Do Singaporean citizens/passport holders need visa to China?
On January 25, 2024, representatives from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore came together in Beijing to sign the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Ordinary Passport Holders. This historic agreement will officially take effect on February 9, 2024.According to the terms of the Agreement, individuals holding ordinary passports from both China and Singapore will now be able to travel between the two countries without the need for a visa, allowing for stays of up to 30 days. However, it is important to note that certain activities such as work, journalism, or stays exceeding the 30-day limit will require prior approval and the appropriate visa from the host country before entry.
Singapore to China Visa Free – Travel China Without Visa
A new unilateral visa exemption agreement for Singaporeans traveling to China went into effect on February 9, 2024. This means that China is now a visa-free country for Singapore citizens. Under this policy, Singaporean ordinary passport holders can visit China for short-term stays without needing a visa, as long as they have a valid original regular passport and are traveling for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, or transit.
Singaporean visitors can enter and exit through any of China’s ports that are open to foreigners. The maximum duration of stay is 30 days. It is important to ensure that you have your passport and flight to China well-prepared before departure. Upon arrival, you will receive a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport at no additional cost. This allows you the freedom to plan a one-month holiday in China, where you can enjoy activities such as a Great Wall Hiking Tour, Silk Road Tour, Tibet Discovery Tour, Family Travel, and more.
For Singaporeans holding an APEC Business Travel Card, the card can be used as a multiple-entry China Business Visa valid for 3 years. Each entry is permitted for a duration of 2 months.
China Visa Required for Singaporeans – Apply China Visa in Singapore
Even though you hold a Singaporean passport, you will still need to obtain a visa from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in mainland China if you plan to stay longer than 30 days after your entry. If you intend to go to China for purposes such as study, employment, journalism, or residence, you must apply for a China Visa at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Below are the details for obtaining a China Visa in Singapore.
Attention: Where to Submit? Singaporeans, Malaysians, or foreigners residing in Singapore must all submit their visa applications to the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) authorized by the Chinese Embassy. The embassy will not accept any ordinary applications, as the issuance will be handled by the embassy itself.
China Visa Requirements
Before visiting the China Visa Application Service Center in person, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents as listed and as required.
Basic Requirements:
● Passport
In order to apply for a visa, you will need to provide your original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and a minimum of 2 blank pages. Additionally, please make a copy of the passport’s data page, any previously used visa pages, and any former China Visa if applicable.
Log in Visa Center Website to Complete Application Form & Make Appointment Online
● China Visa Application Form
Option 1: Complete the online application form at http://www.visaforchina.org. Once finished, print out the form, write down the application date, and sign the paper form.
Option 2: Download the most recent version of the China Visa Application Form (v.2013 – 4 pages in total). Fill out the digital form, print it, and sign it before submission.
● Photo
Please provide two passport-size color photos taken within the last six months against a light background. The size of each photo should be 38mm x 48mm. Thank you.
Useful Link: China Visa Photo Requirements
● Others
1.) If you are not applying in your home country, you must provide proof of legal entry, stay, or residence in another country or region.
2.) If you were previously a Chinese citizen and are applying for a China Visa for the first time, you must submit your previous Chinese passport along with a copy of the data page. If you have obtained a China Visa before, please provide photocopies of the data page, photo page, and previous China Visa page from your old Chinese passport.
Supporting Documents:
– Travel-related documents: round-trip (flight, train, ship) tickets, hotel booking, travel itinerary, etc.
– Invitation Letter: If you are invited to travel to China, please ensure you have a formal Invitation Letter from the inviting individual or organization.
China Visa Fee in Singapore
Applicants are required to pay the China Visa Application Fee at the center office after submission. The total cost includes the visa application fee as well as a service fee. Additional fees may apply for expedited services, such as Express Service and Rush Service. Below, we have outlined the major visa prices for Singaporean citizens and other common international citizens.
| Nationality | Number of Entries | Regular Application (Application + Service Fees) |
Express Application (Application + Service Fees) |
Rush Application (Application + Service Fees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Single Entry | SGD (25+60)= SGD 85 | SGD (60+90)= SGD 150 | SGD (75+120)= SGD 195 |
| Double Entries | SGD (35+60)= SGD 95 | SGD (70+90)= SGD 160 | SGD (85+120)= SGD 205 | |
| Multiple Entries (6 Months) | SGD (45+60)=SGD 105 | SGD (80+90)=SGD 170 | SGD (95+120)=SGD 215 | |
| Multiple Entries (≥12 Months) | SGD (65+60)=SGD 125 | SGD (100+90)=SGD 190 | SGD (115+120)=SGD 235 | |
| US Citizens | Single/Double Entries Multiple Entries (6 Months/≥12 Months) |
SGD (200+60)=SGD 260 | SGD (235+90)=SGD 325 | SGD (250+120)=SGD 370 |
| Canada Citizens | Single/Double Entries Multiple Entries (6 Months/≥12 Months) |
SGD (105+60)=SGD 165 | SGD (140+90)=SGD 230 | SGD (155+120)=SGD 275 |
| Others Citizens (Malaysian, Indians…) |
Single Entry | SGD (50+60)=SGD 110 | SGD (85+90)=SGD 175 | SGD (100+120)=SGD 220 |
| Double Entries | SGD (50+60)=SGD 110 | SGD (85+90)=SGD 175 | SGD (100+120)=SGD 220 | |
| Mutiple Entries (6 Months) | SGD (100+60)=SGD 160 | SGD (135+90)=SGD 225 | SGD (150+120)=SGD 270 | |
| Mutiple Entries (≥12 Months) | SGD (150+60)=SGD 210 | SGD (185+90)=SGD 275 | SGD (200+120)=SGD 320 |
Please be advised that we accept payment in cash (Singapore Dollar) and debit card (NETS & Union Pay) for our services. Additionally, detailed schedules of China Visa fees can be downloaded for your reference. Thank you for your cooperation.
How Do I Apply for China Visa in Singapore?
Individuals who choose not to use a travel agent to apply for a China Visa can find the most helpful China Visa Application instructions here.
How to Apply China Visa in Singapore
How Long to Get A China Visa?
The processing time for a China visa varies depending on the individual case and the service chosen by the applicant.
For a Regular Application, the processing time is typically around 4 working days. If an applicant opts for the Express Service, the processing time is usually reduced to about 3 working days. For those in need of a quicker turnaround, the Urgent Service can process the visa in about 2 working days.
If an applicant submits an urgent application between 9:00am – 12:00pm, they can collect their visa between 9:00am – 16:00pm on the second working day. However, if the application is submitted between 12:00pm to 14:00pm in the afternoon, the visa can be picked up between 12:00pm – 16:00pm on the next working day.
It is important to note that the embassy may request additional materials from the applicant, which could potentially extend the application period beyond the expected timeframe.
China Visa Application Service Center in Singapore
Address: 80 Robinson Road, #16-01/02/02A, Singapore 068898
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, except Saturday, Sunday and national public holidays
Submission Hours: 9:00am to 15:00pm
Payment & Collection Hours: 9:00am to 16:00pm
Urgent Submission: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Contact information
Call: 67139380
Fax: 62260852
E-mail: singaporecentre@visaforchina.org
Apply Hong Kong Visa in Singapore
Do Singaporeans need visa for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is considered a separate entity from mainland China, and therefore a China Visa cannot be used for entry. Holders of Singapore passports are granted visa-free access to Hong Kong for up to 90 days for travel or certain business-related activities, provided that their passport is valid for at least 1 month.However, individuals planning to visit Hong Kong for study, work, or business purposes must obtain a Hong Kong Visa prior to their arrival.
Hong Kong Visa Application Guide
To begin the process of applying for a Hong Kong visa, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department at https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html. Here, you can find valuable information regarding the necessary documents needed for your application, such as your passport, completed application form, photos, and any other travel-related supporting documents.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, including the visa fees as specified by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, you are ready to move on to the next step.
The next step involves visiting the China Visa Application Service Center in Singapore to submit your Hong Kong visa application. It is important to note that no online appointment is necessary for this process. Simply visit the center during their operating hours to submit your application in person.
Related Link: Hong Kong Visa Application
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Travel to China from Singapore
Singapore is situated in the southern region of China, with Hainan Province being the closest city. As a crucial transportation hub in Asia, Singapore offers two primary modes of transportation to and from China: international flights and cruises.
By Air: Singapore Changi International Airport (新加坡樟宜国际机场, IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) is the primary airport for flights to China, offering service to over 20 cities. From Singapore Changi Airport, you can easily fly to major destinations in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Sanya, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Macau, and many more.
By Sea: Embarking on a sea voyage from the Port of Singapore and sailing north through Hong Kong and Taipei to reach Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, Dalian, Hainan, and other coastal cities in China is a popular and leisurely way to travel. There are several renowned cruise lines that offer this route, including Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, Holland America, and Silversea Cruises, providing travelers with a luxurious and unforgettable experience.
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