Singapore has begun producing and processing the APEC Business Travel Card, which promotes regional business.

The Immigration Department said the Business Travel Card Scheme enhances the mobility of business travellers within APEC economies. Seventeen jurisdictions are participating so far.

15 card participants

With Singapore joining, 15 economies are now producing APEC Business Travel Cards and processing pre-clearance applications referred from other participating jurisdictions.

They are Hong Kong, the Mainland, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Papua New Guinea and Vietnam are preparing to implement production and processing of the card.

Freer business travel

In Hong Kong, applications are open to Permanent Identity Card holders. Applicants must be bona fide businesspeople, free of criminal records, and must not have been refused entry to any of the participating economies. Applicants should also have a need to travel frequently on short-term business visits to APEC economies.

The card is normally valid for three years and good for multiple visa-free visits of two to three months to participating economies. Holders will also enjoy streamlined immigration clearance.