China is set to restore its 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei, as announced by the embassies of both countries. This comes after a three-year suspension of visas, during which China implemented stringent travel restrictions under its zero-Covid policy, which came to an end in December last year.
Starting from July 26, citizens of Singapore and Brunei will be able to enter China without a visa for a period of up to 15 days. This visa-free entry will be applicable for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit. The Chinese embassy in Singapore confirmed that existing visas issued to Singaporean citizens will remain valid, and any visa applications already submitted will be processed accordingly.
The reinstatement of the visa-free entry policy is expected to enhance the flow of people and foster closer business relations between the two countries. Singapore and China have a longstanding history of strong economic ties, and this move is seen as a positive step towards further bilateral cooperation.
Singaporean leaders have engaged with Chinese counterparts throughout the year, signifying the importance of the relationship between the two nations. In March, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, and in May, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Beijing.
The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the restoration of the visa-free entry policy, emphasizing its potential to facilitate travel and business exchanges, and to foster deeper cooperation between Singapore and China.
This decision is likely to bolster tourism and business activities between the countries, allowing citizens from Singapore and Brunei to explore opportunities in China more easily and vice versa. With visa-free access reinstated, it is anticipated that the exchange of ideas, culture, and trade will further strengthen the already robust relationship between these nations.