25-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) Representatives from the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Singapore inked the “Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders” on January 25 in Beijing. This agreement, set to take effect on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve), heralds a new era of travel facilitation between the two nations.
As of the effective date, individuals holding ordinary passports from both China and Singapore will be able to enter each other’s country without the need for a visa. This applies to various purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and other private affairs. However, the duration of their stay should not exceed 30 days. For those intending to partake in activities requiring prior approval, such as work or news reporting, or planning an extended stay beyond 30 days, the acquisition of the appropriate visa is mandatory before entering the respective country.
China has been actively pursuing visa-related agreements, having already concluded mutual visa exemption agreements encompassing various passport types with 157 countries. Additionally, agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures have been established with 44 countries. Notably, comprehensive mutual visa exemption has been achieved with 22 countries, including Singapore, Maldives, and Kazakhstan. Over 60 countries and regions worldwide also extend visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges to Chinese citizens. This continued expansion of travel conveniences enhances the global mobility of Chinese passport holders.
Wu Xi, the Director of the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized in an exclusive interview with CCTV reporters that China’s recent initiatives reflect its commitment to promoting high-level openness to the international community. Wu Xi encouraged friends from around the world to visit China for tourism, business, investment, and study. She also emphasized the importance of respecting the laws, regulations, and bilateral agreements of host countries, underscoring the shared responsibility in maintaining the orderly conduct of exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals.
