Asia-Pacific Economic Business Travel Card (APEC) - For Malaysians only

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region. APEC Business Travel Card is designed to simplify the visa application process for business travelers engaged in APEC-related business activities within APEC member countries. Presently we can only apply for APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) for Malaysian applicants only.

Benefits of APEC Card

Visa Exemption: Cardholders are exempt from visa application when travelling to all APEC member countries.
APEC Special Lane: Cardholders have access to the APEC Special Lane facilitates seamless departure and arrival cross-border experience.
Networking Opportunities: APEC community fosters connections and collaborations among professionals and business partners, promoting international business, cooperation and understanding.
Time and Cost Savings: Cardholders benefit from visa exemption, reducing waiting time and associated costs related to visa applications.

APEC Member Countries

Australia
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Chile
People’s Republic of China
Hong Kong
China
Indonesia
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malaysia
Mexico
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Peru
The Philippines
The Russian Federation
Singapore
Chinese Taipei
Thailand
Vietnam

Applicant (Residing in Malaysia)

APEC application form
Copy of Malaysian passport (passport validity period exceeds 3 years)
Photocopy of identity card
1 -piece passport size photo (blue background)
Letter of application from the company with confirmation of the applicant;
- Name, date of birth, identity card number and passport
- Positions in the company
- Justification of APEC Business Travel Card application
- Applicant’s job description
Letter of support from the relevant Regulatory Agency
Letter of authority for a representative from the company if the applicant is unable to attend.

Applicant (Residing Outside Malaysia)

APEC application form
Copy of Malaysian passport (passport validity period exceeds 3 years)
Photocopy of identity card
1 -piece passport size photo (blue background)
Letter of application from the company with confirmation of the applicant;
- Name, date of birth, identity card number and passport
- Positions in the company
- Justification of APEC Business Travel Card application
- Applicant’s job description
Letter of support from the relevant Regulatory Agency
Copy of Work Permit or Permanent Resident Card
Letter of authority for a representative from the company if the applicant is unable to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which APEC economies participate in the ABTC (APEC Business Travel Card) scheme?

19 APEC economies are fully participating members of the ABTC scheme: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Two APEC economies are transitional members of the ABTC scheme: Canada and the United States.

What is the difference between fully participating members and transitional members?

ABTC holders granted preclearance by an APEC economy do not need to make a separate application for a visa or entry permit when travelling to that economy.

ABTC holders travelling to a transitional economy must present any visas, travel or other entry documents that are required by the transitional economy.

Both fully participating members and transitional members offer access to fast-track immigration lanes at participating airports.

What are the benefits of holding an ABTC?

The ABTC gives frequent business travellers:

Fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at participating airports
Multiple, short-term entries to precleared APEC economies without having to make a separate visa application to fully participating members.

Do I still need a visa and passport for entry into APEC economics?

When travelling to an APEC economy that is a fully participating member, ABTC holders do not need to submit a separate application for a visa if they have been granted preclearance to that economy.

When travelling to an APEC economy that is a transitional member, ABTC holders will need to present any travel or identity documentation required, such as a passport and visa or travel authorization.

Can I only use my card to travel to economies that are listed on the back of my card?

Travellers are exempt from applying for a visa only from economies listed on the back of their ABTC. If you wish to travel to an economy that is not listed on the back of your ABTC, you must present any visa, travel or identity document that is required by your destination economy for entry. However, any cardholder can use the fast-track lane in APEC economies’ airports regardless of which economies’ names are listed on the back of the card.

What are the general eligibility criteria for ABTC applicants?

Each economy has its own set of eligibility criteria for ABTC applicants. Generally, applicants must be businesspersons who:

Are citizens of participating APEC economies
Have never been convicted of a criminal offence;
Hold a valid passport issued by the home economy
Are bona fide businesspersons who may need to travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region to fulfil business commitments.

How long it take to get approved by my home economy?

It usually takes around 1-2 weeks for the approval from Malaysia.

Can I use the ABTC for non-business purposes, such as tourism?

The ABTC is not designed for tourism purposes, but some economies may facilitate entry for cardholders depending on their circumstances. Please refer to the relevant economy for individual entry arrangements for cardholders and tourist visits (link). In addition, the card cannot be used for travel by:

Students;
A business person’s spouse and children;
Persons who wish to engage in paid employment or a working holiday; or,
Professional athletes, news correspondents, entertainers, musicians, artists or persons engaged in similar occupations.