APEC Business Travel Card - Express Immigration Clearance

[cssaus]

As previously mentioned in this thread going into Singapore isn't usually too much of a hassle without an APEC card.

However, after arriving into Singapore on an SQ flight from KL at 11.30am and descending down to immigration at T2 near the exits from the "F" gates, all of the counters were backed up with at least a dozen people or so.

I was about to join the queue but then noticed on the far right hand side where Singapore residents are cleared, the rolling electrical signage above the counter showed APEC. I hadn't really noticed this before (it rolls off pretty quick). Walked up to the empty counter, flashed the card and and was thru straight away.

For those travelling thru KLIA, the APEC line isn't all that obvious (at least to me anyway) but seeing the signage for "Premier Line" I took that to include APEC card holders and there was no problem, both going into KLIA and out.

 

[Coathanger]

Thanks for the pointer, I'm heading over to SIN later this week and was wondering where the APEC lane was. Businessmobility.org wasn't very specific, offering the generic 'signposted lanes'.

From KUL I will leaving from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), I wonder if there is a Premier Lane there? Ah well, budget travel is supposed to be character building.

 

[infoworks]

Good luck! Keep an eye out for any vaguely official lane and you may be OK, but as you portend, I don't like your chances.

Same may also apply coming into SIN as it sounds like you are on Air Asia and will probably "hit" the budget terminal in SIN as well.

Be interested to see your post on the outcome.

 

[Coathanger]

Thankfully only the KUL-BWN trip is on Air Asia. The SYD-SIN-PEN itin is on SQ, so I will get to use the nice shiny card

 

[cssaus]

Got good value out of the APEC card last nite after arrving back into SYD from SIN on SQ219.

Got down to Immigration and there was quite a crowd there lining up. Shot over to the APEC lane on the far left side and there wasn't a single person there, however neither was there any Immigration official either.

After a moment a guy wandered over, I flashed the card, had my passport processed and I was let in (literally, he had to slide the bar open to let me thru).

 

[infoworks]

I don't like your chances in Penang!

 

[Coathanger]

PEN is definitely back with the plebs in the 'Other Passports' line. At least visitors don't get classed as 'aliens' in Malaysia.

 

[one9]

Just a quick question for APEC cardholders: Did your photo print badly on your card?

The photo on my card is terrible. It is like resized one way but not the other way making my head look very skinny.

 

[straitman]

Just a quick question for APEC cardholders: Did your photo print badly on your card?

The photo on my card is terrible. It is like resized one way but not the other way making my head look very skinny.

What can we say:?: :mrgreen:

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

The photo on my card is terrible. It is like resized one way but not the other way making my head look very skinny.

So when you reach the immigration officer you need to block your nose and then take a deep breath

 

[Coathanger]

I don't like the fact we aren't allowed to smile in our photos anymore. People who see our passports must think that Australian's are the most sour of citizens.

Both my passport and APEC photos didn't look all that flash, but I figure that I probably look like that after a red-eye so makes the job easier for the passport stamping dude.

 

[Shano]

The company I work for does occassional business in the APEC region, predominantly Malaysia and Taiwan. At most I probably travel there twice a year, although we have some good work prospects there later next year.

I downloaded the APEC Business Travel Card application and it appears that occassional business travel should not be an impediment to obtaining a card.

Would others agree that this is the case?

 

[one9]

I don't like the fact we aren't allowed to smile in our photos anymore. People who see our passports must think that Australian's are the most sour of citizens.

Both my passport and APEC photos didn't look all that flash, but I figure that I probably look like that after a red-eye so makes the job easier for the passport stamping dude.

I think not smiling in photos is great. It shows the real person.

I hate photos of people smiling. It just looks fake and setup.

When I show people photographs I take of people after travelling, many people say to me, why doesn't anyone smile.

It is because I take photos quickly before people notice. Taking photos of real life is much more interesting than fake scenes with people smiling.

 

[infoworks]

Just through BKK again, arrived gate D4 (SQ 60) at 10am - basically a short, straight walk to immigration - fantastic!

There is now a very clear Diplomatic/Pass section to the right of immigratiion, behind a glass wall, there were 4 manned immigration desks - no waiting. There are even some lounge chairs in the corner - from the sign, looks like for TG VIPs, but certainly open.

Most other immigration desks had about 10 pax in line this morning.

 

[RTWFF]

My boss suggests that India should come on board.

India has to join APEC first, and I believe no further countries are being admitted until 2007

 

[RTWFF]

There is now a very clear Diplomatic/Pass section to the right of immigratiion, behind a glass wall, there were 4 manned immigration desks - no waiting. There are even some lounge chairs in the corner - from the sign, looks like for TG VIPs, but certainly open.

My experience (after finally locating the area) is less positive. I arrived at 2330. 2 desks were manned (or is that personned?). One of the desks was attending to some riff-raff who were sitting in the chairs and seemed to have a problem with their visas. There were 3 of us in the single queue that was being processed

 

[RTWFF]

At last! The USA

Condolezza Rice (does anyone have the recipe?) announced at the APEC meeting in Hanoi that the US would "start to" join the scheme. No date, no details - Remarks at the APEC CEO Summit

 

[cssaus]

Re: At last! The USA

Condolezza Rice (does anyone have the recipe?) announced at the APEC meeting in Hanoi that the US would "start to" join the scheme. No date, no details - Remarks at the APEC CEO Summit

Hmmm... I wonder if the US could start by providing APEC card-holder immigration lines at LAX & SFO terminals.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Re: At last! The USA

Hmmm... I wonder if the US could start by providing APEC card-holder immigration lines at LAX & SFO terminals.

They'll probably start with MIA and WAS airports and work their way around

 

[moa999]

Re: At last! The USA

Therefore, the United States has decided this year to recognize the APEC Business Travel Card, as the first step toward joining the program. This will enable entrepreneurs like you to gain visas, to move through our immigration lines, and to visit America - in a faster, safer, and easier manner. (Applause.) I know, everywhere I go I hear about the visa issues

Note the usage:
- recognize the APEC Card
- first step towards joining

Does this mean the USA will simply recognize the front of the card
or will you have to reapply / be acccepted by the USA.

Presumably the first step comment means they will not be issuing cards to US Citizens at this point. Thankfully as I doubt China could cope with the deluge of applications