APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a program initiated and managed by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to facilitate short-term business travel and promote trade and investments within the APEC region.  It streamlines the entry process into APEC economies through the “apply once, information used for multiple purposes approach” where applicants are only required to make on application for permission to enter participating economies.  Successful applicants from fully participating economies are issued a five-year card that serves as the entry authority to other fully participating economies which have granted pre-clearance for short-term business travel of up to 60 or 90 days.  The card also enables holders to fast track immigration processing at each economy’s major international airports.

 

Fully participating economies

Australia Indonesia New Zealand Russia
Brunei Darussalam Japan Papua New Guinea Singapore
Chile Republic of Korea People’s Republic of China Thailand
Chinese Taipei Malaysia Philippines Vietnam
Hong Kong Mexico Peru  

Canada and the United States of America are transitional members of the ABTC scheme and do not offer reciprocal entry arrangements.  But they do provide fast track immigration processing at major international airports. 

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

 

  1. Must be a Filipino Citizen with valid Philippine Passport;
  2. Must be a bona fide business person representing an economically active business entity the Philippines;
  3. Must be a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
  4. Has not been convicted of any criminal offense;
  5. Company/Applicant must not be in DTI’s watch list.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Must be submitted in 2 sets – one original and one photocopy

 

For New applicants:

  1. Duly Accomplished ABTC Form with 3 clear and recent passport sized photo. NOTE: Signature must not exceed the provided box
  2. Photocopy of passport valid for at least and not less than 2 years upon application
  3. Certification of No Derogatory Records from the Bureau of Immigration
  4. National Bureau of Investigation Certification
  5. Endorsement letter/membership certification from Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  6. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  7. Employment certificate with specified duties and responsibilities
  8. Total Capitalization of Business – Certified true copy of SEC registration
  9. Latest audited balance sheet and income statement
  10. Names/address/contact numbers of Business Partners in APEC
  11. Company Profile
  12. Organizational Chart. NOTE:
    • Applicant must be in the top 3 tiers
    • Org Char should specify the names of the persons occupying positions including the applicant
  13. Annual Volume of past and current activities and transaction with business partners in APEC
  14. Statement how the company will benefit from the ABTC SCHEME
  15. Summary of Trips. NOTE:
  • Tourism is not included
  • Purpose of each trip should be specified
  • At least 4 trips per year during the past five years. Applicants who do not meet the minimum travel requirements are required to submit a letter of explanation.
  • Additional requirements such as future planned travels may be requested just to ensure ABTC won’t be used for tourism purposes

 

For Renewal:

  1. Duly Accomplished ABTC Form with 3 clear and recent passport sized photo. NOTE: Signature must not exceed the provided box
  2. Photocopy of passport valid for at least 2 years upon application
  3. Endorsement letter/membership certification from Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  4. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  5. Employment certificate with specified duties and responsibilities
  6. Summary of Trips
  • Tourism is not included
  • Purpose of each trip should be specified
  • At least 4 trips per year during the past five years. Applicants who do not meet the minimum travel requirements are required to submit a letter of explanation.
  • Additional requirements such as future planned travels may be requested just to ensure ABTC won’t be used for tourism purposes

 

PROCESSING FEE (Inclusive of 12% VAT)

  • P11,200.00 – for officers of business organizations, industry/trade associations and local chamber;
  • P22,400.00 – for corporate members

 

PROCESSING TIME

It will take at least 4-5 months to process the ABTC application.  In some cases, it may take up to a year to secure pre-clearance from all ABTC-participating economies.

 

DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

ABTC Application Form

Bureau of Immigration Form

NBI Form

 

 

For inquiries, please call:

Business and Trade and Facilitation Services Division

PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

3rd Floor Commerce and Industry

#1030 Campus Ave., cor. Park Ave., McKinely Town Center, Taguig City

E-mail: abtc@philippinechamber.com

Tel: 846-8196 loc 129/113

Fax: 846-8621