SINGAPORE — From February 9, citizens of Singapore and China will be able to enjoy 30 days of visa-free reciprocal entry between the two countries, two months after the measures were first announced at the two countries’ annual forum.
The Singapore Immigration Authority (ICA) announced in a media release on Thursday (25 January) that holders of ordinary passports issued by China will be exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days in Singapore from 9 February. did. .
Similarly, holders of regular passports issued by Singapore are exempt from visa requirements if they stay in China for up to 30 days.
This arrangement is for those traveling for business, pleasure, visiting friends and family, or other personal errands. People who plan to engage in activities that require prior approval, such as work or reporting, or who plan to stay for more than 30 days, will also need to obtain the relevant visa before entering the country.
Visa processing fees will not be refunded for those who previously submitted an application. Holders of all other travel documents issued by China will still need to apply for an entry visa before traveling to Singapore.
Enabling more “human interaction”
The mutual visa waiver agreement was announced at the 19th Joint Council on Bilateral Cooperation on December 7, and was subsequently confirmed through an exchange of diplomatic notes between Singapore and China.
The Straits Times reported that Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the deal would “enable more people-to-people exchanges, thereby strengthening the foundations of bilateral relations”.
Previously, Singaporeans were allowed social visits to China for up to 15 days, an arrangement that was suspended during the coronavirus pandemic but resumed in July 2023.
Mainland Chinese nationals always require a visa to enter Singapore, but holders of diplomatic, official and work passports issued by China are exempt from visa requirements for stays in Singapore for up to 30 days. .
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