ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – China has agreed to grant visa exemptions to two countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore and Thailand.
China and Singapore have agreed to grant joint visa exemptions for 30 days for their citizens on Thursday, January 25, 2024. This agreement will come into effect on February 9, 2024.
Referring to this agreement, citizens of Singapore and China who hold ordinary passports can enter China or Singapore without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. This applies to those traveling for business, traveling, visiting friends and family, or other personal matters.
Meanwhile, Singaporean or Chinese citizens who plan to carry out activities such as work or news reporting, must still obtain the relevant visa before entering. This was reported by CNA, Tuesday, January 30 2024.
The Singapore Embassy in Beijing said in a Facebook post that the 30-day visa waiver agreement would provide more convenience for citizens of both countries traveling to China and Singapore for business and entertainment purposes.
Meanwhile, Chinese citizens who enter Singapore without a visa and plan to stay more than 30 days need to apply for an extension online to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The same also applies to Singapore citizens who plan to stay in China for more than 30 days.
China also made a similar agreement with Thailand. On Sunday, January 28 2024, the two countries agreed to remove the requirement for citizens of each country.
The agreement, which came into effect on March 1 2024, was signed by Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang said the visa-free era would have a positive impact on both countries. Plus, China is the main source of Thailand’s tourism industry.
“There will be a big increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand,” Wang said. (ATN)
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