APEC Business Travel Card Holders: New Rules Allow Up to 90 Days in China
By Nowshenzhen · November 10, 2026 · 3 min read · 👁 0 views
Eligible business travelers can now spend up to 30 additional days in China under the APEC Business Travel Card scheme. Here’s who benefits and what to check before traveling.
China has increased the maximum permitted stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days, effective November 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the change on October 30 as part of efforts to make business travel within the Asia-Pacific region easier.Eligible business travelers can now spend up to 30 additional days in China under the APEC Business Travel Card scheme. Here’s who benefits and what to check before traveling.China has increased the maximum permitted stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days, effective November 1, 2026.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the change on October 30 as part of efforts to make business travel within the Asia-Pacific region easier.
What is the APEC Business Travel Card?
The APEC Business Travel Card, commonly called the ABTC, facilitates short-term business travel between participating APEC economies.
For eligible holders, it provides entry to economies that have granted advance approval, without a separate visa application. It also offers access to designated immigration lanes at participating airports.
Cards issued under the fully participating scheme generally have five-year validity. That is the card’s validity period—not permission to remain in one destination for five years.
Who Can Use it to Enter China?
Holding an APEC card alone is insufficient. To use the card for visa-free entry to the Chinese mainland, you need:
-
A valid passport. -
A valid APEC Business Travel Card. -
China’s pre-clearance, identified by “CHN” on the card.
Without China pre-clearance, you must meet another applicable entry arrangement or obtain the appropriate visa.
Does This Apply to American and Canadian Cardholders?
An American or Canadian APEC card does not itself qualify its holder for visa-free entry to China.
The United States and Canada are transitional participants. Their cards provide immigration processing benefits, but holders cannot obtain the reciprocal pre-clearance available through the fully participating scheme. They must meet China’s entry requirements separately.
Can Anyone Apply for an APEC card?
Eligibility depends on the issuing economy. Applicants generally need qualifying citizenship—or qualifying Hong Kong permanent resident status—a valid travel document, regular business travel within the APEC region, and no criminal convictions.
Applications are handled by the relevant home economy, which may impose additional requirements. Living in China or owning a Chinese company does not, by itself, establish eligibility.
Already in China Before November 1?
The new announcement does not specify how the change affects stays that began before November 1.
Do not assume your existing permitted stay has automatically increased. Confirm your departure deadline with the relevant immigration authority before relying on the additional 30 days.
Does the Card Allow You to Work in China?
The APEC card facilitates business travel; it does not replace work authorization.
Foreign nationals working in China generally require a work permit and a residence permit for work. A longer business visit does not remove those requirements.
Planning Your Next Step in China?
Whether you are visiting business partners, establishing a company, or preparing to hire a team, your entry arrangements should match your actual activities.
Personal Connect supports businesses and foreign professionals with company registration, visa and work permit applications, recruitment, accounting, and payroll services in Shenzhen.
Contact our team to discuss your plans.
Policy information checked on November 3, 2026. Individual entry and stay arrangements remain subject to the competent authorities.
Official sources
1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
Announcement on the Extension of Maximum Period of Stay for APEC Business Travel Card Holders, October 30, 2026
https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg_663340/lss_665290/xgxw_665292/202610/t20261030_12049846.html
2 APEC
APEC Business Travel Card overview and eligibility
3 National Immigration Administration
Regulations on Border Inspection for APEC Business Travel Card Holders
https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147423/n147478/n147725/c158356/content.html
4 APEC
Frequently Asked Questions for APEC Business Travel Card Clients
https://www.apec.org/groups/committee-on-trade-and-investment/business-mobility-group/faq
5 National Immigration Administration
Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 41
https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147458/c155978/content.html
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