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
Nov 30, 2015, 7:49 am
#856
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
I can't produce a reference to something that doesn't exist. 
What I can tell you is if it was a benefit on ABTC, the DHS final rule would have called it out as a benefit as it would have went into the cost/benefit (eg time saved) analysis that was done and detailed in the Federal Register link provided. The analysis that was done was on cost on obtaining ABTC and enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program vs. time saved clearing immigration using ABTC but no mention of the time saved with an "expedited" visa interview process.
Let's hear it from the community to see if their visa application process is any different assuming they identify themselves as US ABTC members during the process.
What I can tell you is if it was a benefit on ABTC, the DHS final rule would have called it out as a benefit as it would have went into the cost/benefit (eg time saved) analysis that was done and detailed in the Federal Register link provided. The analysis that was done was on cost on obtaining ABTC and enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program vs. time saved clearing immigration using ABTC but no mention of the time saved with an "expedited" visa interview process.
Let's hear it from the community to see if their visa application process is any different assuming they identify themselves as US ABTC members during the process.
Last edited by seawolf; Nov 30, 2015 at 8:03 am
Nov 30, 2015, 8:58 am
#857
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: Marriott PLT (LTPP), SPG PLT (LTG), AA EXP, UA 1K, Delta silver, Hertz PC
Posts: 172
I know the rules specifically state that you are not supposed to use this card when traveling on vacation and that any spouse or child can't join you, but has anyone ever tried that?
Nov 30, 2015, 9:45 am
#858
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
Nov 30, 2015, 10:38 am
#859
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: Marriott PLT (LTPP), SPG PLT (LTG), AA EXP, UA 1K, Delta silver, Hertz PC
Posts: 172
Nov 30, 2015, 11:12 am
#860
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636
I recall someone posted they were successful. Given there are still agents out there that is perplexed that US ABTC card have no country endorsements on the back of the card, bringing family in is indeed YMMV. I doubt a foreign country will confiscate a US-issued ABTC for misuse. The worst I think can happen is they send you to the back of the regular line.
Nov 30, 2015, 12:06 pm
#861
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: Marriott PLT (LTPP), SPG PLT (LTG), AA EXP, UA 1K, Delta silver, Hertz PC
Posts: 172
I recall someone posted they were successful. Given there are still agents out there that is perplexed that US ABTC card have no country endorsements on the back of the card, bringing family in is indeed YMMV. I doubt a foreign country will confiscate a US-issued ABTC for misuse. The worst I think can happen is they send you to the back of the regular line.
Nov 30, 2015, 12:50 pm
#862
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Based in Michigan, but I could be anywhere!
Programs: Hilton, American, Club Carlson, United, Marriott, Starwood
Posts: 409
I can't produce a reference to something that doesn't exist.
What I can tell you is if it was a benefit on ABTC, the DHS final rule would have called it out as a benefit as it would have went into the cost/benefit (eg time saved) analysis that was done and detailed in the Federal Register link provided. The analysis that was done was on cost on obtaining ABTC and enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program vs. time saved clearing immigration using ABTC but no mention of the time saved with an "expedited" visa interview process.
Let's hear it from the community to see if their visa application process is any different assuming they identify themselves as US ABTC members during the process.
What I can tell you is if it was a benefit on ABTC, the DHS final rule would have called it out as a benefit as it would have went into the cost/benefit (eg time saved) analysis that was done and detailed in the Federal Register link provided. The analysis that was done was on cost on obtaining ABTC and enrolling in a Trusted Traveler program vs. time saved clearing immigration using ABTC but no mention of the time saved with an "expedited" visa interview process.
Let's hear it from the community to see if their visa application process is any different assuming they identify themselves as US ABTC members during the process.
Dec 13, 2015, 2:43 pm
#864
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Are we allowed to use the ABTC when entering a country for the purpose of transit (during a business trip)?
Dec 13, 2015, 4:01 pm
#865
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 was there about a month ago, and no special line in Macau for APEC members. Queues there can be hit or miss - I've had times when it has been less then 5 minutes, other times almost 40.
Dec 14, 2015, 12:41 am
#866
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
ABTC cards are not honoured by non-ABTC-participating economies, let alone non APEC economies. Only ABTC participating economies have special lanes for ABTC cardholders.
Dec 14, 2015, 8:39 am
#867
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 8
I usually hold both passports and sets of tickets and have my APEC card on top and hand both to whomever needs to process them. My boss is from the UK and cannot get one. His role is VP of Asia Pacific so it's very inconvenient for him not to have the ABTC. We were on a roadshow together and I tried to get him through as many places as we could during the trip.
Dec 14, 2015, 2:11 pm
#868
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
I've gotten my boss and friends through the APEC immigration line with me at various times in Thailand (outbound and inbound), Malaysia (inbound), and Philippines (outbound). In Singapore got shut down (inbound), I was able to go through but they made my boss go in the regular immigration line.
I usually hold both passports and sets of tickets and have my APEC card on top and hand both to whomever needs to process them. My boss is from the UK and cannot get one. His role is VP of Asia Pacific so it's very inconvenient for him not to have the ABTC. We were on a roadshow together and I tried to get him through as many places as we could during the trip.
I usually hold both passports and sets of tickets and have my APEC card on top and hand both to whomever needs to process them. My boss is from the UK and cannot get one. His role is VP of Asia Pacific so it's very inconvenient for him not to have the ABTC. We were on a roadshow together and I tried to get him through as many places as we could during the trip.
Dec 14, 2015, 2:15 pm
#869
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
I've gotten my boss and friends through the APEC immigration line with me at various times in Thailand (outbound and inbound), Malaysia (inbound), and Philippines (outbound). In Singapore got shut down (inbound), I was able to go through but they made my boss go in the regular immigration line.
I usually hold both passports and sets of tickets and have my APEC card on top and hand both to whomever needs to process them. My boss is from the UK and cannot get one. His role is VP of Asia Pacific so it's very inconvenient for him not to have the ABTC. We were on a roadshow together and I tried to get him through as many places as we could during the trip.
I usually hold both passports and sets of tickets and have my APEC card on top and hand both to whomever needs to process them. My boss is from the UK and cannot get one. His role is VP of Asia Pacific so it's very inconvenient for him not to have the ABTC. We were on a roadshow together and I tried to get him through as many places as we could during the trip.
Dec 15, 2015, 7:14 pm
#870
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,636