Legal basis
- Decision No. 09/2023/QD-TTg dated April 12, 2023 of the Prime Minister stipulating the order, procedures, competence, issuance and management of APEC Business Travel Cards.
- Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC dated April 7, 2021 of the Ministry of Finance stipulating collection rates, collection, remittance, management and use of fees and charges in the fields of exit, entry, transit and residence in Vietnam.
Introduction
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a type of card issued by a competent authority of an APEC member economy to its businesspeople after obtaining entry approval from other member economies.
The ABTC facilitates business travel within the APEC region, saving time and costs while supporting the expansion of trade and investment cooperation. This article provides a detailed overview of the conditions, dossiers, and procedures for the issuance and reissuance of ABTC.
I. Conditions for issuance of ABTC
1. For agencies and organizations
A need to send personnel on frequent, short-term trips to attend APEC meetings, conferences, annual sessions, and economic cooperation and development activities.
2. For enterprises
Has been operating continuously for at least 12 months, in compliance with laws on commerce, taxation, customs, labor, and social insurance.
Engages in direct business cooperation or contracts with partners from APEC member economies.
Has a need to send personnel for frequent, short-term business, trade, investment, service, or other economic activities in APEC economies.
3. For businesspeople
At least 18 years old, with full civil act capacity.
Has held a position and worked at the organization/enterprise for 12 months or more.
Not subject to exit suspension under Article 36 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese citizens.
II. Procedures for new issuance of ABTC
1. Step 1 – Request for permission to use ABTC
Competent authorities include:
- Ministers, heads of ministerial-level or government-attached agencies.
- Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (for credit institutions).
- Minister of Finance (for finance and securities enterprises).
- Chairpersons of member councils of groups or corporations established by the Prime Minister.
- Chairpersons of provincial/municipal People’s Committees.
- Heads of central socio-political organizations, or leaders of VCCI.
- Minister of Public Security (in special cases).
Dossier:
- Request form for permission to use ABTC (Form CV01).
- Decision on assignment or documents proving participation in APEC activities.
- Tax declaration report, contracts with APEC partners, valid passport, appointment decision, social insurance report, financial statement (depending on cases under Article 9 of Decision 09/2023/QD-TTg).
Processing time:
- 15–25 days, extendable by up to 15 days for complicated cases.
2. Step 2 – Application for new issuance of ABTC
Licensing authority: Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security.
Dossier:
- Application form for ABTC (Form TK06).
- Two recent photos (3×4 cm).
- Request form for card issuance (Form CV02).
- Written approval for use of ABTC.
Submission: Directly at Immigration Department offices (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City) or online via the National Public Service Portal.
Fee: VND 1,200,000 per card.
Processing time:
- 3 working days: data exchange with APEC economies.
- 21 days: member economies review dossiers.
- 3 working days: card issuance after receiving all responses.
- Urgent cases: issuance possible within 3 working days.
III. Procedures for reissuance of ABTC
Applicable when the old ABTC is near expiration (reissuance allowed only once).
Licensing authority: Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security.
Dossier:
- Application form for ABTC (Form TK06).
- Two recent photos (3×4 cm).
- Written confirmation that the businessperson still holds the same position.
- Old ABTC card.
Submission: Direct or online submission.
Fee: VND 1,000,000 per card.
Processing time:
- 3 working days: data exchange with APEC economies.
- 21 days: member economies review dossiers.
- 3 working days: card issuance after receiving responses.
- Urgent cases: issuance possible within 3 working days.
Conclusion
The ABTC is an essential tool that facilitates Vietnamese businesspeople’s participation in economic and trade activities within APEC. Understanding the conditions, preparing a complete dossier, and complying with proper procedures are key factors to ensure that the issuance or reissuance process takes place smoothly and effectively.
Date written: 20/09/2025
Disclaimers:
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide any legal advice for any particular case. The legal provisions referenced in the content are in effect at the time of publication but may have expired at the time you read the content. We therefore advise that you always consult a professional consultant before applying any content.
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