Travel often on business to the APEC Region? Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation has a unique program to speed pre-approved business travelers through immigration formalities. It's geared solely to boost trade and investment in the region. With the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you speed through special lanes at immigration checkpoints if you are coming for a short-term stay.
The following countries participate: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand, Vietnam. See: www.apec.org/apec/business_resources/apec_business_travel0.html
Most of these countries allow preapproved business travelers 60 or 90 days entry for business purposes without further need for a visa. It acts something like a multi-country multi-entry business visa. And it's for citizens of APEC countries.
The US is supposedly a "transitional member." This means those carrying the ABTC may use the express lanes at airports (same lanes used by airline crews) to enter the US, but still must have their passports plus any normally required visas. US citizens are not yet eligible to obtain the card for their business trips to member countries. No wonder US is uncompetitive in international markets and exports are not moving the way they could. www.businessmobility.org/key/usa.htm
Great idea for Road Warrioresses! If you are eligible, look into it, and save yourself some hassle at the airports.
