Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

June 24, 2024

Notification for foreign APEC Business Travel Card applicants:

  • Please kindly note that pre-clearance process may take some time. You can check the status of your application through the ABTC system or the ABTC app on your smart device if you are using virtual ABTC. Once the application is approved, it will be reflected in the ABTC system or the ABTC app.
  • If you plan to visit Japan in the near future before ABTC is approved, please consider applying for a visa and contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest to your location.
  • Once approved, the ABTC allows you to visit Japan for short-term business purposes with a maximum of up to 90 days at a time.
  • ABTC can only be used for business purposes and cannot be used for any other purposes, including holiday, private, transit, recreational or sports purposes.
    If you are not from a visa waiver country or region, you will need to apply for a visa for your holiday travel to Japan.

Benefits of ABTC:

  • No need to apply for visa before business travel.
  • No limit on the number of times it can be used within the valid period.
  • Maximum validity period of five years.
  • Use of ABTC fast-track entry and exit lanes at major international airports.
    (Narita Airport (NRT), Haneda Airport (HND), Kansai Airport (KIX), Chubu Airport (NGO), New Chitose Airport (CTS), Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and Naha Airport (OKA))

Reference:

  • For more information about the ABTC program, please visit the APEC website.
  • You can only apply for an ABTC through your home economy. If you have any questions about applying for an ABTC, please contact your home economy.
  • If you have an inquiry regarding Japan’s pre-clearance, you may contact the Japan ABTC Team only by email at abtc@mofa.go.jp. Please be sure to include your name, ABTC application number and passport number in your email. Please note that we cannot respond on the status of pre-clearance including the expected date of approval.
Back to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)