In Reply to: APEC travel card posted by Oscar on Friday, 16. May 2008 at 09:44 Bali Time:
I hold an APEC business travel card as I travel frequently throughout Asia Pacific for work. Typically you will need supporting documentation from your employer to be able to apply.
They are not easy to get (we have had one or two people refused in my company as they don't travel enough)and they are meant solely to ease border formalities for business people actively involved with developing trade between the participating APEC countries.
The process from the time of application until the final card is provided can take up to two months as each participating country does its own checks on the applicant. It therefore is up to each country to decline or refuse access. Those countries that do agree to give you access are printed on the back of the card. The card lasts for three years or until your current passport expires ... whichever occurs first.
Once you have the card you do not require a visa to enter any of the countries except the USA and Mexico. You can enter Indonesia and work or holiday without a VOA .... I have done it many times.
You also use the Diplomatic/Air Crew immigration channels at most airports so processing time is very short.