Library Week 2010 - Ask Me - APEC Travel Card

An exporter has asked "what is an APEC Travel Card? What does it offer? and Who can apply for one?

The APEC Business Travel Card is used in conjunction with a passport and provides accedited business people streamlined access to participating countries such as the People's Republic of China. Cardholders get:

• express immigration clearance through special APEC lanes on arrival and departure
• no requirement to apply for visas or entry permits
• multiple entry to participating countries for a stay of up to 90 days on each visit

Business people who are engaged in trade and investment acticities and who:

• are nationals of the participating countries
• travel frequently to conduct trade and investment in participating APEC countries, and
• are of good character

can apply for the card.   There is a $NZD150 fee.  You can get a list of all the APEC countries and more information at:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/apec/

One of our exporters reports that 'it is the best thing since sliced bread and is cheaper than visas and you get fast transit through airports.'  It's obviously worth looking into.