At a Glance: China Entry for Singapore Passport Holders
✅ Visa-free duration: up to 30 days per entry
✅ Eligible purposes: tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit
✅ Passport validity: must cover your full stay; 6 months' validity from your entry date is recommended
✅ Entry step for (almost) everyone: the China Digital Arrival Card, completed before or on arrival
✅ Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan: each has its own separate entry requirements, distinct from mainland China
Singapore passport holders can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit. This has been in place since 9 February 2024 under a mutual visa exemption arrangement between Singapore and China, and it remains in effect in 2026. Before you go, there's one more step nearly every traveller now needs to complete: the China Digital Arrival Card. From visa applications (if you need one) to arrival procedures, here's everything you need to know for a smooth trip.
🇨🇳 China Travel Essentials 🇨🇳
📱 Get Online the Moment You Land
🛡️ Peace of Mind Before You Fly
🚄 Skip the Queues, Ride the Bullet Train
✈️ Airport Transfers in China
🎪 Family Fun at Chimelong
China's Digital Arrival Card: What Changed and Why It Matters
Since 20 November 2025, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has run a digital arrival card for international travellers to China. It's now the default way almost every traveller registers their entry, including those using visa-free entry, with only a short list of exemptions (see below). Travellers can 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 online arrival-card system, sometimes referred to as China's entry border registration process, is part of China's efforts to streamline border procedures and make entry easier for international travellers. It offers flexibility: travellers can either submit information before the flight, or complete the process at the port if they don't.
For many foreign visitors, this should reduce wait times and simplify immigration checks!
Visa-Free Entry for Singaporeans
As of 9 February 2024, Singapore passport holders can enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days, under a mutual visa exemption arrangement between Singapore and China (ICA media release; Straits Times coverage). The arrangement allows citizens of Singapore and China to enter each other's country without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days.
This mutual arrangement is separate from China's broader unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of around 46 other countries, which is currently set to run until 31 December 2026. The Singapore-China arrangement has no announced end date as of publishing.
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.
⚠️ Good to know: the 30-day limit is per entry, not per year
You can make multiple visa-free trips to China, there's currently no official cap on the number of visa-free entries or total days per year. That said, each entry is assessed on its stated purpose (tourism, business, family visit, exchange, or transit), and frequent, back-to-back entries, especially ones that resemble an attempt to live in China long-term without a proper visa — may draw additional questions or scrutiny from border officers.
If you're planning frequent or extended trips, it's worth applying for the appropriate visa (such as an L visa for tourism) instead of relying solely on visa-free entry.
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.
- Currently, Singaporeans can enter China visa-free.
- Duration: Up to 30 days per visit (per entry, not per calendar year)
- Purpose: Tourism, family visits, business, exchange visits, and transit.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into China (Chinese entry rules require validity for the full length of your stay, but six months is the standard buffer recommended to avoid issues with airline check-in and immigration systems)
- 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 — each traveller, including children, needs to submit their own
For stays exceeding 30 days, or for purposes not covered under the visa-free policy — such as employment, study, or journalism — a visa must be obtained prior to arrival (for tourism-related visits beyond 30 days, this is typically an L visa). 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!
⚠️ Important: each traveller needs to submit their own China Digital Arrival Card, including children and infants travelling with you, you can't cover a family or group under a single submission.
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.
Travel Requirements and Limitations to Keep in Mind
Before you finalise your trip, here's a quick recap of the practical rules that apply to visa-free travel to mainland China:
- Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for the full length of your stay in China. In practice, having at least 6 months' validity from your date of entry is the standard recommendation, as it also avoids issues with airline check-in systems and other countries you may transit through.
- Activities not covered by visa-free entry: Visa-free entry is limited to tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, and transit. It does not cover work, study, or journalism/news reporting — for any of these, you'll need the appropriate visa before you travel.
- Overstaying: If you need to stay longer than 30 days for a valid reason after you've already entered, you can apply for a stay permit with China's local exit-entry administration. Overstaying without approval can affect future entry.
- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are separate: Each has its own visa-free arrangement and immigration system, distinct from mainland China's. A mainland China visa-free entry does not extend to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, and vice versa, check the specific requirements for each leg of a multi-destination trip.
Enjoy family-friendly fun in China with Chimelong
Planning a family holiday to China? Make sure to add Chimelong attractions to your itinerary! Dotted across Zhuhai, Guangzhou and Qingyuan, Chimelong resorts offer everything and anything, from theme parks and wildlife safaris to circus shows and aquariums.
For something out of this world - check out the Chimelong International Circus in Guangzhou. This spectacular show features jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling performances, and world-class entertainment that will leave everyone spellbound!
Here's another unique attraction to explore: a spaceship-themed theme park, Chimelong Spaceship in Zhuhai, which is the world's largest indoor theme park and aquarium. This cutting-edge attraction spans over 400,000 square meters, featuring 15 themed zones that blend marine exploration, space-themed thrills, and immersive entertainment. Highlights include the Bermuda Storm, the world's largest motion simulator with a curved projection screen, and Universe Paradise, home to China's first real submarine underwater ride. With over 150,000 marine animals across 400 species, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly rides, Chimelong Spaceship offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
FAQs: China Visa-Free Travel for Singaporeans
Do Singaporeans need a visa to China in 2026?
No, not for short trips. Singapore passport holders travelling for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days in 2026. A visa is only required if you're staying longer than 30 days, or travelling for a purpose outside these categories, such as work or study.
Do Singaporeans get visa-free entry to China?
Yes. Since 9 February 2024, Singapore and China have had a mutual 30-day visa exemption arrangement, so eligible Singapore passport holders don't need to apply for a visa ahead of a short trip. You'll still need to complete a China Digital Arrival Card before or on arrival, and your passport must meet the validity requirements.
Is China still visa-free in 2026?
Yes, for Singapore passport holders. The Singapore-China mutual visa exemption arrangement is separate from China's unilateral visa-free policy for around 46 other countries (currently set to run until 31 December 2026) — the Singapore arrangement has no announced end date as of publishing. It's still worth checking official sources closer to your travel date, since visa policies can be updated.
Can I visit China now without a visa?
Yes — if you hold a Singapore passport and you're travelling for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit, you can currently enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Just make sure your passport meets the validity requirements, and complete your China Digital Arrival Card before you fly.
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What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
