APEC Business Travel Card

[albatross710]

I recently submitted a renewal based on 2019 travel.

I feel it's more likely that the Home affairs can make changes to their qualification requirements that it is for the extension.

My first card application for 3 years term in maybe 2010 had an external consultant that assessed the business in detail. A later application was just done on the documents as submitted. The criteria had been broadened and the period increased to 5 years.

Key benefits for me:

• Priority handling which is convenient in some of the crowded asian arrivals halls. Much faster entry to USA also.
• Most of my country visits are 2-3 weeks which I could mostly get VOA anyway. But I have been caught once in a business jam and stayed 7 weeks. The longer automatic visa saved extra drama.
• No visa fee for China if I can go again one day.

BTW, nothing heard from my application as yet, 4 weeks so far.

 

[albatross710]

Returned from a trip to Philippines. On arrival there was no queue at any Immigration booth so I didn't need APEC processing or 60 days visa. Upon departure a few days later the Foreign Passports line was snaking quite a distance. I thought I would chance expired physical card on the APEC booth and bypassed the queue. Processed without any question although obviously my expired APEC card wasn't needed for departure. Well one trip closer to legitimate renewal if my original application fails.

 

[jules.]

Does anyone know how quickly your replacement card is issued (or how quickly the app updates) once you update your passport number on the Immigration website?

For anyone wondering, it took 15 days for me. App updated immediately after I received the confirmation email.

 

[Electraglide]

For anyone wondering, it took 15 days for me. App updated immediately after I received the confirmation email.

I tried to update my passport details online, however the system failed to recognise the attachments (front and rear of APEC card).

As such, I was forced to use the 929 form.

From 929 form submission, it took 3 days to get the confirmation email.

 

[seanQLD]

I recently submitted a renewal based on 2019 travel.

I feel it's more likely that the Home affairs can make changes to their qualification requirements that it is for the extension.

My first card application for 3 years term in maybe 2010 had an external consultant that assessed the business in detail. A later application was just done on the documents as submitted. The criteria had been broadened and the period increased to 5 years.

Key benefits for me:

• Priority handling which is convenient in some of the crowded asian arrivals halls. Much faster entry to USA also.
• Most of my country visits are 2-3 weeks which I could mostly get VOA anyway. But I have been caught once in a business jam and stayed 7 weeks. The longer automatic visa saved extra drama.
• No visa fee for China if I can go again one day.

BTW, nothing heard from my application as yet, 4 weeks so far.

Yes ! it is absolutely true about bypassing the queues in Asia. Last week I arrived into Manila airport and was able to sidestep the 500person queue at Immigration/Passport control, and use the Diplomat and APEC line up behind exactly 1 person. I was through in seconds... estimated savings at least half an hour. Thank you ABTC !

 

[seanQLD]

Returned from a trip to Philippines. On arrival there was no queue at any Immigration booth so I didn't need APEC processing or 60 days visa. Upon departure a few days later the Foreign Passports line was snaking quite a distance. I thought I would chance expired physical card on the APEC booth and bypassed the queue. Processed without any question although obviously my expired APEC card wasn't needed for departure. Well one trip closer to legitimate renewal if my original application fails.

I find that at Brisbane airport (arrivals) never need to use the ABTC . At Brisbane airport (departures) maybe use it 1 in 4 times. Since covid often they have the "priority queues" in Australian airports are just closed. In Manila it is the opposite - I estimate that I use it there 3 of 4 times. Other Asian airports are the same. If ever behind a long line for passport-control, seeing the APEC priority queue sign is a wonderful bonus and real time saver !

 

[Daver6]

It's been a while, but can someone remind me what the deal is for LAX arrival with an ABTC? Does one just use the crew lane?

Also, any experience recently departing SYD? Is it the crew lanes on the very right still?

 

[albatross710]

It's been a while, but can someone remind me what the deal is for LAX arrival with an ABTC? Does one just use the crew lane?

Also, any experience recently departing SYD? Is it the crew lanes on the very right still?

When I was visiting LAX pre-covid I was directed to the crew lanes.

For SYD I'm thinking the APEC lane is to the far right. But I only used it once as it's manual processing via an official. it was faster to use the automated lanes.

 

[Daver6]

For SYD I'm thinking the APEC lane is to the far right. But I only used it once as it's manual processing via an official. it was faster to use the automated lanes.

I tended to also use automated for this reason. However, if queues are long manual processing and then the crew security line I think would be quicker. I'll report back after I go through on Thursday morning.

 

[dairyfloss]

When I was visiting LAX pre-covid I was directed to the crew lanes.

For SYD I'm thinking the APEC lane is to the far right. But I only used it once as it's manual processing via an official. it was faster to use the automated lanes.

Confirming SYD is (was?) far right, together with crew and special assistance... it's generally faster to use express path and automated clearance,
where available, both outbound and inbound (APEC on far left for inbound immigration) at SYD.

As an aside - I've just realised my ABTC expired last month, and after ~8 years of holding one, I won't be renewing... It was good while it lasted, but I don't have the justification or patterns to do it any longer. Maybe one day.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[albatross710]

I've had my ABTC renewal come through. My previous had expired during the pandemic.

For time frames it took 3 months from renewal submission.

The other data point for reference was that I've had less than the required APEC travel in the past year. I was able to demonstrate pre-covid travel as well as a booked itin for this coming year.

 

[Daver6]

My experience departing SYD recently was very poor with the APEC card. Used the crew lane for immigration. However the SYD airport helpers wouldn't let me use the crew security lane. They just didn't comprehend what an APEC card was. Instead I stood in a 45 minute queue for get through security.

In hindsight, I'm wondering if showing the digital card was part of the issue, but I don't think so. SYD airport really is a terrible experience these days.

Arrival at LAX was a breeze. No issues there using the card.

 

[albatross710]

In hindsight, I'm wondering if showing the digital card was part of the issue, but I don't think so

Which part of the app did you show? The initial login screen or the "view Card" link which looks like the old physical card.

 

[Daver6]

Which part of the app did you show? The initial login screen or the "view Card" link which looks like the old physical card.

Tried both at multiple times. I think the people manning the lines just didn't understand what an APEC card is. In hindsight (and next time) I intend to just walk into the crew lane and not ask questions.

 

[Daver6]

I've just had someone call me back from SYD airport after I submitted a complaint about this.

First interesting thing is the lack of express path now is due to the airlines not wanting to pony up for it. This is in direct contradiction to what the QF check-in agent told me at T1. Basically blamed the airport.

Regarding APEC lines. The general consensus is they have no idea about it. I was told such contradicting information. Apparently all signage was removed due to Covid (Im not sure there ever was for APEC on outbound). The lady I spoke to spoke to someone who who said Border Force are not doing APEC at the moment. I pointed out that they have no idea what they're talking about. I used it on the way out and inbound there is signage and no issue.

As to why the staff are clueless. Well that's because they're all new. I pointed it that's the fault of a lack of training. Anyway, she says they don't think the offer APEC card holders the use of the crew lane and they will need a bunch of meetings to discuss.

All in all, a cough show there. I'll actively seek to transit MEL until they sort this mess out. SYD airport truly is a little bit special.

 

[dajop]

I thought APEC cards at Australian airports only allowed priority clearance of immigration, and that fast track security (outbound) and customs clearance (inbound) have never been benefits of the card.

Even at immigration in MEL, when they first opened the smart gates for departure I went to the Diplomatic/ABTC lane and was told they no longer allowing ABTC holders to use the lane, must use the smart gates like everyone else. Although at MEL there are never lengthy immigration queues, the hold up is always at security. Wise to do security first IMHO.

 

[Daver6]

I thought APEC cards at Australian airports only allowed priority clearance of immigration, and that fast track security (outbound) and customs clearance (inbound) have never been benefits of the card.

Even at immigration in MEL, when they first opened the smart gates for departure I went to the Diplomatic/ABTC lane and was told they no longer allowing ABTC holders to use the lane, must use the smart gates like everyone else. Although at MEL there are never lengthy immigration queues, the hold up is always at security. Wise to do security first IMHO.

This whole thing sounds like a debacle. It seems like each airport just makes it up on the day.

SYD arrivals customs is ridiculous too. No fast track, nothing for J or F pax. Nothing for crew. The lines are ridiculous. It's funny how third world countries can sort this out but not Australia.

 

[Austman]

Arrival at LAX was a breeze. No issues there using the card.

Arrive in some of the other (non west coast) USA airports and there might be an issue. I've tried it and have been issues for me in the past. And of course, as you know, if they don't know the APEC rules, they're not for listening to the APEC passenger waving the APEC card.

 

[Daver6]

Arrive in some of the other (non west coast) USA airports and there might be an issue. I've tried it and have been issues for me in the past. And of course, as you know, if they don't know the APEC rules, they're not for listening to the APEC passenger waving the APEC card.

I actually didn't even need to show the card. LAX was pretty quiet at 6am. There was someone prior to immigration and I asked where APEC card holders go. Pointed in the right direction and no questions asks.

I've arrived at DFW BCE (before Covid era) and no problem their using the APEC channel either.

 

[Austman]

I've arrived at DFW BCE (before Covid era) and no problem their using the APEC channel either.

Yes. What I was trying to say is that it's more hit and miss.

But when it's a miss, it doesn't matter what you show them. It's a miss.