(ECNS) -- Passport holders from China and Singapore will be exempt from visas for entry into each other's countries for purposes like tourism, family visits, business, and other private affairs, with a stay of no more than 30 days.
The agreement will officially come into effect on Feb. 9, 2024 (Chinese New Year's Eve).
Government representatives of the two countries signed the "Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports" on Thursday.
For activities requiring prior approval, like working, news reporting in the host country, and staying for more than 30 days, the corresponding visas must be obtained before entering the host country.
China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries, covering different passport types, and with 44 countries for simplified visa procedures or arrangements. It has achieved comprehensive visa exemption with 22 countries, including Singapore, the Maldives, and Kazakhstan.
In addition, more than 60 countries and regions grant Chinese citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges. Outbound travel for Chinese citizens has significantly improved.
Wu Xi, director general of the Department of Consular Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the country has implemented a series of measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, demonstrating China's determination to promote high-level opening-up.
China welcomes friends from all over the world to visit, do business, invest, and study in the country, Wu said.
Indigenous consultant accuses NHL's Blackhawks of fraud, sexual harassment
Police in Georgia use tear gas, water cannons to disperse protest against so
Sports Emmy Awards will honor 8 individuals as Gold and Silver Circle inductees
Some North Carolina abortion pill restrictions are unlawful, federal judge says
Rory McIlroy says PGA Tour is 'worse off' without Jimmy Dunne on board
Sports Emmy Awards will honor 8 individuals as Gold and Silver Circle inductees
Chris Hemsworth flexes muscular form as sword
Amazon reports strong 1Q results driven by its cloud
Campaign to build new California city submits signatures to get on November ballot
Scientists discover ancient HERPES in 50,000
Number of FBI intelligence database searches on Americans has dropped in last year, report says