The validity of the APEC Business Travel Card will be extended from three to five years from September 1, the Immigration Department says.
Successful card applicants who submit applications on or after that date will be granted the extension, which brings greater travelling convenience to business travellers among the APEC economies and promotes regional business.
Nineteen economies are in the scheme: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam.
Holders of Hong Kong permanent identity cards and a valid national passport can apply. Applicants must be bona fide business people with no criminal record and must never have been refused entry to any of the participating economies.
The size of a credit card, the travel card is valid for multiple visits for a stay of two to three months to participating economies without the need for a visa if pre-clearance has been granted.
