China and Singapore Forge Reciprocal Visa-Free Travel Agreement

China and Singapore have reached a preliminary agreement on a reciprocal visa-free travel arrangement, allowing 30 days visa-free stays for both nations starting next year. The accord was formalized during the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation held in Tianjin, as part of a broader set of trade agreements.

China had previously reinstated 15-day visa-free travel for Singaporeans earlier in the summer, marking a resumption that had been temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Chinese travelers still need to apply for a visa to visit Singapore. This requirement is expected to change in 2024, aligning with the reciprocal nature of the new visa-free arrangement.

The agreement is part of a collaborative effort to enhance cooperation across various sectors beyond tourism, as highlighted by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Wong emphasized the significance of people-to-people exchanges underpinning these cooperation projects.

While full details of the reciprocal visa-free travel arrangement and its anticipated rollout are still being worked out between the countries, Wong expects the initiative to commence in early 2024. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to fostering stronger ties and facilitating smoother travel between China and Singapore.