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Holders of APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) have been able to use the "fast-track" lanes (currently designated for aircrew) for passenger clearance at all international airports in the United States upon entry from November 19, 2006.
An Immigration Department spokesman made the announcement today (January 26) after being informed of the move by the American Consulate General, Hong Kong.
However, ABTC holders are still subject to the usual immigration clearance process as applicable to other travellers, such as presenting valid passports and where applicable, valid visas for the United States. Should an ABTC holder require a visa for urgent business travel and find that there are no appointments available for the next working day, he or she may fax the US Consulate General's office at 2147 3586 to request a special appointment slot.
"The aim of the scheme is to enhance the mobility of business people within the APEC economies, thus promoting business within the region," the spokesman said.
At present, there are 17 economies participating in the scheme, namely Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam.
In Hong Kong, applications for ABTC are open to local permanent residents holding Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards and valid national 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 the APEC economies.
The ABTC is of the size of a credit card. It is normally valid for three years. The card is good for multiple visits of two to three months to participating economies without the need for a visa.
ABTC holders will enjoy streamlined immigration clearance at the control points of the participating economies.
Ends/Friday, January 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:51
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