Singaporeans feel joy, ‘peace of mind’ as 15-day visa-free entry to China resumes

The visa-free travel scheme was suspended during the pandemic but was not immediately reinstated when Beijing reopened for travel earlier this year

Travellers welcomed its reintroduction, with some previously having to brave long queues for visa applications because of high demand

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A traveller at Changi Airport. China is resuming visa-free entry for Singapore citizens from Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:38am, 26 Jul 2023Updated: 2:30pm, 26 Jul 2023

Singaporeans cheered after news broke that China would resume a 15-day visa-free travel scheme for the city state’s citizens from Wednesday, ending months of frustration and snaking queues – sometimes overnight – for entry approval.

Citizens of the island republic, which counts China as its biggest trading partner, have enjoyed visa-free social visits to the country since 2003 – a scheme that observers say has been crucial to strong business and social links between the two nations.

The arrangement was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic – and was not immediately reinstated when China reopened for travel earlier this year. Instead, most travellers from Singapore who wanted to visit were required to apply for visas at the China Visa Application Centre in the city state.

Shanghai’s skyline and the Huangpu river. Singaporeans can once again visit the city, and others in China, for 15 days without having to apply for a visa. Photo: Reuters

Ian Lee, a Singaporean business owner, said he felt relieved he no longer had to go through the “trouble” of queuing for a visa.

“I’ve been avoiding making a trip to China recently, even though I should be for work,” the 26-year-old said.

On Sunday, the Chinese embassy in Singapore announced the resumption of the visa-free travel scheme. Brunei, which was added to the scheme in 2003 alongside Singapore, will also benefit from the resumption.

The news has been warmly welcomed in Singapore – especially by those with strong business links in China.