Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards can now use immigration lanes for diplomats and aircrew at major international airports in Mexico, the Immigration Department says.

Mexican Consular Officers will expedite and prioritise cardholders applying for a business visa.

There are 17 economies participating in the scheme, namely Hong Kong, the Mainland, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam.

Application criteria

In Hong Kong, applications for the card are open to permanent residents holding Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards and valid passports. Applicants must be bona fide businesspeople, free of criminal records, and they 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. It is good for multiple visa-free visits of two to three months to participating economies.