The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Immigration Department announced on the 31st that starting from September 1st, applicants who submit applications for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (Business Travel Card) will be issued a Business Travel Card with a validity of five years upon approval.
The Immigration Department spokesperson stated that the arrangement to extend the validity period of the Business Travel Card provides greater convenience for business people entering and exiting APEC member regions, further promoting business connections within the Asia-Pacific region.
In Hong Kong, any resident holding a Hong Kong permanent resident identity card and a valid passport can apply for the Business Travel Card. Applicants must be genuine business people who frequently travel to APEC member regions for short-term business visits, and must have no criminal record and have not been denied entry by any participating region in this program.
Currently, there are nineteen member regions participating in this program, including Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, the United States and Canada have joined as transitional members.