China and Singapore have approved a 30-day visa-free entry for their citizens, effective from February 9, 2024, just ahead of the Golden Week holidays.
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GLOChina and Singapore have approved a 30-day visa-free entry for their citizens, effective from February 9, 2024, just ahead of the Golden Week holidays.
This reciprocal visa-free entry policy applies to both leisure and business travelers. Singapore’s visa-free arrangement with China is expected to contribute to a recovery in inbound travel from China to pre-pandemic levels this year.
The mutual 30-day visa exemption agreement between Singapore and China was established during their 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting on December 7, 2023. Following this agreement, diplomatic notes were exchanged between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), solidifying the launch date of February 9.
Under this arrangement, holders of ordinary passports issued by the PRC will be exempt from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in Singapore. Notably, there will be no refund of the visa processing fee for those who had applied earlier.
Similarly, holders of ordinary passports issued by Singapore will enjoy a 30-day visa exemption when staying in the PRC.
A statement from FCM Travel Asia, a prominent business travel firm, anticipates a surge in business travel between China and Singapore with the implementation of the 30-day visa-free entry agreement on February 9. FCM Greater China’s general manager, Calvin Xie, highlighted the significance of easing visa requirements between the two countries, citing China as one of the top global markets for business travel spending. With China being Singapore’s largest trading partner and Chinese companies expanding globally, especially in Southeast Asia, an increase in business travel is anticipated, considering Singapore’s role as a regional tourism hub.
Source: FCM
