What Changed
- Hong Kong SAR extends the visa-free stay duration for pre-cleared ABTC holders from 60 to 90 days effective November 1, 2026.
- Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR implement the 90-day extension simultaneously under an agreement between five APEC economies.
- General entry requirements and standard five-year ABTC application procedures remain unchanged.
Business travellers and legal counsel advising multinational corporations operating across Asia-Pacific economies should note changes to Hong Kong SAR entry rules for APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders. On October 30, 2026, the Immigration Department (ImmD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) announced that, with effect from November 1, 2026, the visa-free period of stay in Hong Kong for ABTC holders who have obtained pre-clearance from the HKSAR will be extended from 60 days to 90 days.
This administrative enhancement aligns with a broader initiative coordinated by the APEC Business Mobility Group (BMG). The BMG announced that five participating economies—the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; the Philippines; and Singapore—will extend the maximum period of stay for visiting ABTC holders from 60 days to 90 days to enhance the card's effectiveness. Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR are both implementing this 90-day extension on November 1, 2026, while the specific implementation timelines for Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore will be determined individually by those respective economies.
Under the updated arrangement, all other immigration requirements for ABTC holders entering Hong Kong SAR remain unchanged. An ABTC is normally valid for five years and allows pre-cleared holders to enjoy visa-free entry alongside priority clearance via dedicated service lanes at selected control points. Eligible Hong Kong residents—specifically permanent identity card holders possessing a valid national passport who are bona fide business persons travelling frequently for short-term visits without a criminal record or entry refusal history—may continue to apply for an ABTC through the ImmD.
Currently, 19 economies fully participate in the ABTC Scheme: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam. The United States and Canada remain transitional members, meaning they do not process pre-clearance applications referred by other economies, and cardholders must continue to satisfy individual visa and entry requirements when travelling to those destinations.
Who May Be Affected
Pre-cleared APEC Business Travel Card holders visiting Hong Kong SAR, and eligible Hong Kong permanent residents applying for an ABTC.
Cross-Border Context
Affects cross-border trade and corporate travel among 19 fully participating APEC economies, connecting Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Southeast Asian nations, and other Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
What to check next
- Check implementation announcements from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore for their respective ABTC stay extensions.
- Verify individual pre-clearance status and entry conditions via the Hong Kong Immigration Department portal.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.