China Visa-Free Travel & Visa Guide for Singaporeans 2025

If you are planning a trip to China, you will never miss out this China visa guide! This guide breaks down everything you need to know about China visa, from visa-free policy to the step-by-step visa application process, ensuring your China adventure is a smooth journey. Keep reading to learn more!

China’s visa-free policy for Singaporeans

Luckily, as a Singaporean, you can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel to China, as Singapore and China have agreed to a 30-day mutual visa-free entry starting from 9 February 2024.

For Singaporeans planning short-term trips to China, whether for tourism, business, or sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or other private affairs, this is a convenient and welcome change. However, if you’re planning a longer stay beyond 30 days or a specific type of visit, a China visa is still required.

👀Tip: Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry and check for any updates or travel advisories before your trip.

When do you need a visa to visit China?

You will need a visa to visit China under the following circumstances:

1. Stays exceeding 30 days

While Singaporeans can now enjoy 30-day visa-free entry into China, if your visit exceeds this period, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa​.

2. Specific purposes beyond tourism

If you're visiting for purposes other than short-term tourism, such as:

• Business (M Visa)
• Work (Z Visa)
• Study (X Visa)
• Journalism (J Visa)
• Family reunions exceeding 30 days (S or Q Visa)​

Always verify the latest regulations through official sources like the Chinese Embassy in Singapore or China's National Immigration Administration before your trip.

Types of China visas

Here's a table summarising the main types of China visas for Singaporeans and international travellers:

✨Note: According to the latest update, if you're transiting through China, you can enjoy a 24-hour visa-free stay, and in some cases, a 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free stay, depending on your nationality and entry point, all without needing a G visa. If you want to apply for China visa for domestic helper, S2 Visa is required.

How to apply for a China visa?

Source: Educational School Trip

1. Check visa type

Ensure you know which visa suits your trip and choose the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose.

2. Prepare the required documents

Generally, you'll need:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity and blank visa pages).
• A completed visa application form (available on the Chinese embassy's website).

3. Submit your application

• In-person: Submit the application at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Singapore or your local visa office.
• Online: Some centers require you to book an appointment in advance on the official CVASC website.

4. Pay the visa fee

Fees vary based on visa type and processing speed (standard, express, or rush). Payment is typically made during submission.

5. Collect your visa

Processing usually takes 4-5 working days for standard service. You’ll be notified when your visa is ready for collection.

China visa-free counties & regions

In order to boost inbound tourism and facilitate easier international exchanges​, China is visa-free to some countries and regions.

👉Note: The maximum stay is typically 15 or 30 days, depending on bilateral agreements or China’s specific policy. The expanded visa-free policy is typically valid until 31 December, 2025. The data in this table is up to December 2024. For the latest updates, you can visit the China Visa Appilication Center or China National Immigration Administration website.

Travel tips for entering China

• Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. You can set these up before arrival. Keep some cash handy, as not all places accept foreign credit cards.
• Connectivity: Many foreign websites and apps (e.g., Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) are restricted in China. Download a reliable VPN before arrival. You can buy a local SIM card or a China eSIM for easy access.
• Customs regulations: Declare any prohibited or restricted items (e.g., certain medications, large sums of cash).
• Transportation tips: China high-speed rail is convenient for intercity travel. Book tickets early, especially during holidays. For taxis, you can download DiDi (China’s equivalent of Grab) for ride hailing.