Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

A. Overview of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

• The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is created to enhance the mobility of business travellers among the APEC economies, thus promoting business within the region.
• The ABTC is a plastic card, the size of a credit card, and normally valid for five year. The card is good for multiple visits of two to three months to participating economies without the need for a visa if pre-clearance has been granted. Please refer here for more info: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/apec-business-travel-card/apec-business-travel-card-introdcution/
• For Malaysia, the ABTC application is processed by the Malaysian Immigration Department. The application and submission can only be done in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
• The application for the ABTC has to be submitted personally or by post to:

  • Director of Visa, Pas & Permit,
    Malaysian Immigration Department,
    APEC Business Travel Card Unit,
    No. 15, 1st Floor (Podium), Persiaran Perdana, Precint 2,
    Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
    62550 Putrajaya, Malaysia
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

B. Support Letter Issuance by MATRADE for the Application of APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

• Apart from MITI, MIDA, MDEC and SMECorp, MATRADE is also one of the Regulatory Agencies able to issue the ABTC Support Letter for Malaysians having business entities / working in a Malaysian company in Malaysia that is registered with MATRADE, engaging in business activities in APEC countries.
• As the appointed Regulatory Agency, MATRADE is responsible for ensuring:
  • Applicants are genuine and fully qualified.
  • The existence of the company and the status of the applicant are genuine and true.
  • The applicant holds the position of C-Suite in the company.
  • The company or applicant is a member registered with a regulatory agency.

C. Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be Malaysians living AND working or doing business in Malaysia only. Non-Malaysians must refer to their respective embassies in Malaysia.
• Applicant must own / work in a valid company registered in Malaysia and registered with MATRADE.
• Applicant must be in the C-Suite category and only a maximum of 3 applicants are allowed per company.
• Minimum passport validity of at least 4 years.
• Must show proof of travel to at least 3 different APEC countries at least 5 times per year.

Download Guidelines, Checklist and Request Form