In the aftermath of the pandemic, public interest in international travel has increased. For Singaporeans looking to travel abroad, China is an excellent option, not only because It is an amazing tourist destination with endless stunning landscapes but also because it has a visa-free policy for Singapore passport holders. If you are going to start your journey in China, this blog post will help you learn the requirements for Singaporeans entering China, the information on the visa-exemption policy, and how to extend your stay in China.
Do Singaporeans Need a Visa to China?
Effective February 9th, 2024, Singaporean passport holders will no longer require a visa to travel to China for up to 30 days. The same rules apply to Individuals who hold ordinary passports issued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This reciprocal visa-free agreement between Singapore and China aims to facilitate easier travel for eligible passport holders.
This arrangement was announced on December 7, 2023, during the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation and confirmed by diplomatic notes between Singapore and the PRC.
However, if you plan to stay in China for over 30 days, you must apply for a visa extension at a local public security authority.
What Do I Need to Enter China In 2024?
In addition to a valid Singapore passport, you can refer to the following guidelines about what you need to know for your journey to China in 2024.
- Log in to the official website to complete the registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore.
- Check if you need a visa depending on the duration of your stay in China. If you stay in China for less than 30 days, a visa is not necessary. But if your stay is more than 30 days, you must apply for a visa in advance.
- Buy travel insurance, which can cover the expense of trip cancellation, baggage delay, medical emergencies, and more.
- When arriving in China, please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. If it has expired, you should renew your passport before starting your journey.
- You should keep a photocopy of your credit cards, the bio-data page of your passport, and traveler’s bills, if any.
- Remember to share your itinerary and contact information with your family and friends in case nobody can reach you in an emergency.
- In terms of money, in addition to bringing some currency, it is recommended that mobile payment apps such as WeChat or Alipay be downloaded. Because e-payment is popular everywhere in China, you can buy a China SIM card to have a Chinese number so that you can finish your mobile payment setup.
Special Cards for China Visa-free Entry
If Singapore citizens hold the following special cards, they can travel to China without a visa.
APEC Business Travel Card holders
Individuals who hold an APEC business travel card have the right to enter China for business multiple times during the valid period. The duration is up to 60 days each time. The validity of this card is 5 years, which means you can travel to China multiple times in 5 years.
However, the APEC business travel card (ABTC) application is only for 21 members from APEC economics, including Singapore. Please note that although the US and Canada provide ABTC, they only offer expedited immigration procedures and do not have reciprocal entry arrangements. Therefore, ABTC holders from the US or Canada cannot enter China visa-free.
Additionally, the applicants must be willing to travel within APEC economics and do not have any criminal records.
China Permanent Residence Card
Individuals holding permanent residence cards in China are not required to apply for a visa when traveling to the Country. They are free to enter and exit the country through all passenger ports for various purposes, including leisure travel, business, work, and family visits.
However, foreigners wishing to obtain a permanent residence card must fulfill certain work and mobility requirements, which differ based on different regions. Tier 1 cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have different requirements for applying for a permanent residence card in China.
Residence Permit
Foreign nationals who have obtained residence permits issued by the Chinese public security authorities to work or study in China may enter and leave the country at will during the validity period of the residence permit. There is no need to apply for a visa each time.
Foreigners coming to China to study or work, including foreign journalists, must apply for a residence permit after their first entry.
Please note that the Residence Permit is not a separate card but a sticker with the word “Residence” in the passport.
China Visa Free Regulations for Singaporeans
As mentioned previously, China has recently signed an agreement to allow Singapore individuals holding ordinary passports to travel to China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.
Furthermore, the visa-free policy varies from different regions in China. Please refer to the following regulations.
Hong Kong SAR Visa Free
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) visa-free policy varies by nationality, and the duration of stay is different accordingly. You can travel to Hong Kong visa-free only when you meet one of the two visa-free cases below.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) visa-free policy varies by nationality, and the duration of stay is different accordingly. You can travel to Hong Kong visa-free only when you meet one of the two visa-free cases below.
- Hong Kong Permanent ID Card
- Hong Kong Certificate of Identity
- Hong Kong Seaman’s Identity Book
- Hong Kong SAR Passport
- British National (Overseas) Passport
- Identity document within the validity period for visa purposes in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Re-entry permit (only for entry from mainland China or Macau)
Citizens with ordinary passports from 170 foreign countries (regions) can visit Hong Kong visa-free. The duration in HK lasts from 7 to 180 days. Singaporeans are allowed to stay in HK for up to 90 days. It is important to know that visa-free entry to HK is limited to tourism, business, conference attendance, artistic, cultural, or sporting events, and visiting friends and family members.
Macau SAR Visa Free
The Macau Immigration Department has allowed citizens from 79 foreign countries (regions) to travel and conduct business events without a visa. However, the length of time you can stay depends on your nationality. It is said that the duration can last up to 14 days, 30 days, 90 days (3 months), 180 days (6 months), and even 1 year.
Moreover, people with Hong Kong SAR passports or Chinese passports who have a flight and visa to a third country can stay in Macau without a visa for 7 days when passing through the city. For Singapore passport holders, the permitted stay period of visa exemptions is 30 days.
Visa-Free Transit in China
According to the 144-hour Transit without Visa (TWOV) policy, foreign tourists holding ordinary passports from the designated 54 countries have the right to apply for a 6-day entry permit to some cities in China upon their arrival. This will make international travel easier and more flexible. Below are the detailed requirements to qualify for the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption.
- You must come from the 54 countries designated in Asia, America, Europe, and Oceania, which includes Singapore.
- You have valid international travel documents at hand.
- You have the connecting ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours.
- You must enter and leave only through the designated ports.
Hainan Visa Free for 59 Countries for 30 Days
Currently, citizens holding ordinary passports from 59 countries for business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, sporting events, or more (excluding long-term study and work) can travel to Hainan from any open port and stay here for up to 30 days. Once they arrive in Hainan, they will obtain a Temporary Entry Permit for a shot visit without a visa.
Singapore is one of the Asian countries that are allowed to stay in Hainan visa-free for 30 days of maximum. However, you must meet the following requirements.
- A valid ordinary passport from one of the 59 countries is a requirement for aliens.
- Upon arrival in Hainan, visitors can preregister through local travel agencies or register at the port.
- Travel-related improvements, including round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, travel schedules in Hainan, etc.
- Visitors must directly fly to Hainan from other countries or regions (transit via Hong Kong and Macau is allowed).
- Visitors must travel to Hainan via ports in Sanya, Haikou, or other open ports on the island.
- Foreigners must follow the rules of movement within the administrative region of Hainan Province within 30 days after entry.
Visa-free Group Tour of ASEAN Nationals to Guilin for 6 Days
Starting May 28th, 2019, Guilin carried out a 6-day (144-hour) Visa-Free policy for tourists from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) groups. This policy only applies to those who hold ordinary passports of 10 ASEAN member countries, including Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Please note that at least 2 tourists are required for a group, and they must enter and leave the same port simultaneously. Below are the requirements for entering Guilin without a visa for 144 hours.
- Possess an ordinary passport valid for ASEAN countries
A valid passport or international travel documents are necessary for foreign visitors to demonstrate their identity. Because this policy only targets 10 ASEAN countries.
- Travel to Guilin with Tour Group
At the moment, visa-free access is restricted to group travelers, not individual travelers. At least 2 tourists must be present in the tour group.
- Guilin Liangjiang International Airport must be the only port of Enter & Exit
To qualify for a 6-day visa-free policy in Guilin, you must enter and exit only via Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Entry from other ports will not be allowed.
FAQ
📌How long can I stay in China visa free?
Singapore citizens holding valid passports can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days.
📌Can I extend my stay in China?
Responding to CNA, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore said Singapore citizens who plan to stay in China for more than 30 days can apply for a visa extension at a local public security authority, though this does not automatically mean it will be approved.
📌Can I travel to China with an expired passport?
No, you can’t. Traveling to China requires holding a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
📌Can Singapore PR enter China visa-free?
Singapore permanent residents are not eligible for a Singapore passport. Thus, they cannot enter China visa-free. Only when they become Singapore citizens, after fulfilling certain conditions, can they obtain a Singapore Passport. Here are the criteria for the Singapore Citizenship application:
- You must be 21 or older and have been a Singapore PR for at least two years. It is worth mentioning that you may apply together with your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age born to or legally adopted by you in lawful wedlock.
- You have held a PR for at least two years and have been married to a Singapore citizen for at least two years.
- You are legally adopted by a Singapore citizen or an unmarried child under the age of 21 born in a legal marriage.
- You are a Permanent Resident studying in Singapore; have resided/lived in Singapore for 3 years above (with at least one year as a Permanent Resident); have passed at least one of the national exams (PSLE, GCE ‘N’/’O’/’A’ Levels), or have taken the Integrated Program (IP).
- You are a Singapore citizen’s aged parent and a PR at the same time.
Conclusion
The reciprocal visa-free policy between China and Singapore will positively influence the tourism development of both countries while providing more convenience for citizens traveling to China. If you hold a valid Singapore passport, you can stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family reunions. Moreover, individuals holding special cards such as the APEC Business Travel Card, China Permanent Residence Card, and Residence Permit will enjoy more benefits of the visa-free policy.
Dolores Xiao