to explain the US cards don't have endorsements, she waved me off with a "that's all" that sounded (and looked) exactly like Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada
When I ask for clarification and try to explain the US cards don't have endorsements, she waved me off with a "that's all" that sounded (and looked) exactly like Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada
Jun 7, 15, 1:08 am
#689
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: 39,907
Originally Posted by cxfan1960
Many countries do not like US issuing ABTC cards her own way (by not printing list of countries). With so many US ABTC card holders passing through APEC countries, they see that all the time. There was no need to explain. Since she let you through already, it was probably quicker to say thanks and proceed, in case there were others behind you.
This issue was escalated at TPE and they corrected the inspectors who were making arbitrary, and incorrect, decisions about the US cards - sounds like Singapore inspectors need similar re-training.
Jun 7, 15, 4:52 am
#690
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 bocastephen
This issue was escalated at TPE and they corrected the inspectors who were making arbitrary, and incorrect, decisions about the US cards - sounds like Singapore inspectors need similar re-training.
We wouldn't have this mess if the U.S. had fully implemented the ABTC program.
