🅿️ You live or work in Bali, and business trips across Asia-Pacific are part of your routine 🌏 But every time you need to travel, you end up back in the visa loop—forms, embassy visits, long waits. It’s time-consuming and feels unnecessary for short meetings or trade shows.
🅰️ Many Bali-based professionals feel stuck in this cycle. Even with a valid KITAS or PT PMA, you still need to apply for a separate visa for nearly every country you visit. That can delay your schedule, cost extra money, and make spontaneous trips almost impossible.
🆂 The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) helps fix this. It gives you pre-approved, visa-free access to over 18 APEC countries for short business visits—plus access to fast-track immigration lanes at most airports. No need to apply for a new visa every time you travel. ✈️
🆃 “Once I got my APEC Card, I didn’t have to stress about visas anymore,” says Arief, a business owner in Bali who travels often to Korea and Australia. “I save hours on every trip—and I’ve stopped paying rush visa fees.”
🅴 With the card, you can enter countries like Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam without a separate visa. And even in places like the U.S. or Canada, it still speeds up your immigration process. If you’re based in Bali and travel for business, this card can make your life much easier.
🅰️ Want to stop wasting time on visa paperwork and focus on growing your business? Here’s what you need to know to apply for the APEC Card in 2025.
Table of Contents
- What Is the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)? 🛂
- Which Countries Accept the APEC Card in 2025? 🌍
- Who Is Eligible to Apply for an APEC Card from Bali? ✔️
- Real Story #1: “My APEC Card Saved Me Hours Every Trip” 🕒
- How to Apply for an APEC Card in Indonesia (2025 Edition) 📋
- Benefits of the APEC Card for Bali-Based Entrepreneurs 🚀
- FAQs About the APEC Business Travel Card ❓
What Is the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)? 🛂
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a government-issued travel document designed to make business travel across the Asia-Pacific region faster and simpler.
If you’re based in Bali and often travel to other APEC member countries—like Japan, Australia, Singapore, or Korea—this card can save you a lot of time.
With the APEC Card, you can enter participating countries for short-term business visits without needing to apply for a visa every time. It’s valid for five years and allows you to use priority lanes at immigration checkpoints.
This means less time in line and more time getting work done. For busy professionals and business owners in Bali, it’s a practical tool that helps reduce travel stress and keep regional connections smooth.
Which Countries Accept the APEC Card in 2025? 🌍
As of 2025, 19 APEC economies fully participate in the APEC Card system. This includes countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries allow APEC Card holders to enter visa-free for short business stays—usually up to 60 or 90 days.
Some economies like the United States and Canada don’t provide visa-free entry, but they do allow APEC Card holders to use fast-track immigration lanes. That can still be a big time-saver if you travel frequently.
Keep in mind: the APEC Card is for business visits only. You can’t use it for tourism, paid work, or long-term stays. Immigration officers may still ask for supporting documents, so always bring your return ticket, hotel booking, and meeting invitation.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for an APEC Card from Bali? ✔️
You can apply for an APEC Card from Bali if you meet these main requirements:
- You’re an Indonesian citizen or a foreign national with a valid KITAS/KITAP
- You regularly travel for business within APEC member economies
- You own a business or hold a managerial or executive position
- You have a clean immigration and criminal history
Foreigners living in Bali can apply if they have a registered company or formal employment under a PT PMA. You’ll need documents like your passport, business license (NIB/SIUP), tax number (NPWP), and a letter explaining your business travel purpose.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, it’s a good idea to ask a local immigration agent for help.
Real Story #1: “My APEC Card Saved Me Hours Every Trip” 🕒
Arief is a textile exporter based in Bali. Before getting his APEC Card, every overseas trip required separate visa applications, embassy appointments, and extra costs. “It was frustrating,” he says. “I almost missed a trade show in Vietnam because my visa came late.”
In 2023, he applied for the card through the Indonesian immigration system. He submitted his business documents, tax info, and a travel history showing frequent trips to APEC countries. After four months, the card arrived.
“Now I don’t even think about visas,” Arief says. “I’ve flown to Korea, Malaysia, and Japan using just the card. And the fast lanes at the airport are a big bonus. I’d recommend it to anyone doing serious business across the region.”
How to Apply for an APEC Card in Indonesia (2025 Edition) 📋
To apply for the APEC Card from Bali, follow these steps:
- Prepare your documents: passport, KITAS (if applicable), NPWP, NIB/SIUP, company deed, and a letter explaining your business purpose
- Go to the official Directorate General of Immigration website and register through the APEC Card portal
- Upload your documents and complete the online form
- Your name will be sent to other APEC countries for approval (this can take 3–6 months)
- Once approved, you’ll receive the card through Jakarta or your chosen immigration office
The fee is around IDR 1.5–2 million. Some Bali-based visa agents can assist if you want help with the process.
Benefits of the APEC Card for Bali-Based Entrepreneurs 🚀
Here’s why many professionals in Bali say the APEC Card is worth it:
- Visa-free entry to 18+ countries
- Priority immigration lanes
- Valid for 5 years
- Less paperwork and fewer embassy visits
- Trusted travel credentials that boost your business profile
- Flexibility to travel on short notice for meetings or events
If you run a PT PMA or work in international trade, logistics, or consulting, the card can reduce stress and help you manage your time better.
FAQs About the APEC Business Travel Card ❓
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Can I use the APEC Card for tourism?
No. It’s only for short-term business visits.
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How long does approval take?
Usually between 3–6 months.
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Can foreigners living in Bali apply?
Yes, if they hold a KITAS and meet the business eligibility criteria.
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What happens if my passport expires?
The card is tied to your passport, so you’ll need to reapply.
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Do all APEC countries offer visa-free access?
Not all. The U.S. and Canada don’t offer entry, but they allow fast-track immigration lanes.
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Is it worth it if I only travel once or twice a year?
It depends. If your travel is growing or includes multiple countries, the time and cost savings can still be valuable.
