Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces the Canadian Asia-Pacific Business Travel Card pilot project at the October 2013 APEC Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a Canadian Government plan to launch a pilot project that will make it easier for Canadian business people to travel to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.
A new document for travel to participating foreign APEC economies—the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)—is designed to promote fast and efficient travel for business people within the Asia-Pacific region.
The Canadian ABTC pilot project, expected to be launched later before the end of 2013, will allow Canadian business travellers who are both NEXUS and ABTC members, access to designated APEC lines for facilitated border clearance when travelling to participating foreign APEC economies.
NEXUS is the bi-national, Canada-U.S. program for pre-approved, low-risk travellers entering Canada or the U.S. at designated air, land and marine ports of entry.
Canadian ABTC members must still present all required documentation such as passports, visas and permits when entering participating foreign APEC economies.
Canadian ABTC holders will also benefit from faster border clearance using Trusted Traveller kiosks when returning to Canada.
Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS and who conduct business in the APEC region are now eligible to apply for an ABTC.
Enquiries regarding the Canadian domestic ABTC pilot should be directed to the CBSA ABTC‑CVAA@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada consulted with key stakeholders from the business community before announcing the ABTC pilot.
