China will extend the maximum period of stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days, effective November 1, 2026, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced. As stated in an announcement on the ministry’s official website and covered by the Global Times, this update is designed to support mobility and commerce throughout the Asia-Pacific area.
The adjustment arrives as Shenzhen prepares to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 18 and 19, 2026. Flower decorations themed on the 2026 APEC “China Year” appeared in the southern Chinese city on October 17, 2026, as preparations advanced.
Regional Policy Coordination and Trade Growth
The decision follows an agreement reached during the second APEC Business Mobility Group meeting held in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from August 23 to 24, 2026. At that session, a collective declaration by China, China’s Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore confirmed the extension of the permitted stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 days to 90 days across each of their jurisdictions.
The policy shift coincides with rising trade volumes between China and other APEC economies. In the first three quarters of 2026, trade between China and other APEC economies reached 24.07 trillion yuan, equivalent to $3.61 trillion. This figure represents a 23.9 percent year-on-year increase and accounts for 60.3 percent of China’s total foreign trade during the same period, according to the General Administration of Customs.
Shenzhen Prepares to Host the 2026 APEC CEO Summit
Alongside the leaders’ meeting, Shenzhen will host the APEC CEO Summit from November 17 to 18, 2026. Data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade indicates that the upcoming event will host roughly 1,000 corporate and government delegates from various APEC member economies.
The APEC Business Travel Card is designed to facilitate short-term business travel within the APEC region. Qualified candidates belonging to fully participating economies receive a card valid for five years, acting as entry permission for other fully participating economies that have approved pre-clearance for short-term business visits lasting between 60 and 90 days.
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