China, Singapore agree visa-free deal for travel stays of up to 30 days

China and Singapore will introduce a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement from February 9 - Lunar New Year's Eve - allowing citizens of the two countries to travel, visit families and go on business trips.

The agreement was signed by representatives from the two countries on Thursday, according to China's state broadcaster CCTV.

Mainland Chinese citizens have always needed a visa to enter Singapore, while Singaporeans could visit China for up to 15 days for non-work purposes - an arrangement that was reinstated in July after its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Travellers from both countries who want to work, report the news or stay longer than 30 days will still require a visa, CCTV said.

Wu Xi, director-general of the foreign ministry's department of consular affairs, told CCTV that the agreement demonstrates China's determination to push for high-level opening-up to the world.

"We welcome friends from all over the world to travel, operate business, invest and study in China," she said.

"We hope friends both from China and abroad will respect the laws, regulations and bilateral agreements of these countries."

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