The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a travel facilitation scheme designed to make cross-border business travel easier for eligible Singapore citizens across participating Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies. It streamlines entry requirements and can act as a multiple-entry visa, helping qualified business travellers move more efficiently for work. 

Eligibility

Singapore citizens may apply for an APEC Business Travel Card if they:
• Are a bona fide business person representing an economically active business entity
• Are a member of a recognised professional body (e.g. doctor, lawyer, accountant)
• Or are a public officer travelling in an official capacity
Applicants must also hold a valid Singapore passport and have no past criminal convictions. 

Benefits

Holders of a valid ABTC can:
• Use the card as a multiple-journey visa for short-term business travel to many participating APEC economies, without applying for separate visas where pre-clearance is granted. 
• Enjoy expedited immigration clearance through designated lanes at airports and checkpoints in participating economies, which can save time and reduce queues. 

Participating full economies include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the People’s Republic of China, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Viet Nam. The United States and Canada are transitional members where visa-free entry does not automatically apply, though fast-track lanes may still be available. 

How It Works

Once approved, an ABTC is issued and the names of participating economies that have granted pre-clearance are listed on the card. Card validity typically lasts up to five years, though it may be affected by passport expiration. Travellers must present their ABTC along with their passport when entering APEC economies. 

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the ICA’s e-Service system. Applicants need to provide supporting documentation, including a recent passport-sized photo, scanned signature, proof of professional or business activity, and other required documents. A non-refundable fee applies, and processing generally involves pre-clearance review by participating economies, which can take several months.