APEC Card for Businessmen

The APEC Business Travel Card is a special document that allows multiple visa-free entry to 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region for entrepreneurs and government officials. This card greatly simplifies business travel by eliminating the need to obtain separate visas and undergo lengthy checks at consulates.

The APEC card is valid for up to 5 years and is a convenient tool for businessmen operating in APEC member countries. However, it is important to understand that this card is not a replacement for a work visa and does not give the right to official employment in the host countries.

Key benefits of the card for entrepreneurs and business travelers

●       Visa-free entry to 18 countries – cardholders can freely cross the borders of participating countries without obtaining separate visas.

●       Simplified passport control – at airports, cardholders can use special corridors, which reduces the time spent at customs.

●       Save time and money – the APEC card eliminates the need to pay visa fees and wait for applications to be processed at consulates.

●       Long validity period – the card is issued for up to 5 years, which makes it a convenient tool for frequent business trips.

●       Simplified visa process for the US and Canada – Although these countries do not offer visa-free travel, cardholders can expect expedited processing of visa applications.

Which countries accept the APEC card?

Cardholders can visit 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region without a visa. The United States and Canada officially participate in the program but require a separate visa application, providing expedited processing for APEC Business Travel Card holders.

It is important to remember that each participating country may set its own entry rules, so it is recommended to check the latest information at consulates before traveling.

Benefits of the APEC Card

The APEC Business Travel Card offers a number of benefits that make it an indispensable asset for business travellers who frequently travel to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

One of the main reasons for obtaining the card is the possibility of multiple visa-free visits to APEC countries. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs who often need to travel between countries for business meetings, conferences and negotiations.

At airports in most participating countries, cardholders can use special lanes for fast-track security checks. This allows them to save time when entering and leaving the country, especially at busy international airports.

APEC Card holders are not required to pay visa fees when entering member countries. In addition, there is no need to visit embassies and consulates multiple times, making business travel much more convenient.

Thus, the APEC Business Travel Card is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, allowing them to save time, money and nerves when traveling in the Asia-Pacific region.

How to apply for an APEC card?

The APEC Business Travel Card is issued in several stages and takes from 3 to 6 months, as the application is reviewed by all participating countries.

The process of obtaining a card includes:

1. Eligibility check – the applicant must be an entrepreneur or government official conducting business in APEC countries.
2. Collection of necessary documents (passport, certificate of employment, confirmation of business activity).
3. Submitting an application through the Chamber of Commerce or government agencies.
4. Consideration of the application by participating countries (usually takes several months).
5. Receiving the card and activating it.

Who is eligible to receive the card?

The APEC card is intended only for certain categories of citizens. It can be obtained by:

●       Entrepreneurs and business owners operating in APEC member countries.

●       Company executives working with international partners in the region.

●       Civil servants representing the interests of the country in negotiations and business forums.

●       Employees of large organizations who need to visit participating countries frequently.

It is important to note that the card is not issued to private tourists or freelancers who do not have an official connection with business in APEC.

What documents are needed?

To obtain a card, you will need to prepare a standard package of documents.

Some countries may require additional documents, so it is important to check the current requirements before submitting your application.

Application stages and review period

After collecting the documents, the application is submitted to the authorized body, which sends it to the APEC member countries for approval.

●       On average, document review takes from 3 to 6 months.

●       Once approved, the card is issued for up to 5 years.

●       If the passport expires earlier, the card is valid only until the passport expiration date.

Cost of issuing an APEC card

The cost of obtaining a card depends on the country of application and the method of registration.

Official duties and additional costs:

●       The state fee for consideration of the application is from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles (depending on the country).

●       Services of lawyers and agencies – from 40,000 to 100,000 rubles.

●       Additional costs for translations, notarizations, certificates – about 5,000 rubles.

Registration through government agencies is cheaper, but requires a long wait and independent collection of documents. Intermediaries speed up the process, but charge high commissions for their services.

APEC Card Limitations

Despite its many benefits, the APEC card does have limitations that are important to be aware of before applying.

The APEC Business Travel Card is intended solely for business travel purposes and does not entitle the holder to employment. If the cardholder works in a participating country, they will need a work visa and work permit.

Although the United States and Canada are part of the APEC program, they do not provide visa-free travel to cardholders. Instead, APEC Business Travel Card holders can benefit from expedited visa processing and simplified security clearance.

The process of obtaining the card takes several months, and not all participating countries may approve the application. If one of the countries refuses, the card will still be issued, but entry to that country will be restricted.

Conclusion

The APEC Card is a convenient tool for entrepreneurs and executives who need to frequently visit countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It allows you to save time on visas and border crossings, which makes it indispensable for business trips.

The APEC Business Travel Card is ideal for those who actively conduct business in APEC countries. If the trips are one-time, it is not advisable to apply for a card - it is easier to get a standard visa.

The APEC card is therefore a practical and cost-effective option for business people who want to move freely around the region without bureaucratic delays.