In a significant diplomatic move, China and Singapore inked an agreement on mutual visa exemption in Beijing on Thursday, permitting holders of ordinary passports to enjoy stays of up to 30 days without requiring a visa. The accord, set to become effective on February 9, aligns with the Chinese New Year’s Eve.
The visa exemption applies to various categories, including tourists, individuals visiting family members, and those on business trips, as outlined in the agreement. The announcement was made by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, during a news conference, where he described the agreement as “a Chinese New Year gift for people of both countries.” Wang expressed confidence that the pact would bolster people-to-people exchanges, fostering the progress of bilateral ties and cooperation across diverse fields.
Singapore has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists, particularly during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday. Ctrip, a Chinese online travel agency, reported a remarkable 14-fold year-on-year increase in bookings for travel from China to Singapore during the Spring Festival holiday, according to their statistics.
This diplomatic development follows a similar agreement between Malaysia and China, granting visa-free entry to each other’s citizens in December. China has also extended unilateral visa-free entry to individuals holding passports from Ireland and Switzerland earlier this month.
Wu Xi, head of the Department of Consular Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized that these measures reflect China’s commitment to high-level opening-up. In an interview with China Media Group, Wu invited individuals from around the world to visit China for various purposes such as travel, business, investment, and study.
China currently enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 22 countries, including Singapore, the Maldives, and Kazakhstan. Wu expressed hope that Chinese and foreign visitors would adhere to the orderly conduct of cross-border travel, respecting the laws, regulations, and bilateral agreements between China and other nations.
