Reviewed 16 September 2026. Check current eligibility, fees and processing arrangements with the Hong Kong Immigration Department before applying.
The APEC Business Travel Card can make frequent business travel across participating APEC economies easier. It is not a work permit, a residence pass or a guarantee of entry.
The Hong Kong route
Hong Kong issues APEC Business Travel Cards through its Immigration Department. Applicants generally need a valid Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card and a valid national passport. Eligibility is determined by the issuing economy’s rules; a passport from a non-APEC economy does not, by itself, rule out an application through Hong Kong permanent residence.
The reported application fee is HK$700. Processing depends on clearances from the relevant participating economies, so applicants should expect it to take time and rely on the current timetable published by Hong Kong Immigration.
What the card is for
The card is intended for short business visits such as meetings, negotiations and conferences. Where a destination has approved the holder, the card can provide facilitated entry and access to designated fast-track lanes. Permitted stays vary by economy.
What it does not do
The card does not authorise employment, paid work, long-term residence or a business that requires a local work authorisation. Border officers retain the right to refuse entry under their own laws.
The United States and Canada participate differently from fully participating ABTC economies. A card does not replace their ordinary visa or entry requirements. Check the destination’s current rules before travel.
Sources
Further reading: For the card’s wider use, participating economies and application considerations, see our APEC Business Travel Card guide.
LLA Editorial Team | Living Life Asia