HK extends ABTC holders' maximum stay to 90 days from 1 Nov 2026
Hong Kong will extend the maximum visa-free stay for pre-approved Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days, effective 1 November 2026, aligning with China's implementation. Five economies including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapo
The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced on 30 October 2026 that the maximum visa-free stay for pre-approved Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders in the city will be extended from 60 days to 90 days, effective 1 November 2026.
A spokesman for the Immigration Department said: "The APEC Business Mobility Group has announced that to further enhance the utility of the Business Travel Card, five economies participating in the ABTC scheme – including China, China's Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore – will relax the maximum length of stay for visiting ABTC holders from 60 days to 90 days. The specific implementation date is decided by each economy, and China will implement the new arrangement from 1 November 2026."
The spokesman added: "Hong Kong will align with the national implementation date. From 1 November 2026, ABTC holders who have been pre-approved by Hong Kong will have their maximum visa-free stay in Hong Kong extended from 60 days to 90 days. Other entry arrangements for ABTC holders into Hong Kong remain unchanged."
Currently, 19 economies participate in the ABTC scheme: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, China's Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. The United States and Canada are transitional members and do not process pre-approval applications referred by other participating economies; ABTC holders must still comply with relevant entry requirements, including applying for necessary visas if applicable.
Hong Kong residents holding a Hong Kong permanent resident identity card and a valid passport may apply for an ABTC from the Immigration Department. Applicants must be genuine business travellers who frequently need to make short-term business visits to APEC economies, with no criminal record and no history of being refused entry by any participating economy.
The ABTC is generally valid for five years. When travelling to participating economies that have granted pre-approval, cardholders may stay visa-free for at least 60 days. Cardholders can also use designated fast-track lanes at specified control points in participating economies for expedited entry.
