APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) – Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia

APEC is an organization that formed in 1989 in creating wider economic cooperation in Asian Pacific region. There are 20 countries in the organization that are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United State of America and Vietnam.

The APEC Business Travel Card

  • The APEC Business Travel Card was initiated by the Asia Pacific Economy Cooperation (APEC) to assist the business community who has trade relations within the APEC member countries.
  • This card will enable to minimize time and costs incurred by businessman in keeping up with the visa requirements to enter the countries concerned.
  • All member countries for pre-clearance will share information of applicants before the card can be issued.
  • This card will allow smooth entry and exit flow at entry points in the countries concerned.
  • This card will indirectly promote trade relations among member countries.
  • To qualify for the usage of the APEC Business Travel Card, applicants must be actively involved in business for which their frequent visits in the countries are accounted for.
  • Information given by applicants will be distributed to all member countries for pre-clearance status. Approval by member countries channel through Malaysian Government.

Eligible applicants for APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

  • Government Officers and Administrators with supporting letters from their respective Ministries or Departments.
  • Business persons who are actively involved in trade and investments with the APEC member countries and are recognized as member of:
    • Any Chambers of Commerce or Association of manufacturers at national level.
    • Any Association of trade and industry such as Wholesalers and Housing Developers Association at national level.
    • Any Professional bodies in the Engineering and Accounting sector at national level.
    • Government Agencies such as MITI, MIDA, SMIDEC, MATRADE and others of similar importance.
  • Applicants have not been convicted of any criminal offence.

Benefits of using APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

  • Fast clearance at entry and exit points at all member countries airports.
  • Card holders are to carry their passports when traveling and are subjected to other procedures, law and regulations enforced by the countries concerned.
  • Card holders can enjoy the same travel privileges given to non-visa requirement passport holders to these participating APEC countries through a fast and easy pre-clearance system.

Required Documents for APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

i. Applicant working in Malaysia

  • APEC Business Travel Card Application Form
  • A copy of Malaysian Passport (more than 3 years validity) full pages.
  • Letter from employer in support of the application for APEC Business Travel Card basically it should mention applicant’s name, passport no, position why the need for the card, how often applicant is required to travel to the countries in the Asia Pacific region, support by employer to apply for this card & explaining company activities.
  • A supporting letter from any trade association or any chambers of commerce at national level.
  • Latest print out Companies Commission of Malaysia (Corporate Information)
  • One (1) recent photograph with light blue background in the size of 3.5 X 5 cm.

* Companies with Trading and Enterprise status are not qualified for the application of APEC Card.

ii. Applicant working abroad

  • APEC Business Travel Card Application Form
  • A copy of Malaysian Passport (more than 3 years validity) full pages.
  • Copy of working permit/permanent resident status.
  • Letter from employer in support of the application for APEC Business Travel Card basically it should mention applicant’s name, passport no, position why the need for the card, how often applicant is required to travel to the countries in the Asia Pacific region, support by employer to apply for this card & explaining company activities.
  • Company Registration Certificate
  • One (1) recent photograph with light blue background in the size of 3.5 X 5 cm.

How To Apply APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Send your application to:

The Director of Visa, Pass and Permit Division
Immigration Department of Malaysia
APEC Business Travel Card Unit
No. 15, Level 3 (Podium),
Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 2,
Federal Government Administrative Centre,
62550 Putrajaya,
Malaysia.

For enquiry please contact APEC Business Travel Card Unit: ( Telephone : 03-88801515/1410/1405/1404, Fax : 03-88801374, Email : abtc@imi.gov.my)

Check your application status through:
www.businessmobility.org/key/CardStatus.asp?HomeEco=Malaysia

Renewal of APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Renewal application could be put forward as the normal procedure from employer six (6) months before the card expire.

To update new passport details

Copy of the new passport, name of applicant and quote ABTC application number should be submitted to the APEC Business Travel Card Unit for issuance of new ABTC.

Reminder

  • Dependant of the APEC card holder is not eligible to get the same facility.
  • The card is not a privilege to work abroad but mainly for business trip.

Source: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/travel-documents/apec-business-travel-card