CFP
Shanghai has launched a new pilot program that allows companies to apply for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business travel cards entirely online.
The APEC Card Application System can be accessed at https://apec.wsb.sh.gov.cn.
After logging into the system, you can submit company information, enter applicant details, select the organization for pre-screening, pay online, and select the delivery method – all in less than 30 minutes.
Previously, applicants had to make an appointment and submit the documents in person. Today, the entire process can be completed online anytime, anywhere.
In addition, applicants can track the progress of their application and check the visa approval status for various APEC economies in real time.
The APEC Business Travel Card is a special document that facilitates business travel within the region. It is also called a “civil diplomacy passport”.
Holders of a valid APEC Business Travel Card and a valid passport can travel freely between the recognized APEC economies for five years without having to apply for an entry visa. They also benefit from the opportunity to use special APEC Business Travel Card channels for entry and exit at major airports.
Currently, the APEC Business Travel Card is only available for business travel.
Eligible persons include managers, businessmen and technical staff of companies in the city who frequently travel to APEC economies for business purposes.
As more and more Shanghai companies expand globally and increase their international market presence, the APEC card is now available to all types of companies. Whether they are state-owned, private or foreign-funded, any company that meets the criteria can apply for the card for its employees who need to travel for business.
During the application process, after submitting the required documents, companies can begin the online verification phase, which confirms the company’s eligibility to apply – in particular, whether it has business relations with APEC economies.
In the past, some first-time applicants failed the preliminary review due to incomplete documentation. Now, companies that fail the initial review will not be rejected immediately online. Instead, staff will contact them by phone to advise them and help them successfully resubmit their documentation.
By introducing this online application for APEC cards, Shanghai is streamlining the process and significantly increasing administrative efficiency. This pilot program is not just a local initiative; it paves the way for the implementation of similar systems nationwide.
Take Allbright Law Offices, for example. The law firm, which opened a new office in Tokyo last year, was previously ineligible for an APEC Business Travel Card.
However, as regulations evolved and more companies joined, including law firms, finance, technology, education, logistics, tourism, accounting and engineering companies, Allbright was one of the first companies to apply for the APEC Business Travel Card online.
Liu Ruling, a representative of the firm, will travel to Mexico to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of the International Bar Association. With the APEC Business Travel Card, she is entitled to use the special channel at the airport, so she does not have to wait in long queues.
Which countries can you visit with an APEC Business Travel Card and how long can you stay?
- There are currently 21 APEC economies, including China. Each economy allows cardholders a maximum stay of 60 to 180 days per visit.
- These 21 economies include: mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Russia, the United States and Canada.
- It is worth noting that the United States and Canada are transitional members of the system. While they do not issue APEC Business Travel Cards, they offer visa facilitation and expedited entry for cardholders from other economies.
How do I use the APEC Business Travel Card?
- You must use the card together with your passport.
- When traveling, present the passport you used to apply for the card and the valid APEC Business Travel Card to enter or exit the participating economies.
- Remember that you can only use the economies listed on the back of your card.
