APEC Map for Business Tourists

APEC map (in English) APEC Business Travel Card) This is a special document that makes travel easier. for entrepreneurs and representatives of companies of the forum countries APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

This map is actually visa-likeentitlement Visa-free entry and short-term stay in the region for business purposes.
The purpose of the programme is speed up business contactsTo make the trade and interaction of companies within the Asia-Pacific region easier and more accessible.

Which countries open the map

APEC cardholders can Visa-free travel to 18 countries in the regionThese include:

China
Hong Kong
Chinese Taiwan
Thailand
Singapore
Japan
Malaysia
South Korea
Vietnam
Indonesia
Philippines
Australia
New Zealand
Mexico
Chile
Peru
Papua New Guinea
Brunei Darussalam

Validity of the card - 5 years.
Duration of stay in each country Usually 60 to 90 days per trip.

Some States (e.g. USA and Canada) participate in the programme in part - they visa-free entrybut Simplify visa procedures and control airports.

What the APEC map looks like

The APEC map is plastic cardIt is similar in size to a bank.
It says:

• name and name of the owner,
• passport number,
• nationality
• signature,
• List of countries that allow visa-free entry.

Document tightly tied to a passport works only with him..

Where in Russia you can get a map

In Russia, the APEC map can be issued only through Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (MFA).
However, it is not possible to submit documents directly – it is necessary. petition of one of the authorized organizations.

These include:

• Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP);
• Support of Russia;
• "Business Russia";
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCI RF).

According to the applicants, the registration procedure takes 6 to 12 monthsAnd sometimes longer.
Also mentioned limitIt is issued monthly (about 30 pieces).

Who can get an APEC card?

The right to issue a card are citizens of Russia who:

• have no criminal record;
• possess Passport valid for at least 5 years;
• are Managers, business owners or staffregular business trips abroad;
• Working in organizations leading Foreign economic activity with APEC countries.

If the applicant meets the requirements, within 6-12 months he receives a card valid for 5 years.

Stages of mapping

1. Appeal to the authorized body

The first thing you need to apply to one of the organizations (RSPP, CCI of the Russian Federation, Business Russia or OPORA Russia).
There is a package of documents confirming international activities and Need for frequent business travel.

The organization may request supplementary or recommendation.
If the package of documents is incomplete or contains errors, the application is canceled.

2. Coordination with the Russian Foreign Ministry

After the approval of the authorized body, the candidate must personally address (Moscow) to pass the final stage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends requests to the competent authorities of all 18 participating countries, each of which confirms or rejects possibility of visa-free entry.

3. Obtaining the card

After agreement with all countries, the applicant is issued APEC plastic card, valid 5 years.

What documents are needed

For registration it is necessary to prepare:

• application for a card;
• passport (copy and original);
• certificate from the place of work, confirming the position and powers;
• documents confirming business ties with APEC countries (contracts, correspondence, invoices, invitations);
• recommendations from Russian and foreign partners;
• photo of passport format;
• consent to the processing of personal data.

In addition, it is recommended to attach a brief description of the company’s activities and justification for the need for frequent trips abroad.

Time and cost of registration

• Cost of card processing about 150,000 rubles.
• Date of consideration from 6 months to 1 year.
• After obtaining approval, documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 12 months.

The process may be delayed, as coordination with all countries is required.
Average time of receipt of the card - 3-4 months after submission to the MFABut in practice, the wait sometimes lasts longer than a year.

Accelerated Methods and Intermediaries

There are on the Internet. brokerageAcceleration of the APEC card.
They help to collect a package of documents, make recommendations and interact with organizations.
But officially, Russian Foreign Ministry does not cooperate with intermediariesAnd these services -- risk.

Official refusal to issue a card is possible only in the presence of violations or non-compliance with the requirements. In other cases, only a delay in time.

Advantages of APEC Map

Visa-free entry to 18 countries of the region;
Separate, accelerated passport control lines at airports
The possibility of multiple trips without visas;
Recognition of the card as an official business document;
5 years of validity without the need to renew the visa each time.

For active entrepreneurs, this is significant savings in time and moneyIt is also an instrument for strengthening international relations.

The APEC map is the key to the Asia-Pacific business space.
It provides an opportunity to move freely between the leading countries of Asia and the Pacific basin, participate in exhibitions, negotiations and trade missions without visa barriers.

Yes, the design requires patience and careful preparation of documents. But the result is Five years visa-free, with fast access to the world’s largest markets.
For business travelers and international companies, the APEC map becomes a real one symbol of trust and professional status.