The latest China travel requirements for Singaporeans
Planning a trip to China? Before you go, make sure you’re up to date with the latest travel requirements for Singaporeans! From visa applications to arrival procedures, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Launch of Digital Arrival Card for International Travelers
As of 20 November 2025, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has rolled out a digital arrival card for international travelers to China. Travelers can now submit their entry information before arrival via the NIA’s website, the “NIA 12367” app, or via mini‑programs on WeChat/Alipay. A QR‑code option is also provided.
Image credit: National Immigration Administration
If you can’t or don’t complete the online form before arrival, you still have options on arrival — you can use on‑site smart devices, scan a QR code at the immigration checkpoint, or fill out a paper arrival card.
The new online arrival‑card system is part of China’s efforts to streamline border procedures and make entry easier for international travelers. It offers flexibility: travelers can either submit information before the flight — or if they don’t, still complete the process at the port.
For many foreign visitors, this should reduce wait times and simplify immigration checks!
Visa-Free Entry for Singaporeans
As of 9 February 2024, Singaporean passport holders can enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days, under a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement. The agreement will allow citizens of Singapore and China to enter each other’s country without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days.
Photo credit: N509FZ on Wikimedia Commons
Prior to this, Singaporeans could enter China visa-free for 15 days, which has now been superseded by the 30-day arrangement.
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P.S. China just rolled out a digital e-arrival card — so yes, it’s now even easier to go. Find out more here!
Pre-Departure from Singapore
Here's a checklist of all the important information and documents you’ll need for your trip:
Currently, Singaporeans can enter China visa-free.
- Duration: Up to 30 days per visit.
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, business, and transit.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into China
- Buy Travel Insurance (Not a requirement for entry into China but highly recommended to have on hand)
- Fill up a digital arrival card prior to departure.
For stays exceeding 30 days or purposes not covered under the visa-free policy, such as employment or study, a visa must be obtained prior to arrival. It's advisable to consult the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore for specific visa requirements.
Singaporeans travelling to Hong Kong
Singapore citizens holding a Singapore passport may travel to Hong Kong visa-free for a short visit or tourism and stay in HKSAR for up to 90 days.
Singaporeans travelling to Macao
Singapore citizens holding a Singapore passport may travel to Macao visa-free for a short visit or tourism and stay in Macao for up to 30 days.
1. Apply for a visa (if necessary)
If you need to obtain a visa for entry to China, you may find more information here.
For Chinese visa application, please:
- Complete visa application form online
- Submit the application documents personally to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) by appointment (CVASC Address: 80 Robinson Road, #16-01/02/02A, Singapore 068898)
- Please note that you may be required to come to the Visa Office of the Embassy (Address: 150 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247969) in person to have an interview as deemed necessary by a consular officer.
- How much: RMB 300 (~$S55) for a Singapore visa application.
2. Complete your Digital E-Arrival Card
To reduce wait times and simplify immigration checks, travelers can now submit their entry information before arrival. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it!
How to Use the Digital Arrival Card for China
1. Choose from the following platforms to submit your entry information:
- The official National Immigration Administration Website
- The “NIA 12367” app: Available on iOS and Android
- WeChat/Alipay Mini-Programs: Search “NIA Arrival Card”
- A QR‑code option is also provided
Submission via National Immigration Administration Website
2. Fill in your arrival information online before departure
a. Upload Passport Identity
- Type of ID Document — (e.g., ordinary passport)
- Upload ID Document Page — Upload passport photo
b. Basic personal information
The system automatically extracts part of the passport data, which you must verify and complete. Thereafter, you'll have to fill in travel-related information.
- Last Name
- First Name
- Gender
- Date of Birth — Year / Month / Day
- Country/Region of Citizenship — Nationality
- Type of ID Document — (Ordinary Passport, etc.)
- ID Number — Passport number
- Entry Transportation Mode — Mode of transport (plane, train, vessel, car, on foot, car and on foot)
- Arrival Flight/Train/Vessel Number
- City of Entry — (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.)
- Port of Entry — Airport, railway station, or port of arrival in China
c. Additional personal information
- Chinese Name — Optional
- Country/Region of Birth
- City of Birth
- Contact Number
- Email
- Do you hold a valid visa or other entry permit? — Yes/No
- If “No”: Entry Policy Selection — Select your applicable entry policy (30-day visa waiver, 24/240-hour visa-free transit, etc.)
- If “Yes”: Visa Number
d. Travel information in China
- Purpose of Entry — (Tourism/Leisure, Conference/Business, Visiting friends/family, etc.)
- Date of Entry
- Destination Cities in China — City where you will stay the longest
- Address in China — Province / city / district and full address
- Cities of Transit in China — Any planned transit cities
- Do you have any inviting entities or inviters in China? — Yes/No
- Confirmed Departure Itinerary — Yes/No
e. Signature and declaration
Confirm the accuracy of the information provided and sign it.
3. Get your unique QR code
Image credit: VisasNews
4. Present the QR code at immigration upon arrival.
On Arrival (If you didn't submit online):
If you didn’t complete the digital form, you can still enter China:
Options at the airport:
- Smart terminals: Use the on-site devices to fill in your info.
- QR code scanning: Some airports allow you to scan a QR code at the checkpoint.
- Paper arrival card: Last-resort option for travelers who cannot use digital methods.
Exemptions
You do not need to submit an arrival card if you fall into any of these categories:
- Holders of China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID
- Holders of Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macao residents (non-Chinese citizens)
- Travelers under group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry
- 24-hour transit passengers who remain in the airport’s restricted area
- Same-day cruise ship passengers
- Users of designated fast lanes (e.g., e-channels)
- Foreign staff of exit-entry transport vehicles
3. Buy Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and hospitalisation costs. You can get the Travel Insurance on Klook that comes with a COVID-19 add-on coverage of up to S$200,000 for overseas hospitalisation and medical expenses.
4. Get your SIM card
Now, this is one travel essential that we’ll definitely need no matter the situation. Did you know that almost all transactions in China are cashless? Here is our guide to all the essential China apps you need to download before your trip!
Trust us, data on your phone is definitely important! We recommend getting an e-SIM, which can be activated via scanning a QR code sent to you through email.
5. Pre-book your transport to your accommodation
For a truly fuss-free experience, why not pre-book your airport transfer from the airport to your accommodation?
P/S: If you are traveling around China via the High-Speed Rail — you can pre-book your tickets on Klook too.
Planning to road trip around China instead? Rent a car with us!
Pre-departure from China
6. Complete SG Arrival Card
Complete the SG Arrival Card up to 72 hours before departure for Singapore. Under the current Vaccinated Travel Framework, testing for fully-vaccinated travellers is no longer required to return to Singapore.
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