APEC Business Travel Card - Express Immigration Clearance

[d15.in.oz]

Still six months before I can apply for citizenship...

I thought you were off to NYC anyway...

 

[mr_matt_t]

Been reading with interest the etiquette when getting spouses through the APEC line. I am also interested in what is entered on arrival cards for such visits - business or holiday.

Should/can people with the APEC card be using the APEC lines when visiting a country for holidays/tourism?

 

[infoworks]

Should/can people with the APEC card be using the APEC lines when visiting a country for holidays/tourism?

Why not? If they approve you to come for business, surely they'll be glad you come for a holiday! I have had my son/partner come in with me, I have ticked business, they have holiday - not even noticed. Mostly the info is statistical, although there are occasions when they ask "what are you doing whilst you are here?" I usually say "helping boost the economy!" which mostly gets a smile.

 

[tscharke]

what a let down.....after waiting so long to first, be approved, secondly, to receive the card and thirdly, to finally be able to use the card...........it didnt have a chance to exercise its powers!!!

Its the first time I have taken the overnight SYD-NRT flight on a Sat night and I was quite surprised to see the airport resembling a ghost town!!!

I was offered a e-express tix by the very friendly check-in gal, so I quickly stored that in the baggage for a rainy day as I was adamant to flash the new apec card. I turned right instead of left and bugger me....the place was empty

oh well, hopefully it will be more useful in other airports during this trip

i was also christened with the explosive test.......well, who else were they going to randomly select

 

[mr_matt_t]

Just an update to card processing times.

Sent away form 30 July
CC charged 15 August
Letter received 24 August (dated 17 August) - application number in high 17xx_'s

Currently cleared for

Australia
Chile
Thailand

Have a trip in 2 weeks to the US. Do you think it's worthwhile getting the interim card just for this trip. I won't be needing it again until the end of the year for Thailand.

 

[moa999]

Have a trip in 2 weeks to the US. Do you think it's worthwhile getting the interim card just for this trip. I won't be needing it again until the end of the year for Thailand.

Yes. Well worth it for the US and for coming back into Australia (noting you don't need pre-clearance for the US)

 

[sully]

mr matt, I would suggest you get the interim card if not for anything else than the ease of processing in Australia. Also, there could be a chance that with APEC in the minds of people that there is a chance you could be let into the US with some preferential treatment.

17xx_!. That means about 4000 applications a year since I applied for mine.:shock:

 

[Febs]

Sent mine express post last Thursday...don't think there's much chance of me getting an interim card by next Saturday, when I leave for the US.

I ticked only Australian and Japan for the interim card, maybe I should've ticked Australia only, heh. Oh well, it'll no doubt be useful when it does arrive.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Shano]

17xx_!. That means about 4000 applications a year since I applied for mine.:shock:

I applied in March this year - application # 14xx_

My boss just applied - application # 18xx_

Those APEC lanes will be getting pretty long

 

[infoworks]

Those APEC lanes will be getting pretty long

I admit to always being in "two minds" about telling others of the card and benefits, however I notice it's been featured several times recently in travel programs, articles and stories, so I too suspect the lines will be getting longer!

 

[Mal]

America has decided to start issuing their own cards now:

US agrees to priority airport processing - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

The article also says that around 27000 people in APEC have the cards at the moment, with around 10000 in Australia alone.

 

[moa999]

10,000 Aussie members, only 17,000 from other APEC countries.
When the US application rush hits wait for the approval times to blow out yet again.

Does this mean existing holders will now need to reapply for US clearance?

 

[infoworks]

Does this mean existing holders will now need to reapply for US clearance?

I assume so. I have already emailed Immi asking that question, and requesting clearance, if they can yet do it. I suspect signing and ding may be eons apart!!!

I also assume in the interim they will continue to allow use of air crew lanes.

Hopefully it will also mean Mexico and Canada may follow their "big brother" in this.

 

[infoworks]

These Immi people are just so responsive. Here is the reply to my request regarding US APEC approvals from last night:

Dear infoworks

The USA have not yet given a start date for when they will begin processing applications, but they will not automatiucally process existing applications.

We do not yet even know if they will be willing to process existing applications on request. Please keep monitoring our website www.businessmobility.org for updates on this.

You can however use your existing card for express processing upon entry to the US.

Effective 19 November 2006, all APEC Cardholders from all ABTC member economies will be entitled to use 'fast-track' immigration lanes upon entry (currently designated for air-crew) at all international airports in the United States. Airports have also been advised to provide signage to indicate these new arrangements, where possible. The United States does not have an exit immigration process, so there will be no additional benefits to APEC Cardholders upon departure.

Importantly, APEC Cardholders will still need to present valid passports and visas if required by existing United States law. Effective from 19 November 2006, the US Government will provide expedited visa interview scheduling to APEC Cardholders at United States Embassies and Consulates in APEC economies, if a visa is required for the Cardholder to travel to the United States (for example, they are not from an economy that is eligible for Visa Waiver).

 

[Shano]

Thanks infoworks. I leave next week for the US so good to know the existing arrangements will still be honoured.

 

[tscharke]

just on general topic - my last trip was the first time I used the card. It really didnt save me much time in SYD, NRT, HKG or SIN however it really helped in the last spot I thought it would .....ADL!!!

Im waiting for the chance to fly to US to really see the benefit!

 

[sully]

just on general topic - my last trip was the first time I used the card. It really didnt save me much time in SYD, NRT, HKG or SIN however it really helped in the last spot I thought it would .....ADL!!!

Im waiting for the chance to fly to US to really see the benefit!

I find it better in the more 'difficult' places. In Jakarta I recall seeing a huge queue and thinking that immigration was going to be hell. I saw the APEC sign and headed for it only to be told to get into the other lines. I flashed the card and was ushered through.

Santiago is another place where it works well but it did require some persuading last time to get through without the reciprocal fee. Perhaps its better now.

But I agree, the best place is often at home. A breeze to get out of the country when leaving Sydney and often great in the early am when the 4 flights from LHR via BKK and SIN all arrive at once.

 

[moa999]

A breeze to get out of the country when leaving Sydney

although the new FastTrack trial replicates the benefit (with priority screening as well) so lessens the benefit for J/F or status passengers

 

[sully]

although the new FastTrack trial replicates the benefit (with priority screening as well) so lessens the benefit for J/F or status passengers

If you travel J/F. My cheap@rse company only springs for WT+ on longhaul to the UK. The rest is whY, even to Chile. 16 hours of hell.

 

[serfty]

although the new FastTrack trial replicates the benefit (with priority screening as well) so lessens the benefit for J/F or status passengers

That's only for travel out of MEL, SYD & BNE I believe. Premium cabins and/or status driven.

I'll be applying for an APEC card as soon as I get a new PP. My current one expires Sept 2008 so it will be by March next year (unless the Smartgate Trial Cameras are shut down, then probably earlier).