Business people residing in Hong Kong can now apply for the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme.

Since Indonesia's implementation of the scheme on May 1, all 14 APEC economies participating in the programme have begun production of the cards and processing of pre-clearance applications referred from other participating economies.

The card is issued to business travellers within the APEC economies for promoting business within the region. It is normally valid for three years and good for multiple visits of two to three months without visas to participating economies that have granted cardholders pre-clearance.

Cardholders will enjoy streamlined immigration clearance upon presentation of the card and their travel documents.

A bona fide Hong Kong business person can apply for the card if they:

* hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport;

* have not previously been denied entry to any of the participating economies;

* have never been convicted of a criminal offence; and,

* need to travel frequently on short-term visits within the APEC region for business.

The 14 economies are Hong Kong, the Mainland, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines and Thailand.