which is meant to provide "pre-cleared, facilitated, short-term entry to participating member economies." ABTC cardholders from
APEC-participating countries now can enter Russia without a visa, according to a statement from APEC. Full program participants include Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The United States and Canada are "transitional" members. U.S. Customs and Border Protection currently "is working through the formal rulemaking process and internal programming" that would enable the United States to fully participate by establishing a mechanism for issuing cards to U.S. citizens, according to a spokesperson. ABTC holders entering the U.S. "are still required to be in possession of the appropriate visa and/or [approval through the
Electronic System for Travel Authorization system], but ABTC holders are able to use the crew or diplomatic lanes at U.S. airports," the CBP spokesperson added.