For the relevant traveller scope, is a visa, electronic authorisation, visa on arrival or no advance visa normally required?
An APEC Business Travel Card with Malaysian pre-clearance provides the participating-economy business-entry visa facility. A card from another economy without Malaysian pre-clearance is not sufficient. Canada and the United States are transitional members offering expedited processing, not the same full reciprocal pre-clearance entitlement.
See recorded sources
- Introduction
Introduction Department History Organization Chart Malaysian Immigration Attaché Achievements & eAwards Charter Client Charter Achievement Our Anthem & Oath Main Services Passport Introduction Malaysian International Passport Passport Recipient and Issuance Offices Restricted Passport to Brunei Foreign Worker Entry Permit Malaysia My Second Home (MMH2) – En Terms of Departure from Malaysia International travel Domestic Travel (Domestic) Enforcement Visa Visa Requirement by Country Visa Fees Visa With Reference Security Bond/Bank Guarantee Rates Endorsement of Exemption Section 66 APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD INTRODUCTION ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS REGULATORY AGENCY CHECKLIST APPLICATION FORM Important Link Certification of Identity Special Programme Passes MACS Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment) Employment Pass Social Visitor Pass Long Term Social Visit Pass Short Term Social Visit Pass Professional Visitor Pass Professional Visitor Pass – Expert Student Pass Residence Pass Required Documents Border Pass / Cross-Border Pass Border Pass (Malaysia – Indonesia) Border Pass (Malaysia – Thailand) Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Travel Document Restricted Travel Documents Document In Lieu of Internal Travel Document Entry requirements into Malaysia Prohibited Immigrant Frequently Committed Offences Entry Requirements for Ship Crew Member (Seaman) Contact Us Address & Location Operation Hours Staff Directory Chief Digital Officer Attaché Frequently Ask Question Sunday : September 13, 2026 - 3.44 pm Menu F.A.Q Contact Us SISPAA Sitemap Whisteblowing E-Participation Tenders & Quotations Statistic Of Online Services Transaction e-Patuh X Utama » Main Services » APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD » APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD... APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD Menu Introduction APEC is an organization established in 1989 to establish greater economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. This organization came into force on March 1, 1999. The APEC Business Travel Card is an initiative of the APEC Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in an effort to help businessmen who frequently deal with APEC countries. There are 21 countries involved in the organization Australia United States of America Brunei Canada Chile China Hong Kong (China) Indonesia Japan Korea Malaysia Mexico New Zealand Papua New Guinea Peru Rusia Philippines Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Only 19 countries including Malaysia provide the following facilities: APEC card replaces VISA (countries that require a VISA and have their participation in APEC do not require a VISA) Provide APEC Lane or Special Route (Premier Lane) at the main entrances by air or land of each country to enjoy a faster and smoother movement process. Currently, Canada and the United States have not yet fully joined the scheme. However, both countries provide PREMIER LANE facilities for the purpose of faster and smoother movement. The following countries provide the following facilities: AUS-Australia BRN-Brunei CHL-Chile CHN-China HKG-Hong Kong IDN-Indonesia JPN-Japan KOR-Korea MYS-Malaysia MEX-Mexico NZL-New Zealand PNG-Papua New Guinea PER-Peru RUS-Rusia PHL-Philippines SGP-Singapore TWN-Taiwan THA-Thailand VNM-Vietnam APEC Business Travel Card Privileges This card helps to save time and cost for businessmen in meeting visa requirements and entry requirements as well as enjoying the Special Routes of APEC countries. Holder information and details are shared with all participating countries to obtain pre-clearance status or VISA approval before the card is issued. The validity of the APEC card is five (5) years subject to the validity period of the passport. These cardholders are given the convenience of APEC routes or Special Routes at the main entrances of the countries concerned. In Malaysia, the main entrances that provide the premier lane or APEC route are as follows: “PREMIERE LANE” or APEC Main Route can be found as follows: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) Penang International Airport Sultan Iskandar Complex, Johor Bharu Sultan Abu Bakar Building (Second Link), Gelang Patah, Johor This card indirectly promotes trade and businesses relation between the participating countries. To qualify for the APEC Business Travel Card, the applicant must be actively involved in business that requires them to frequently commute to the countries concerned. Pre-Clearances or approval by the participating countries will be channeled through the ABTC System to Immigration Department of Malaysia.
- apec_clients_faq_http May 2025 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for APEC Business Travel Card Clients | APEC Skip to main content Home Close Search WHO WE ARE The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. About us How we work Our members Host economy APEC Senior Officials APEC Secretariat Policy Support Unit Leadership APEC Secretariat staff Past administration Contact APEC Research and Analysis PSU Publications Toggle next level PSU Publications Trade and Investment Innovation and Digitalisation Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Periodical Reports PSU Governance PSU Team Back to menu WHO WE ARE The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. About us How we work Our members Host economy APEC Senior Officials APEC Secretariat Policy Support Unit Back to WHO WE ARE APEC Secretariat Leadership APEC Secretariat staff Past administration Contact APEC Back to WHO WE ARE Policy Support Unit Research and Analysis PSU Publications Toggle next level PSU Publications Trade and Investment Innovation and Digitalisation Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Periodical Reports PSU Governance PSU Team WHAT WE DO APEC ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders. Members facilitate this trade through faster customs procedures at borders; more favorable business climates behind the border; and aligning regulations and standards across the region. Capacity Building Publications Trade and Investment Structural Reform Economic and Technical Cooperation Budget Management Finance Ministers' Process Food Security Agricultural Biotechnology Overview Applying for Funds Implementing Projects APEC Project Funding Sources Project Overseer Toolkit Project Quality: Training and Guidance Automotive Toggle next level Automotive Dialogue APEC Auto-parts Supplier Portal Business Mobility Toggle next level Business Mobility Group APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC and virtual ABTC) Chemical Toggle next level Chemical Dialogue Digital Economy Toggle next level Digital Economy Steering Group Services Toggle next level Group on Services Information and Resources on Law Associations in the APEC Region Intellectual Property Toggle next level Intellectual Property Experts Group Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Service Centers Investment Toggle next level Investment Experts Group Investment Related Links Market Access Toggle next level Market Access Group Import Regulations and Business Information Links Non Tariff Measure (NTMs) – Remanufacturing Customs Toggle next level Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures APEC Customs Requirements, Import Information and Resources Standards and Conformance Toggle next level Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance APEC Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mutual Recognition Arrangement (EEMRA) Competition Policy and Law Anti-Corruption and Transparency Toggle next level Anti-Corruption and Transparency Working Group Agricultural Technical Cooperation Toggle next level Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group Emergency Preparedness Toggle next level Emergency Preparedness Working Group Energy Toggle next level Energy Working Group Health Toggle next level Health Working Group Human Resources Development Toggle next level Human Resources Development Working Group APEC Framework on Human Resources Development in the Digital Age Illegal Logging Toggle next level Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade Ocean and Fisheries Toggle next level Ocean and Fisheries Working Group Science, Technology and Innovation Toggle next level Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation Small and Medium Enterprises Toggle next level Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group Telecommunications and Information Toggle next level Telecommunications and Information Working Group Tourism Toggle next level Tourism Working Group APEC High Level Statement Tourism Websites of APEC Member Economies Transportation Toggle next level Transportation Working Group Women and the Economy Toggle next level Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy Asia-Pacific Food Industry Forum Back to menu WHAT WE DO APEC ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders. Members facilitate this trade through faster customs procedures at borders; more favorable business climates behind the border; and aligning regulations and standards across the region. Capacity Building Publications Trade and Investment Structural Reform Economic and Technical Cooperation Budget Management Finance Ministers' Process Food Security Agricultural Biotechnology Back to WHAT WE DO Capacity Building Overview Applying for Funds Implementing Projects APEC Project Funding Sources Project Overseer Toolkit Project Quality: Training and Guidance Back to WHAT WE DO Trade and Investment Automotive Toggle next level Automotive Dialogue APEC Auto-parts Supplier Portal Business Mobility Toggle next level Business Mobility Group APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC and virtual ABTC) Chemical Toggle next level Chemical Dialogue Digital Economy Toggle next level Digital Economy Steering Group Services Toggle next level Group on Services Information and Resources on Law Associations in the APEC Region Intellectual Property Toggle next level Intellectual Property Experts Group Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Service Centers Investment Toggle next level Investment Experts Group Investment Related Links Market Access Toggle next level Market Access Group Import Regulations and Business Information Links Non Tariff Measure (NTMs) – Remanufacturing Customs Toggle next level Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures APEC Customs Requirements, Import Information and Resources Standards and Conformance Toggle next level Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance APEC Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mutual Recognition Arrangement (EEMRA) Back to WHAT WE DO Structural Reform Competition Policy and Law Back to WHAT WE DO Economic and Technical Cooperation Anti-Corruption and Transparency Toggle next level Anti-Corruption and Transparency Working Group Agricultural Technical Cooperation Toggle next level Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group Emergency Preparedness Toggle next level Emergency Preparedness Working Group Energy Toggle next level Energy Working Group Health Toggle next level Health Working Group Human Resources Development Toggle next level Human Resources Development Working Group APEC Framework on Human Resources Development in the Digital Age Illegal Logging Toggle next level Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade Ocean and Fisheries Toggle next level Ocean and Fisheries Working Group Science, Technology and Innovation Toggle next level Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation Small and Medium Enterprises Toggle next level Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group Telecommunications and Information Toggle next level Telecommunications and Information Working Group Tourism Toggle next level Tourism Working Group APEC High Level Statement Tourism Websites of APEC Member Economies Transportation Toggle next level Transportation Working Group Women and the Economy Toggle next level Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy Back to WHAT WE DO Food Security Asia-Pacific Food Industry Forum WHAT WE ACHIEVED APEC has helped drive economic growth and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific by reducing trade barriers, improving the ease of doing business and strengthening connectivity among economies. These efforts have contributed to rising incomes, expanded trade and greater opportunities for businesses and communities across the region. Declarations and Statements Newsroom Videos Photos APEC in Action Leaders' Declarations Annual Ministerial Meetings Sectoral Ministerial Meetings Toggle next level Avian and Influenza Pandemics Education Energy Environment Finance Food Security Forestry Growth Strategy Health High Level Policy Dialogue Human Resources Development Mining Science and Technology Cooperation Small and Medium Enterprises Structural Reform Telecommunications and Information Tourism Trade Transportation Urbanization Women APEC in Action APEC ASPIRE Back to menu WHAT WE ACHIEVED APEC has helped drive economic growth and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific by reducing trade barriers, improving the ease of doing business and strengthening connectivity among economies. These efforts have contributed to rising incomes, expanded trade and greater opportunities for businesses and communities across the region. Declarations and Statements Newsroom Videos Photos APEC in Action Back to WHAT WE ACHIEVED Declarations and Statements Leaders' Declarations Annual Ministerial Meetings Sectoral Ministerial Meetings Toggle next level Avian and Influenza Pandemics Education Energy Environment Finance Food Security Forestry Growth Strategy Health High Level Policy Dialogue Human Resources Development Mining Science and Technology Cooperation Small and Medium Enterprises Structural Reform Telecommunications and Information Tourism Trade Transportation Urbanization Women Back to WHAT WE ACHIEVED APEC in Action APEC in Action APEC ASPIRE ENGAGE WITH US APEC brings together governments, businesses and stakeholders to collaborate on shared priorities. Explore opportunities to participate in events, contribute to initiatives and engage with APEC’s work across the region. Meetings and events Tenders and RFPs Careers Resources AIMP Login Meeting Document Database Projects Database Contact us Policies and procedures APEC logo use APEC Business Advisory Council APEC Study Centers Consortium Specialized APEC Centers Business resources Toggle next level APEC Business Travel Handbook APEC Business Travel Card Industry dialogues APEC-OECD International Regulatory Cooperation Resource Back to menu ENGAGE WITH US APEC brings together governments, businesses and stakeholders to collaborate on shared priorities. Explore opportunities to participate in events, contribute to initiatives and engage with APEC’s work across the region. Meetings and events Tenders and RFPs Careers Resources AIMP Login Meeting Document Database Projects Database Contact us Back to ENGAGE WITH US Resources Policies and procedures APEC logo use APEC Business Advisory Council APEC Study Centers Consortium Specialized APEC Centers Business resources Toggle next level APEC Business Travel Handbook APEC Business Travel Card Industry dialogues APEC-OECD International Regulatory Cooperation Resource Frequently Asked Questions for APEC Business Travel Card Clients Last page update: May 2025 Question 1 – What is an ABTC? The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a card issued to business travellers and senior government officials who meet certain requirements. APEC manages the ABTC program, which it refers to as the ABTC scheme. The ABTC scheme seeks to facilitate travel in the APEC region. Question 2 – Which APEC economies participate in the ABTC scheme? Nineteen APEC economies are fully participating members to the ABTC scheme: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Two APEC economies are transitional members to the ABTC scheme: Canada and the United States. Question 3 – What is the difference between fully participating members and transitional members? Fully participating members participate in the preclearance aspect of the ABTC scheme, while transitional members do not. ABTC holders granted preclearance by an APEC economy do not need to make a separate application for a visa or entry permit when traveling to that economy. ABTC holders travelling to a transitional economy must present any visas, travel or other entry documents that are required by the transitional economy. ABTC holders from transitional economies are not able to receive pre-clearance from fully participating economies and must therefore present any visas, travel or other entry documents that are required for entry to their destination economy. The reverse side of an ABTC issued by a fully participating economy will list the economies to which the holder has been granted pre-clearance. The reverse side of an ABTC issued by a transitional economy will be blank. Travellers are urged to check entry requirements of their destination APEC economy before travel. Both fully participating members and transitional members offer access to fast-track immigration lanes at participating airports. Question 4 – What are the benefits of holding an ABTC? The ABTC gives frequent business travellers: Fast-track entry and exit through special APEC lanes at participating airports; and, Multiple, short-term entries to precleared APEC economies without having to make a separate visa application to fully participating members. Question 5 – Do I still need a visa and passport for entry into APEC economies? When travelling to an APEC economy that is a fully participating member, ABTC holders do not need to submit a separate application for a visa if they have been granted preclearance to that economy. The granting of preclearance is at the discretion of each APEC economy and it remains the right of each APEC economy to determine who may travel to, enter, and remain in that economy even after a person has been issued an ABTC. The ABTC is not intended to replace the passport. Valid passports remain a primary traveller identification document and ABTC holders will be required to present their passport and ABTC on arrival and departure in participating economies. When travelling to an APEC economy that is a transitional member, ABTC holders will need to present any travel or identity documentation required, such as a passport and visa or a travel authorization. Travellers are urged to check entry requirements of their destination APEC economy before travel. Question 6 – Can I only use my card to travel to economies that are listed on the back of my card? Travellers are exempted from applying for a visa only from economies listed on the back of their ABTC. If you wish to travel to an economy that is not listed on the back of your ABTC, you must present any visa, travel or identity document that is required by your destination economy for entry. However, any cardholder can use the fast-track lane in APEC economies’ airports regardless of which economies’ names are listed on the back of the card. Question 7 – How do I apply for an ABTC? Each economy has their own set of guidelines and processes for applying for an ABTC, including application forms, fees, and applicant screening. Please refer to your home economy’s website or the following link for information on application. Question 8 – What are the general eligibility criteria for ABTC applicants? Each economy has its own set of eligibility criteria for ABTC applicants. Generally, applicants must be business persons who: are citizens of participating APEC economies, or in the case of Hong Kong China, permanent residents holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card; have never been convicted of a criminal offence; hold a valid passport issued by the home economy or, in the case of Hong Kong China, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a valid travel document issued by another country or territory; and, are bona fide business persons who may need to travel frequently on short term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business commitments. A bona fide business person is a person who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services or the conduct of investment activities. Senior government officials and officials actively engaged in APEC business may also be eligible for an ABTC. Each member economy is responsible for vetting their applicants and may impose additional eligibility criteria. Refer to your home economy for more information(link). Question 9 – What is the general process once my application is approved by my home economy? Interested individuals submit their applications to their home economy. For fully participating members, ABTC applications approved by the home economy are sent to all other fully participating members for preclearance consideration. Each fully participating member will assess the application against its own internal requirements. APEC economies independently process and issue any required visas and entry permits to eligible applicants as part of the preclearance process. The reverse side of the ABTC lists all the economies that have granted preclearance to the cardholder. Question 10 – What is the average amount of time to get an ABTC? In fully participating economies, each application takes at least two to three months to be processed, and in some instances longer as all fully participating members review the application for preclearance approvals. The period of time required to completely process an application may vary between economies. If the applicant has indicated their priority economies at the time of application, it may reduce the wait period for a card. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application for an ABTC at least three months before the expiry of their current card. Question 11 – How long is the ABTC valid for? APEC economies may issue cards with a maximum validity of five years. Please check the expiration date on your card. Question 12 – What should be done if I lose my ABTC? Lost or stolen cards should be reported to your home economy immediately. Contact your home economy to determine the requirements for reporting lost and stolen cards. Contact information for economies can be found through the following link. Question 13 – Who should I contact if I have general or specific questions about the ABTC? For questions pertaining to individual economies, please refer to the following link for contact information on the economy. Question 14 – What should I do if my passport expires or is replaced? ABTC holders must maintain a valid passport during the use of their card. Cardholders must renew their ABTC if their passport is renewed or replaced and their card makes reference to their previous passport information. Applicants will need to verify with their home economy on rules with regards to their passport and card validity. Question 15 – Can I use the ABTC for non-business purposes, such as tourism? The ABTC is not designed for tourism purposes, but some economies may facilitate entry for cardholders depending on their circumstances. Please refer to the relevant economy for individual entry arrangements for cardholders and tourist visits (link). In addition, the card cannot be used for travel by: Students; A business person’s spouse and children; Persons who wish to engage in paid employment or a working holiday; or, Professional athletes, news correspondents, entertainers, musicians, artists or persons engaged in similar occupations. Question 16 – What is a Virtual ABTC? The Virtual ABTC is an innovative new method for travelling on the ABTC that brings the existing Scheme into the digital era and provides the much-valued ABTC service on a cardholder’s smart device. Question 17 – What is the difference between a physical ABTC and a Virtual ABTC? Travelling on a Virtual ABTC allows for the same streamlined and VIP service existing that physical cardholders currently enjoy, but simply provides an alternative method for cardholders to travel on and present when entering and exiting APEC Economies. Using a Virtual ABTC does not change current international port of entry processing when cardholders enter an Economy on the ABTC – the cardholder is simply required to present their Virtual ABTC on their smart device (just as they would present the physical card) either when entering the APEC fast track lane or an Economy. Question 18 – Which APEC Economies offer the Virtual ABTC for their cardholders? Economy Commencement Date Australia 1 March 2021 Brunei Darussalam 30 June 2021 Chile 30 June 2021 Indonesia 1 April 2021 Japan 1 April 2024 Republic of Korea 21 April 2025 Malaysia 24 October 2023 Mexico 23 April 2023 New Zealand 2 August 2021 Papua New Guinea 30 June 2021 Peru 28 May 2021 The Philippines 24 November 2021 Thailand 1 May 2021 Viet Nam 25 October 2023 Never miss the latest news and updates Who We Are About us How we work Our members Host economy APEC Senior Officials APEC Secretariat Policy Support Unit What We Do Capacity Building Publications Trade and Investment Structural Reform Economic and Technical Cooperation Budget Management Finance Ministers' Process Food Security Agricultural Biotechnology What We Achieved Declarations and Statements Newsroom Videos Photos APEC in Action Engage With Us Meetings and events Tenders and RFPs Careers Resources AIMP Login Meeting Document Database Projects Database Contact us Copyright 2026 APEC Secretariat. All Rights Reserved. • Terms of use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Sitemap •