US Embassy to collect signatures for APEC cards

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The U.S. Embassy in Singapore will host a one-day event to collect signatures of U.S. citizens who wish to apply for Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Cards.

What does the change mean? U.S. citizens in Singapore who are eligible to apply for the cards may provide their required electronic signature Friday, June 20 at the American Chamber of Commerce office.

• Implementation timeframe: June 20.
• Visas/permits affected: APEC Business Travel Cards.
• Who is affected: S. citizens who are eligible to apply for the cards.
• Impact on processing times: 
• Business impact: S. citizens will be allowed to apply forAPEC cards as of June 12. The cards provide frequent business travelers expedited entry procedures at participating airports in APEC member countries.
• Next steps: S. citizens in Singapore who want to take advantage of the one-day enrollment must apply for the APEC card at GOES from June 12 – 19, and sign up here to request an appointment to provide their signature at the one-day event.

Background: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued rules establishing the framework for U.S. citizens to obtain APEC Business Travel Cards.

The cards are available to U.S. citizens who are members of a CBP Trusted Travel program and are bona fide business travelers. The cards will give holders access to fast-track immigration lanes at participating airports. DHS has cautioned, however, that U.S. cardholders may still be required to obtain visas (where applicable) to visit foreign APEC member states.

For U.S. citizens in Singapore, the U.S. Embassy has agreed to host a one-day signature collection event Friday, June 20 at the American Chamber of Commerce office, #23-03 Shaw Centre.

BAL Analysis: Normal enrollment centers collecting mandatory signatures for APEC Business Travel Cards are located in the U.S. The signature collection day is a good opportunity for eligible U.S. business travelers to enroll.

This alert has been provided by BAL Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com.

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