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APEC Business Travel Card in Singapore: Application, Benefits & Renewal
- Modified: 30 September 2025
- 7 min read
- Better Business
Jon Mills
Author
Jon gets his kicks writing content that educates and entertains. He has a background in copy and content writing for brands and has been lucky to share unique stories, adding value to luxury products. Now, he brings the journeys and advice of our in-house accounting experts and small business owners to life for Osome's readers. He wants to help entrepreneurs set their sights high and build flourishing, reputable businesses.
Deepti Laddha
Reviewer
Deepti Laddha, our Head of Corporate Operations in Singapore, brings a decade of experience to her role, supporting our business writers in crafting insightful and engaging articles. With a strong background in corporate services, Deepti is a rich source of knowledge and expertise. We can count on her to assist in transforming any definition, concept or complicated jargon into helpful tips that help our readers take their businesses to the next level.
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is designed to simplify business travel across the Asia-Pacific region. For professionals in Singapore, it eliminates the hassle of repeated visa applications, offering faster immigration clearance and visa-free entry to participating economies, making regional business trips more efficient.
What Is APEC Card?
The APEC Business Travel Card, commonly known as the APEC card, is a travel document that allows eligible business travellers to move more easily between APEC member economies. Issued by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the card serves as a visa substitute for short-term business visits in participating APEC card countries. It also grants access to priority lanes at airports, helping travellers save valuable time.
The scheme is part of APEC’s efforts to encourage cross-border trade and investment by reducing barriers for businesspeople. Unlike a standard visa, the APEC card is valid for multiple entries over several years, making it a practical solution for frequent travellers.
Who Is Eligible for the APEC Business Travel Card in Singapore?
Not everyone can apply for the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). In Singapore, the card is issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and is available to specific groups of professionals:
- Business executives and entrepreneurs who need to travel frequently to APEC card countries for trade, investment, or related business activities.
- Government officials involved in promoting business and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Applicants must be Singapore citizens with a valid passport. Permanent Residents and Employment Pass holders are not eligible to apply.
Additionally, applicants should have a clean travel record and no pending criminal cases or immigration offences. The ICA carefully screens each application to ensure the card is granted only to genuine business travellers.
APEC Card Application Process
Applying for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) in Singapore allows eligible business travellers to enjoy expedited entry across participating APEC economies. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the official ICA procedures.
Step 1. Gather required documents
You’ll need the following to apply via the e-Service:
- Recent passport-sized, digital, colour photograph taken within the last three months (see photo guidelines).
- Scanned signature image file in JPEG format (preferred 250 x 220 pixels, <60 KB).
- Letter of authorisation or support from your organisation (JPEG or PDF, <1 MB). If self-signed, include a scanned copy of your ACRA Business Profile.
- For professional body members applying in a personal capacity: a letter explaining the reason for application and proof of membership.
- If applying via an overseas company: scanned copy of the company’s overseas business registration certificate in English, Mandarin, Tamil, or Malay.
- Valid Singapore passport.
Provide originals and copies, and ensure non-English documents are officially translated. ICA accepts embassy-certified or notarised translations. Incomplete or improper documents may delay your application.
Step 2. Submit application online
Log in to ICA’s e-Service using your Singpass 2FA to complete the online application form. If your ABTC has expired or your passport details have changed, you must submit a new application. Ensure your passport is valid or you have collected your replacement before applying.
Step 3. Pay application fee
A non-refundable S$ 100 fee is payable. Payment options include:
- Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card
- American Express (AMEX) credit card
- Internet banking (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered)
- PayNow
Save your receipt after payment as it will not be emailed automatically.
Step 4. Wait for processing and pre-clearance
ICA sends eligible applications to APEC economies for pre-clearance. Most applications receive full pre-clearance within four months. If additional economies respond later, the final ABTC may be issued about nine months from your application.
Step 5. Check your application status
You can check your ABTC application status here about four weeks after submission. Select “Singapore” as the Economy of Application and enter your passport number in all caps. Approved member economies will be listed.
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Renewal and Validity
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is typically valid for five years from the date of issue. If your ABTC expires or your passport is renewed, you must submit a new application online via ICA’s e-Service. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial application, including document submission, fee payment, and pre-clearance by APEC economies.
Keep in mind that your ABTC is only valid as long as your Singapore passport remains valid. Any changes to passport details require a new application to maintain uninterrupted travel privileges.
Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card
The ABTC provides several advantages for business travellers in the Asia-Pacific region:
- Expedited entry: Enjoy fast-track immigration lanes in participating APEC economies.
- Multiple-country access: Travel to APEC member economies without applying for separate visas each time.
- Business efficiency: Save time on frequent cross-border business trips.
- Simplified travel planning: Pre-clearance by participating economies reduces administrative hassle.
By holding an ABTC, business travellers can significantly streamline their international travel while focusing on business activities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Participating Countries in the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) facilitates expedited immigration clearance for business travellers across participating economies. Holders of the ABTC can enjoy streamlined entry processes in the following 19 fully participating APEC economies:
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Chile
- Chinese Taipei
- Hong Kong, China
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- People's Republic of China
- Peru
- Republic of Korea
- Russia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Viet Nam
Additionally, Canada and the United States are transitional members of the ABTC scheme. While they do not participate in the pre-clearance aspect of the ABTC, cardholders may use designated fast-track immigration lanes at major international airports in these countries. However, standard visa requirements still apply when travelling to Canada or the United States.
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Making the Most of the APEC Card
For smooth journeys using the APEC Travel Card Singapore, ensure your passport remains valid throughout your travels. Take advantage of the accelerated clearance lanes available exclusively to APEC Cardholders at airports. Stay informed, and leverage the APEC card to its maximum potential.
Tips for seamless travel using the APEC Card
- Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your travel.
- Opt for professional accounting services to keep your finances in check while you're abroad.
- Keep all your travel and financial documents organised and easily accessible.
- Stay informed about any latest updates or changes in APEC member countries' immigration policies.
- Make sure to carry sufficient local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
- Consider travel insurance coverage for unexpected circumstances or emergencies.
Leveraging the APEC Card to enhance business opportunities
With the APEC Card facilitating your travel within the APEC region, seize the opportunity to enhance your business prospects. Attend conferences, trade shows, and networking events to expand your professional network and explore potential partnerships. Use the APEC Card's advantages to build strong business relationships across borders.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While the APEC Business Travel Card provides smoother business travel across member economies, it has several limitations that applicants should be aware of:
- Restricted to business purposes: The ABTC cannot be used for personal travel, tourism, or non-business activities.
- Country-specific restrictions: Some member economies may still require additional visas or impose conditions for certain types of business activities. For instance, temporary work permits or conference-specific entry rules might apply.
- Processing times and approvals: Applications can take several months for pre-clearance, and approval from all relevant APEC economies is required. Delays in individual country approvals can extend the issuance timeline.
- Eligibility limitations: Applicants must meet strict criteria, including holding a valid Singapore passport, being part of a professional organisation, or representing an eligible company.
- Travel and immigration policies: Individual economies may enforce their own immigration rules, including limits on duration of stay or entry restrictions for certain professions.
Being aware of these challenges helps businesses plan trips effectively and avoid unexpected obstacles.
How Osome Can Help With Business Travel Preparation
While Osome does not assist with the application for the APEC Business Travel Card itself, we can make your business travel and compliance much easier. Our services ensure your company’s finances, incorporation, and regulatory obligations are fully in order, giving you peace of mind when travelling for business.
With Osome, you can:
- Keep corporate records, accounts, and tax filings up to date, so you can focus on travel planning without compliance worries.
- Ensure smooth documentation and timely filings for your Singapore-incorporated company.
- Streamline business operations with expert accounting support and easy-to-use digital tools.
Even though we don’t apply for the ABTC, having your corporate matters in order helps make your international business trips more efficient and stress-free. Explore Osome’s accounting and corporate services.
Conclusion
The APEC Card Singapore is an indispensable asset for business travelers. With it, the Asia-Pacific region becomes a lot more accessible, making business transactions and networking events easier to attend. Use this golden ticket and make the most of your business trips.
Jon gets his kicks writing content that educates and entertains. He has a background in copy and content writing for brands and has been lucky to share unique stories, adding value to luxury products. Now, he brings the journeys and advice of our in-house accounting experts and small business owners to life for Osome's readers. He wants to help entrepreneurs set their sights high and build flourishing, reputable businesses.
