Why Kiwi Business Travellers Are Choosing the APEC Business Travel Card

For New Zealand businesspeople who frequently hop across the Asia-Pacific for trade and deals, the APEC Business Travel Card could be a real game-changer. No one enjoys forms, queues or visa hassles especially when business can’t wait. That’s where this card steps in.

It’s built for New Zealand citizens who regularly visit APEC economies for short-term business. Think trade meetings, service delivery, investment, the sort of trips that keep business opportunities flowing. What Exactly Is the APEC Business Travel Card? In simple words, it’s a fast-track tool for smooth travel around the APEC region. Eligible Kiwi business travellers pay NZD $150, apply once and receive pre-clearance from participating APEC economies. The card is now fully digital, so everything lives conveniently inside your phone.

Why Does the Card Matter? Business in the APEC region moves quickly, this card helps travellers keep up.

Top benefits include:

• Multiple short business visits without applying for repeated visas

• Fast-track lanes at major airports, less queuing, more winning

• Smooth travel across a powerful economic region

In short: time saved, paperwork reduced, connections strengthened. Participating APEC Economies

Travellers can receive pre-clearance to some or all of these economies:

Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, The United States, Viet Nam. (You can only visit those that approve your pre-clearance.)

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a New Zealand citizen with a valid passport

• Have no criminal convictions

• Travel frequently across APEC economies for genuine business purposes

Supporting information may include:

• Employer letter

• Proof of business role (or sole trader status)

• Contracts, invoices, trade fair invitations

• Other business-related travel evidence

A recent Ministry of Justice criminal record check (under 6 months old) is required. How to Apply A smart approach avoids delays:

• Gather your documents

• Complete the official ABTC application form

• Submit everything and pay the fee

• Wait for Immigration NZ’s approval

• Track pre-clearance progress online using your application number

Once approved, download the Virtual ABTC app. Your digital card will appear instantly.

How Long Does It Last?

• Valid for 5 years

• If your passport expires sooner, the status remains valid for 5 years, just send in your new passport details whenever updated.  No more physical cards are issued, everything is virtual now.

For Kiwi Businesses Looking Outward

Whether it’s a startup securing overseas deals or a major exporter servicing clients, the APEC Business Travel Card helps Kiwis move faster in a competitive market. It cuts the admin so businesses can focus on growth, not border queues.