4 ms·

While your points about the AU Passport are probably correct, I know a very poor and normal American and Australian with the APEC cards. Neither are affiliated

While your points about the AU Passport are probably correct, I know a very poor and normal American and Australian with the APEC cards. Neither are affiliated with any companies.

jpatokal 10y ago
Dunno about the US, but unless your Oz friend is a high gov't official, that seems to be in contradiction with the posted guidelines: * * * You are either: * the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or regional or country head of a registered business entity * an owner or director of a registered business entity * a Board member of a registered business entity * the CEO or CFO of an Australian-based business peak body * an employee of a registered business entity nominated by the CEO, CFO, regional head, owner or director of the organisation. * a senior government official – contact us for the eligibility requirements before you apply.
- nrp 10y ago
  In the US, the requirements are looser. If you have Global Entry, you basically just need to apply, pay a fee, and state your business purpose for needing it in an interview. The APEC card granted to US citizens doesn't allow for visa-free entry like most other countries do though. It basically just gives you access to faster immigration lanes. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/us-apec-business-travel-card-program-frequently-asked-questions2 https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/us-apec...
- amatix 10y ago
  In NZ I had one as a junior engineer in 2004-2006 who travelled to SE Asia regularly (6 times a year). Skipped all the faff of applying for Chinese visas (at the time: at the land border they're quick, but you need to get in advance before flying in). And got diplomatic lane at all the other airports which was nice :) While it says "4-6 months" to get the full card, you get your important countries within a month and they send you new cards as others come through. Current requirements in NZ look to be: > The APEC Business Travel Card is available to New Zealand business people engaged in trade and investment activities, who: > * are nationals of New Zealand and hold a New Zealand passport > * travel frequently to conduct trade and investment activities in participating APEC countries > * have not been convicted of a criminal offence, or deported from, or asked to leave, or been refused entry, or otherwise excluded entry from any country. Well worth it. (edit: formatting)
- daemin 10y ago
  It's not actually that hard to be an owner or director of a registered business entity (In Australia). Just apply to form a company to ASIC, pay the registration fee, then pay a yearly fee and file a tax return.
  - jpatokal 10y ago
    Read on: said entity also has to have demonstrable evidence of business ties to APEC countries. https://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Trav/APEC https://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Trav/APEC
maverick_iceman 10y ago
Anecdata?

While your points about the AU Passport are probably correct, I know a very poor and normal American and Australian with the APEC cards. Neither are affiliated with any companies.

jpatokal 10y ago

Dunno about the US, but unless your Oz friend is a high gov't official, that seems to be in contradiction with the posted guidelines: * * * You are either: * the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or regional or country head of a registered business entity * an owner or director of a registered business entity * a Board member of a registered business entity * the CEO or CFO of an Australian-based business peak body * an employee of a registered business entity nominated by the CEO, CFO, regional head, owner or director of the organisation. * a senior government official – contact us for the eligibility requirements before you apply.

nrp 10y ago
In the US, the requirements are looser. If you have Global Entry, you basically just need to apply, pay a fee, and state your business purpose for needing it in an interview. The APEC card granted to US citizens doesn't allow for visa-free entry like most other countries do though. It basically just gives you access to faster immigration lanes. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/us-apec-business-travel-card-program-frequently-asked-questions2 https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/us-apec...
amatix 10y ago
In NZ I had one as a junior engineer in 2004-2006 who travelled to SE Asia regularly (6 times a year). Skipped all the faff of applying for Chinese visas (at the time: at the land border they're quick, but you need to get in advance before flying in). And got diplomatic lane at all the other airports which was nice :) While it says "4-6 months" to get the full card, you get your important countries within a month and they send you new cards as others come through. Current requirements in NZ look to be: > The APEC Business Travel Card is available to New Zealand business people engaged in trade and investment activities, who: > * are nationals of New Zealand and hold a New Zealand passport > * travel frequently to conduct trade and investment activities in participating APEC countries > * have not been convicted of a criminal offence, or deported from, or asked to leave, or been refused entry, or otherwise excluded entry from any country. Well worth it. (edit: formatting)
daemin 10y ago
It's not actually that hard to be an owner or director of a registered business entity (In Australia). Just apply to form a company to ASIC, pay the registration fee, then pay a yearly fee and file a tax return.
- jpatokal 10y ago
  Read on: said entity also has to have demonstrable evidence of business ties to APEC countries. https://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Trav/APEC https://www.border.gov.au/Busi/Trav/APEC

maverick_iceman 10y ago

Anecdata?