APEC Business Travel Card
APEC Business Travel Card
Business Travel
If you do business in the APEC economies this business travel could make doing business in the region more efficient.
How to Get an APEC Business Travel Card in Papua New Guinea (PNG)
If you’re a frequent business traveler in the Asia-Pacific, the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a game-changer. Papua New Guinea (PNG) fully participates in this program, offering fast-track immigration and visa-free access to 19 APEC member economies.
1. Check Your Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid PNG passport.
Be a bona fide business person—actively engaged in trade, investment, or business services.
- Obtain endorsement from the PNG Business Council or Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce
Have a clear criminal record.
Travel regularly across the APEC region for business .
2. Collect Required Documents
You’ll need:
A completed PNG ABTC application form (available on the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority website) .
Proof of business activities (e.g. company registration, trade contracts, letters from clients or partners).
Clean criminal-record certificate.
Passport photo and copy of your current passport.
3. Submit the Application
Hand-deliver your documents to the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Services Authority (ICA) in Waigani, Port Moresby—applications aren’t accepted online .
4. Wait for Pre-Clearance
Your application is sent to all APEC economies to request entry pre-clearance.
PNG processes locally, then forwards to others.
It typically takes 2–4 months, though delays up to a year are possible.
5. Get Your Card
Once approved by PNG and other economies, you’ll receive a physical card listing countries you’re pre-cleared for.
The ABTC is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first .
6. Use Your ABTC
Use it together with your passport at fast-track lanes in participating APEC airports.
Enjoy multiple visa-free business visits (typically 60–90 days per trip).
Transitional members—Canada and the U.S.—offer fast-track access only .
Quick Checklist
Step | Action |
|---|---|
✅ | PNG passport, passport photo |
✅ | Fill out PNG ABTC application form |
✅ | Proof of business travel & clean criminal record and endorsement of PNG Business Council or POM Chamber of Commerce |
✅ | Submit at ICA Waigani |
✅ | Wait for pre-clearance |
✅ | Receive card—valid 5 years |
Tips
Apply at least 3–4 months before planned travel.
If your passport expires during the card’s validity, reissue is required.
Even with ABTC, check if your target country still needs a work permit (standard business/trade activities are covered).
Benefits
Skip visa hassles: Once pre-cleared, no need for separate visas to fully participating APEC economies.
Speed: Use fast‑track lanes at major airports—your time is money.
Valid for 5 years: Ideal for those traveling regularly across the region .
