Singapore and China have agreed to establish a 30-day mutual visa-free travel arrangement, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawren
Singapore and China have agreed to establish a 30-day mutual visa-free travel arrangement, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong at the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) forum on Dec. 7. The initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and support bilateral ties, as reported by Lianhe Zaobao.
Previously, Singaporeans could enter China visa-free for 15 days for business, tourism, and family visits. This policy was reinstated by China in July 2023. Chinese citizens, however, were still required to secure a visa for entry into Singapore.
This year’s JCBC, co-chaired by Wong for the first time, holds “special significance” as it follows the recent elevation of Singapore-China relations to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership” in March. The forum, hosted in Tianjin, also celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city.
With growing global economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties, Wong stressed that strengthening Singapore-China ties is crucial. He expressed hope that direct flight connectivity between both countries will soon meet and surpass pre-Covid levels. The new 30-day visa-free arrangement is expected to enhance travel convenience and reinforce the foundation of Singapore-China relations. Further implementation details are forthcoming.
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