GENERAL INFORMATION
WHY THE CARD WAS DEVELOPED
PARTICIPATING ECONOMIES
HOW TO APPLY FOR ENDORSEMENT OF NON-PREFERENTIAL CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE APEC CARD
GENERAL INFORMATION
BENEFITS FOR CARDHOLDERS
The APEC Business Card (ABTC) cuts through
the red tape of business travel and gives
frequent business travelers per-cleared entry to
participating APEC economies. Cardholders
enjoy:
- Fast-track entry and exit through special
APEC lanes at major airports, and multiple
short-term entry to these economies for a
minimum of 59 days stay each visit; - No need to individually apply for visas or
entry permits each time you travel to any of
the participating APEC economies as the
card is your visa. - Cards are valid for three years from the first
issue.
WHY THE CARD WAS DEVELOPED
- The APEC Business Travel Card was
developed in response to the need for
business people to gain streamlined entry to
the economies of the Asia-Pacific region.
This enables business people to explore new
business opportunities, attend meetings, and
conduct trade and investment activities. - The card was originally trialed in 1997 with
three APEC members (Australia, Korea, and
the Philippines) and was expanded in April
1998 to include Chile and Hong Kong (China).
After a successful evaluation, the scheme
commenced permanent operations from 1
March 1999, when New Zealand and
Malaysia announced their participation.
Brunei Darussalam, Peru and Thailand joined
the scheme in February 2001, China in
February 2002, and Indonesia in August
2002. Since then, Chinese Taipei, Japan,
Singapore, PNG, Vietnam and most recently
Mexico have signed on to the Scheme.
PARTICIPATING ECONOMIES
There are 21 economies currently participating
in the ABTC Scheme: Australia, Brunei
Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China),
Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New
Zealand, PNG, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore,
Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. Canada,
the Russian Federation and the United States
are currently Transitional Members of the
Scheme, which allow cardholders from all
participating economies to use ‘fast-track’
immigration lanes (currently designated for aircrew)
at major international airports.
Please note: Cardholders will still need to present valid passports and visas if required by existing United States and/or Canadian law. Expedited visa interview scheduling will be provided to APEC Cardholders at United States embassies and consulates in APEC economies in cases where a visa is required for the Cardholder to travel to the
United States.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ENDORSEMENT OF NON-PREFERENTIAL CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
Submit the following documents:
| MANUFACTURER | TRADER |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice & Packing list | Commercial Invoice & Packing list |
| Customs export declaration (Borang K2) & Bill of Lading/Airway Bill |
Customs export declaration (Borang K2) & Bill of Lading/Airway Bill |
| N/A | Manufacturers’ invoice |
| Any other documents deemed necessary (if applicable) | Any other documents deemed necessary (if applicable) |
| Checklist (as stipulated by MITI) | Checklist (as stipulated by MITI) |
Note: MCCM will only accept applications for endorsement of Certificates of Origin for shipment(s) within a month after the date of export. Applications for endorsement of Certificates of Origin before the date of export will not be entertained with the exception of air-shipment(s).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
If you want to apply for the card you need to be
a business person who:
- is a passport holder of a participating economy i.e. citizen (or a Hong Kong permanent resident with any valid travel document);
- Travels frequently to conduct trade and investment activities in the APEC region; and
- Has not been convicted of a criminal offence.
Some economies require additional information and may impose additional eligibility criteria. Refer to your home economy for information and the application form:-
- The applicant (residing and engaged in business in the country): (please bind the application documents according to the checklist)
- Applicant (residing and engaged in business
abroad)
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE APEC CARD
- Application Form (imi.gov.my)
- ii. A copy of Malaysian Passport (validity minimum 3 years and above)
- A copy of Identity Card
- Recent passport-size photograph 1 piece (blue background)
- Application letter from the applicant’s company (Company Letterhead) with confirmation and affirmation on the applicants
- Name/Date of Birth/Identity Card
Number and Passport Number - Designation in the Company
- Justification in applying for an APEC
Business Card Travel - Supporting letter from Malay Chamber of
Commerce Malaysia (MCCM)
- Name/Date of Birth/Identity Card
-