In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, China and Singapore signed an agreement on Thursday granting 30-day mutual visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders. Effective February 9, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, citizens from both nations can travel, visit family, and conduct business without the need for a visa.
This development marks a milestone in enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation between the two countries. It is expected to boost tourism, facilitate cultural exchanges, and open new avenues for business professionals and investors.
The agreement with Singapore follows a similar arrangement between China and Malaysia in December, where both countries granted visa-free entry to each other’s citizens. These initiatives reflect China’s ongoing efforts to foster stronger relationships with its neighbors and promote regional integration.
China has been actively expanding its network of visa exemption agreements. To date, it has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different types of passports with 157 countries and reached agreements or arrangements on simplified visa procedures with 44 countries. Among these, China enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 22 countries, including the Maldives and Kazakhstan.
The expansion of visa-free travel underscores the growing importance of facilitating easy movement across borders in Asia. It benefits global readers, business professionals, academics, diaspora communities, and travelers who are keen on exploring the dynamic landscapes of Asia.
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Graphics: China enjoys mutual visa exemption with 157 countries
cgtn.com
