The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Map is a special type of document designed to simplify the travel of business representatives and highly qualified specialists across the region.
This APEC business travel card allows you to travel freely around the APEC countries, enjoying a number of benefits and privileges.
APEC Card Privileges
One of the main advantages of the card is the possibility of visa-free entry to most of the participating countries of the program. Due to this, APEC card holders can stay in these countries for up to a certain period of time without applying for an additional visa. Here are some examples:
- Visa-free entry for up to 90 days is possible in Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries.
- Starting from September 15, 2025, Russian citizens will not need a visa to enter China if the visit lasts less than 30 days, and entry using an APEC card increases the length of stay to 60 days. The cancellation of the visa regime is a temporary measure and will be valid for only one year in a test mode, and the APEC card gives this right for 5 years. It is also worth noting that if there are many entry/exit marks in your passport, for example, Turkey, then questions may arise at the border (up to refusal of entry), which business card holders will not have.
- Special conditions also apply for a visit to Hong Kong: citizens with an APEC card can stay there for up to 60 days without a visa, while for a tourist purpose, you can stay in Hong Kong for no more than 14 days.
Please note that each new entry on the APEC card resets the previous one and does not limit the number of trips during the year.
Thus, the APEC card is an excellent tool for improving the quality of life and business efficiency of Russian citizens, allowing them to travel and do business freely in the Asia-Pacific region.
The order of registration of the APEC card
To become an APEC card holder, a Russian citizen must apply to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by filling out an application for a card and preparing a package of documents, including a passport, income statement, letters of recommendation from employers or business partners.
After the application is approved, you will receive a ready-made APEC card with an indication of the validity period (usually five years).
It is worth noting that when contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in person, the APEC card is not issued, so you will have to use the services of assistance companies, for example, Need.
Travel.
The card processing procedure is not fast and takes about 12 months on average, but a temporary document can be issued.
