After more than three years of suspension due to the pandemic, China has announced the resumption of 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei.
The Chinese embassies in both countries issued notices stating that the visa-free entry would take effect from Wednesday, 26 July 2023.
This decision comes as a significant step towards reestablishing travel and people-to-people exchanges between China and the two Southeast Asian nations. The visa-free entry will be available to citizens holding ordinary passports and will cover various purposes, including business travel, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.
Both Singapore and Brunei have welcomed the news with enthusiasm, seeing the visa-free arrangement as a significant boost to their bilateral cooperation with China. The much-awaited move will also facilitate smoother people and business flows between the countries.
International travellers returning back to China will find it easier to navigate the largely cashless society, as mobile payment providers WeChat Pay and Alipay now allow travellers to link up their foreign credit cards, ensuring a smoother experience when making purchases for products and services.
