Hong Kong Boosts Business Travel: APEC Card Holders Now Get 90-Day Stays

Hong Kong Extends APEC Business Travel Card Stay to 90 Days

Starting November 1, 2026, eligible APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with pre-clearance from Hong Kong will enjoy a longer visa-free stay. The maximum duration has been extended from 60 days to 90 days, offering greater flexibility for business travelers. This change was announced by Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) on October 30, 2026.

It is important to understand that simply possessing an ABTC does not automatically grant this extended stay. The benefit is specifically for cardholders who have obtained prior approval, known as HKSAR pre-clearance, from Hong Kong. Travelers without this pre-clearance will still need to follow the standard immigration procedures, which may include obtaining a visa depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Understanding the Pre-Clearance Requirement

The extension of the visa-free period is directly linked to having HKSAR pre-clearance. This means that travelers must apply for and receive this specific approval before their arrival in Hong Kong. Without this pre-clearance, visitors will be subject to the usual entry rules.

Cardholders are advised to always carry their ABTC along with a valid national passport when traveling. These documents are essential for the streamlined clearance process, which can include using dedicated resident counters at immigration checkpoints. The ImmD has clarified that other existing immigration arrangements for ABTC holders entering Hong Kong will remain in place and are not affected by this extension.

A Coordinated, Yet Individual, Implementation

This extension is part of a broader initiative involving five participating economies within the APEC framework. These economies include the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. While they are part of a joint announcement, each economy has set its own schedule for implementing the changes.

Therefore, the November 1, 2026, start date for Hong Kong does not mean all five economies began their extensions simultaneously. Travelers should verify the specific entry rules for each APEC economy they plan to visit. It is also worth noting that the United States and Canada have a transitional member status in the ABTC scheme. They do not process pre-clearance applications referred by other participating economies, and the ABTC does not waive their visa requirements.

ABTC Application Requirements for Residents

The extended visitor stay is separate from the process for Hong Kong residents applying for an ABTC. To be eligible for a card, applicants must possess a Hong Kong permanent identity card and a valid national passport. They must also demonstrate that they are genuine business travelers who frequently travel to APEC economies for short-term business purposes.

Furthermore, applicants must have a clean criminal record and must not have been previously refused entry into any participating APEC economy. An ABTC is typically valid for five years. Cardholders can often use special service lanes at selected border crossings in participating countries, which can speed up the immigration process. Residents interested in applying can find detailed information on the ImmD’s ABTC service page. Travelers planning a trip should always confirm their HKSAR pre-clearance status and understand the specific entry documents required for their destination.

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