Only 60 seconds at Immigration in Bangkok (BKK). APEC BTC is a HUGE win!
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- This video is my check in before and after I get thru Thai Immigration at Suvarmnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, in less than 60 seconds because of my APEC BTC - the Asia Pacific Economic Community Business Travel Card.
If you have ever had to wait in the Immigration line at any airport really, then you have done just that: Waited. While I understand that queuing up and waiting my turn is simply a part of life in many scenarios, there ARE certain scenarios where with a little bit of research, and planning and paperwork and money, it is possible to have a much shorter wait.
I made it through Thai Immigration via the Priority Lane in less than 60 seconds with my APEC Business Travel Card (BTC). This time. I have indeed used some of the Priority Lane cards that you get from either buying them on line, or getting them as part of your business class or first class ticket, or your Fast Track service from the airport or Fast Track service provided through the taxi service you might use but, this "APEC Card" I can use at all of the APEC countries:
from WiKipedia, the TWENTY ONE (21) APEC countries are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand, United States, Vietnam.
Getting this card as a US citizen is accomplished by First, getting Global Entry. Global Entry is one of the ways to "fast track" your entry into the United States. Primarily for frequent travelers it is part of the larger program called Trusted Traveler. SENTRI is also one of the benefits of the Trusted Traveler program: allowing for a quicker entry into the US from Mexico, either via land (walking or car) or Air
Does ABTC allow enter to China from any ports or Only Shanghai and Beijing ??
Actually, I don't know. I never used it to enter China. Yes to Hong Kong, likely Yes to Taiwan (although Taiwan was so ridiculously efficient, I didnt bother there). If you are a US citizen, you can check the Trusted Travel Website - just search for APEC BTC. I am unaware of other countries' websites, sorry. Best of luck!!!
I saw you said Global Entry card; What is the difference or benefit of having the APEC card also?
Global Entry is for the USA. APEC BTC (Business Travel Card) is for the Asia Pacific Economic Community countries and allows for rapid entry & exit to those countries in a similar way to your Global Entry card. Just Google: "apec countries". If/when you sign up for the Trusted Traveler Program in the US these are options. Best of luck.
hey when you enter BKK airport with the APEC card, do you tick business or tourism on your entry card? and if you tick business, do the immigration officers in the fast lane ask you any follow up questions?
I have checked both. But I think the most recent times "business" as I was coming for conferences and a few meetings. I have never been asked what I was doing, be it Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, etc...
I understand that the video is 4 years old, but I have a question regarding the stamp on the passport. Currently, I am on an ED visa that is soon expiring. As per the legal requirements, I need to leave the country, but my intention is to return and get my new ED visa. When I come back to Bangkok (BKK), I would like to avoid any complications related to the history of "ED visa" issue. To do so, I plan to present my APAC card to the immigration officials and request a 60-day TR visa stay, which would allow me to convert it back into an ED visa. So my question is on the stamp on your passport, is the stamp as per a normal TR visa?
Great! And thanks for your comment. Indeed your APEC BTC allows for an *entry stamp* (not a TR visa) valid for 60 days of stay (plus you get to use Priority Lane) Plus, you can pay ~$60 at Immigration and extend for an additional 30 days. note: You get a TR visa at an embassy or consulate outside of TH. But, I'm curious, since you have an ED, can't your school extend/change it so you can stay up 1 year (for studying) as well as get multiple entries? Or, if you were able to get an APEC card, and your goal is to stay long term, why not get a B or other visa that allows multiple entries & 1 year of stay?
WOW, i just realized i made this video when i had that gross pony tail. Sorry about that! ;-) Hope the info came across without too much distraction. 5555. Maybe see yah 'round the land of smiles. All the best!!
@@LiveMyAssOff i already stay for 8 months. so the school need me to leave and come back for another 6 months. This is how Thailand works for private ED Visa. I plan to get Thai Elite after this. Anyway thanks for the help!
Great video. Any particular reason you used a taxi rather than the rail system and BTS as you have done before? Thanks in advance for your response and great content on your channel.
Hi! Thanks for the comment and the subscribe. This particular trip I headed down to Pattaya so while a great, clean bus would be inexpensive, once in Pattaya I'd need to get from bus station to hotel which realistically involves a taxi... Indeed a savings of about $20 but I've used this taxi company about 12 times, they are great, reliable, friendly, etc...
@@LiveMyAssOff Ok understood. Thank you for the quick response...Have you posted the taxi information in previous videos if not are you willing and open to share that information. I am actually going this week. I also applied for my APEC as I do conduct some biz in some Asian countries and was approved thanks for all of your very useful info.
@@LuvEntertainmentTV pattaya4leisure.com - they have always been great. Enjoy!!
@@LiveMyAssOff Thank you as well!
Do they need proof you’re a business professional during initial interview? Was wanting to add it on while interviewing for global entry.
Not really. They asked why I needed APEC, I said, "I do business in SE Asia... Have you ever seen the line at immigration in Bangkok?".
He said, "I can imagine...OK"
That was it.
You are lucky to have Apec card. You can use it for coming to Thailand from Oct.2020 👍👍
Indeed!!! It's a blessing. Of course, *I* am here but my fiance' is in the Philippines... with no APEC card :-/. Love the data you share on your channel!!! Kap Khun mak mak krup
I note that VN is potentially allowing people in w/o significant quarantine. a possibility for a "border run"... but then there's 14 day quarantine...
Hey. What kind of visa or stamp did you get? Is it 90 days as a non-b visa even when you even do not have such visa received in advance? Thanks!
I get 30 days on this entry. My B-visa expired and I didn't renew that type. Simply because my trips have been less than 30 days into the Kingdom.
@@LiveMyAssOff thanks for quick answer man! Look, 30 days its strange, cos i read in the Internet such things from all resources: "Holders of passports from APEC member economies may enter and stay in Thailand for business purposes for up to 90 days without visa, provided that they also hold APEC Business Travel Card." Do you think it's possible to get 90 days permit without any visa based on APEC card holding only?
@@alexlinenko5352 totally possible! once you get in the Priority Lane you have many more options. Bottom Line, APEC card tells them you are leaving - the biggest concern. It also gives clear justification why you might have entry/exit stamps that are NOT just Visa Runs. APEC allows for many options in most all ASEAN countries. Get It For Sure! :-) Happy travels - Live the Dream!
I love Suvarnabhumi Airport.It's awesome although my favourite airport is Doha in Qatar.No messing about there.None of this added security check and passport control.Once you're on the plane thats it,you're good up to your destination.Plus everything is in 1 place,1 central hub with the gates clearly marked everywhere and upstairs is the first/business lounge.So simple.
Being from the UK I have to buy my fast track immigration but never bother,it's just easier to use the second immigration desks that all the international passengers don't know about as it's 150m further along the airport,less people = less time at immigration =HUGE win lol
Agreed re: 150m extra in BKK... Its easy to find, just DON'T go where they are directing you :-) Haha. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Always a pleasure my friend
Hi, just wondering are they asking your return flight?
waiting your response
Thanks
With APEC card, no.
Is it worth getting in 2023?
For me, yes. Everyone has different requirements for easy travel. I use the priority lane each time I enter TH. Have a great trip.
@@LiveMyAssOff Thanks, my interview is in July and was just wondering.
@@kazi1 awesome. I think you will appreciate the convenience. A the best
do you need a business visa.. ? What you put on your arrival card, business do they ask what kind of business?
Hi there. No, don't need a business Visa. I have had them but mainly to stay in the Kingdom for > 30 days in the past. They don't ask for what type of business. Bottom line I am not really "working" in Thailand but consulting or doing research based upon work I do from outside of Thailand. And I also engage in plenty of Tourism when in Thailand. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting!!! All the best
@@LiveMyAssOff yes the are usually nice in VIP lanes never ask something. I will have just in case a letter from my friends company that I meet for consulting and real estate investment. The future is anyway online business so no need to work in Thailand :-) just spend there and enjoy higher value.
Do the customs ask you anything when using the APEC card?
sorry - just saw this. Every time i have gone thru the lanes used for APEC @ BKK (Priority) they have Never asked me anything. Just a polite Hello. Also had that same experience in KLIA. Most airports have the "Crew"/"APEC" line so you cruise thru with the Pilots and Flight attendants. Works well.
@@LiveMyAssOff I have a lot of tourist visas in my passport hope they will not ask anything.. I am sure you can not use the tourist visa and that card together.. If I need to stay longer I rather pay the $40 VIP arrival and have a 60 day stemp
@@STRphotography i see no issue. I assume your APEC card was issued from US but I certainly could be wrong. either way, APEC card is for people who need to go in/out of APEC countries. Multiple stamps or Visas simply are more proof you travel regularly. I have never had any country ask me anything when I present APEC card. Its the indication you will leave - really the only concern for countries. Best of Luck!!
@@LiveMyAssOff How many days did they give you?
@@bardwheelo all I required was the Visa Exempt/30 day stamp
Hi there, I would like to seek your permission to use parts of your video above and comments+replies on my facebook post. I would appreciate very much if you could kindly respond. Thank you.
please provide link to your FB page
@@LiveMyAssOff facebook.com/ApecBusinessTravelCardApplicationService/
@@khchia4308 ah HA! very cool that you offer that service!! I'll check it out. I need it for several friends of mine! You are more that welcome to share anything from my video. Sorry for the shaky video.
@@LiveMyAssOff Great ! Thank you very much, really appreciate it. Will forward edited video and comments/replies for your approval before posting.
@@khchia4308 Awesome. Looking forward to seeing it and promoting your service with my colleagues! Best regards