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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:

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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

All documents must be submitted via email to abtc@philippinechamber.com for initial screening. Submission of physical documents will be scheduled after online verification process. Note: Strictly No Walk-ins.

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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. Photocopy of passport pages with stamps (last 5 years)

  5. National Bureau of Investigation Certification

  6. BIR 2303 Certificate of Registration

  7. Endorsement letter/membership certification from Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  8. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  9. Employment certificate with specified duties and responsibilities

  10. Total Capitalization of Business – Certified true copy of SEC registration

  11. Latest audited balance sheet and income statement

  12. Names/address/contact numbers of Business Partners in APEC

  13. Past and Current business activities in APEC Countries

  14. Company Profile

  15. 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

  16. Annual Volume of past and current activities and transaction with business partners in APEC

  17. Statement on how the company will benefit from the ABTC SCHEME

  18. 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.

  • Must be attested and signed by the applicant.

 

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. Photocopy of passport pages with stamps (last 5 years)

  4. Photocopy of Old APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

  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. 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.

  • Must be attested and signed by the applicant.

 

PROCESSING FEE ​

  • Php 22,400.00 (Inclusive of 12% VAT)

 

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 113/128

Fax: 846-8621

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