Time is one of your most valuable assets in an era of rapid global business. The APEC visa offers senior executives a streamlined way to travel across many Asia‑Pacific economies without repeatedly applying for visas.

This guide explains how it works, who is eligible, why it matters, and how Indonesian executives can access it.

Overview of the APEC Visa

The APEC visa is not a traditional visa, but a pre‑clearance scheme under the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) program. It simplifies short‑term business travel across member economies. Once approved, the card is a valid travel document that can be used in many participating countries.

Key features include:

• Valid for five years (in many economies) and allows multiple entries for business visits.
• Gives access to fast‑track lanes at immigration in many major airports, allowing quicker entry and exit.
• Eliminates applying for each trip’s separate visas (for fully participating economies).

Read more: Updated Indonesia visa policy for tourists & expats

Who can apply for an APEC visa?

The APEC Visa is intended for businesspeople and senior executives who frequently travel across the Asia-Pacific region. Eligibility is subject to strict national requirements.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid passport from an APEC member economy
• Be a senior manager, business owner, or key decision-maker
• Demonstrate a legitimate business need for travel within APEC member states
• Have no criminal record or immigration violations

In most cases, employees of multinational companies, founders of startups, and high-ranking directors are ideal candidates. Government officials and technical staff usually do not qualify unless they are engaged in business-related work.

Participating Countries

As of now, 19 out of the 21 APEC economies fully participate in the ABTC scheme. These include:

• Australia
• Chile
• China
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Peru
• Philippines
• Russia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Chinese Taipei
• Thailand
• Vietnam

The United States and Canada are transitional members, which means they do not grant visa-free access but allow fast-track immigration lanes at major entry points.

Read more: Insights into pre-investment visa (D-12) in Indonesia

Why consider applying for an APEC Visa?

The APEC visa offers fast-track business mobility, making it an essential tool for executives and entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific. Here is why it is worth considering:

Speed and Convenience

With an APEC visa, the hassle of applying for separate visas each time you travel is eliminated. You also gain access to priority lanes at major airports, saving valuable time at immigration and providing a sense of relief.

Expanded Business Opportunities

Having the APEC visa means you can attend last-minute meetings or business events without the stress of visa delays. It is ideal for expanding into new markets or maintaining smooth cross-border operations, fostering a sense of optimism and ambition.

Competitive Advantage

The card helps you move more freely and flexibly than others without it. This advantage can be a game-changer if your business requires frequent travel across APEC economies, empowering you and keeping you ahead.

Key requirements for Indonesians

For Indonesian citizens, applying for the APEC visa requires specific documentation and business credentials. Core requirements include:

• A valid Indonesian passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Limited only to owners or directors of reputable companies, registered in KADIN Indonesia or other official business associations.
• Company legal documents, including SIUP (Trading Business License), NPWP (Taxpayer Identification Number), and Deed of establishment.
• A Letter of recommendation from your company or institution
• No criminal or immigration violations

Applicants must also prove that their role involves frequent travel for business purposes, not tourism or informal meetings.

Processing Timeline

Typically, the application process can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the volume and the applicant’s background check. You can apply through the Indonesian Immigration Directorate General or use professional visa services like InCorp to streamline the process.

Read more: Indonesia’s visa guide for foreigners: 2025 update

How InCorp can help

The APEC visa process can be complex—but you do not have to manage it alone. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) provides complete immigration support for Indonesian executives. From document preparation to application submission, our experts help you save time and avoid costly errors.

Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us below to start your APEC visa application process with InCorp today.

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