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Travelling from Singapore to China has become significantly easier. With the new 30-day mutual visa-exemption agreement, Singaporeans can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, and business activities.
As of 9 February 2024, travelling from Singapore to China has become significantly easier. With the new 30-day mutual visa-exemption agreement, Singaporeans can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, and business activities.
Previously, Singaporeans were allowed only 15 days visa-free. The updated rule makes short and medium-length trips far more convenient.
If you’re planning to walk along Shanghai’s Bund, explore Xi’an’s ancient sites, or relax on Hainan’s beaches, this guide explains exactly what you need to enter China smoothly from passport rules to arrival forms, ports of entry, region-specific policies, and connectivity tips using a China eSIM from WoWo Sim.
Before travelling, ensure your Singapore passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date. This is the minimum requirement enforced by Chinese immigration.
It’s also helpful to carry:
A printed copy of your passport biodata page
Hotel booking confirmations or a travel itinerary
These documents aren’t always requested, but they can speed up immigration clearance.
Most travellers entering mainland China must complete a PRC Immigration Arrival Card. Depending on your entry point, it may be available in:
Digital form (QR code scan)
Paper form
The arrival card usually asks for:
Accommodation address in China
Purpose of travel
Basic personal information
Upon arrival, be prepared for a customs declaration, especially if carrying items such as:
Drones
High-value electronics
Commercial equipment
It’s best to declare anything potentially sensitive to avoid delays.
Singaporeans can stay in China for up to 30 consecutive days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.
This is enough time to:
Visit multiple cities
Take high-speed rail between provinces
Explore cultural and historical regions
If you travel directly into Hainan and remain within Hainan province, you still enjoy 30 days visa-free and you do not need to fill in the Arrival Card.
Entry must be via approved Hainan ports, and travellers must not leave the island unless they follow normal mainland procedures.
Visa-free entry is accepted at most major air, land, and sea ports, including:
Beijing Capital International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Shenzhen land border crossings
Major seaports in coastal cities
When entering through these gateways, ensure your Arrival Card is ready for inspection.
Hainan has a special visa-free program of its own. Under the FTP rules:
Singaporeans can stay for 30 days
Arrival Card is not required
Travellers must remain within Hainan
This arrangement is convenient for beach trips to Sanya or cultural stays in Haikou.
If entering China via a cruise:
You may enjoy up to 15 days visa-free
Applies only for approved coastal cities
Valid for registered group tours
Entry and exit must be by cruise
This is a good option for travellers who want short visits while remaining on a fixed itinerary.
If your passport is lost while in China:
Report it immediately to the local police
Contact the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) through their online e-service
Always keep:
A digital copy of your passport
A printed copy stored separately
If not staying at a hotel, you must register your address at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Hotels typically do this automatically for guests.
China’s major cities are very safe, but stay alert in:
Crowded public transport
Busy shopping areas
Night markets
Health declarations may be required depending on the global health situation. These forms are quick and typically completed online or via QR code at immigration.
A well-restored and accessible section offering impressive mountain views.
Location: Yanqing District, Beijing
Price: RMB 35–45
Best For: First-time visitors, photographers, history fans
An iconic blend of historic colonial facades and futuristic skyscrapers. Ideal for:
Evening walks
Photography
Dining and shopping
Location: Huangpu District, Shanghai
Price: Free (walking areas)
A world-famous archaeological site with thousands of life-sized clay warriors.
Location: Lintong District, Xi’an
Price: Around RMB 120
Best For: Cultural travellers, historians
Known for:
Clean coastlines
Warm waters
Laid-back atmosphere
Excellent seafood
Location: Sanya, Hainan Province
Price: Public beaches are free
UNESCO-listed communal homes built by the Hakka people. A rare cultural gem.
Location: Yongding / Nanjing counties, Fujian
Price: RMB 50–100
Travelling in China requires reliable connectivity for:
Translation apps
Digital maps
E-ticketing
Hotel check-ins
QR-code payments
Health or arrival forms
official China travel updates
A China eSIM from WoWo Sim makes this simple.
Instant activation after purchase
No physical SIM card needed
Strong 4G/5G coverage across provinces
Easy to set up before departure
Works with VPNs for apps like Gmail, Google, and WhatsApp
Zero roaming fees
Flexible short-trip and long-trip data plans
Stay online the moment you land without searching for SIM shops or dealing with language barriers.
With visa-free entry, simple requirements, and fast eSIM connectivity from WoWo Sim, travelling from Singapore to China is more convenient than ever.
