Since February 9, 2024, travelling to China has gotten way easier for us Singaporeans. No more tedious visa applications for longer trips!
Thanks to a new 30-day mutual visa-exemption agreement, I can now visit China for business or leisure without worrying about paperwork. Prior to this, Singaporeans could travel to only China visa-free for up to 15 days.
Whether I’m planning to stroll down the Bund in Shanghai or explore the pagodas of Xi’an, entering the country just requires a valid passport and a plan.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what documents and forms you’ll need for immigration, how the 30-day visa-free policy works, and the entry rules for different regions, including Hainan and cruise travel.
I’ll highlight top experiences to make the most of your stay and show you how to stay connected online with a China eSIM for a seamless trip across the country.
Entry Requirements and Required Documents
Passport Validity
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Before flying out, I always double-check that my Singapore passport has at least six months of validity left. That’s the bare minimum China requires for entry.
Alongside my passport, I keep a printed copy of my biodata page and hotel bookings or a clear travel itinerary.
Immigration officers don’t always ask for them, but having those documents ready can speed up your clearance significantly. It’s one of those things I now treat as a no-brainer travel habit.
Entry Card & Forms
Another thing to note is the PRC Immigration Arrival Card.
If you’re flying into mainland China (excluding Hainan under specific conditions), you’ll need to fill this out. It’s pretty straightforward and only asks for basic information like:
- Address in China
- Travel purpose
I’ve completed it both digitally and in paper form, depending on the port of entry, so I recommend being flexible.
Once you land, be prepared for a customs declaration too.
If you’re carrying drones, high-value electronics, or anything you think might raise eyebrows, declare it. It’s better to be upfront than risk delays.
Duration of Stay
Under the current visa-free arrangement, we can stay in China for up to 30 consecutive days. This means plenty of time to experience different cities or explore a single destination in depth.
Shots taken in Shanghai (left), Hangzhou (middle), and Suzhou
On my trip with my family, I landed in Shanghai, took the high-speed rail to Suzhou, then Hangzhou, and then back to Shanghai. It’s enough time to travel meaningfully without overstaying.
If you’re heading straight to Hainan and plan to stay only within that province, things are even simpler.
You’ll still get 30 days of visa-free travel, but you can skip the Arrival Card altogether, which I found to be a pleasant surprise.
Just make sure your entry is through an approved port and that you don’t venture into the rest of mainland China—this rule only applies if you stay within Hainan’s borders.
Arrival Ports & Region‑Specific Rules
Mainland China General Ports
Whether I’m landing in Beijing Capital Airport or crossing overland from Hong Kong into Shenzhen, I’ve found that visa-free entry for Singaporeans is accepted at most major international gateways.
These include airports, seaports, and even land crossings.
Just make sure you’ve got your PRC Arrival Card ready to present; it’s often checked alongside your passport.
The key is to stick to official ports of entry, as that’s where the 30-day visa-free allowance is enforced correctly.
Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP)
Wan Ning in Hainan
Hainan has its own special setup when it comes to visa-free entry, and I’ve taken advantage of it a couple of times now.
You can enter for 30 days either through the national visa exemption policy or via Hainan’s own Free Trade Port scheme.
The main difference? If you stay strictly within Hainan under the FTP program, you don’t need to fill in an Arrival Card at all.
That said, stepping beyond the island without proper documentation is a no-go, so plan your route before you fly in.
Cruise and Group‑Tour Exemptions
Cruise passengers can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days if they’re in a registered group.
This only applies to select coastal cities, though, and you need to arrive and depart via cruise. It’s a sweet loophole if you’re not planning to stay long or explore inland, but it does require sticking with the group itinerary.
Safety and Security
If you ever lose your passport while travelling in China, report it immediately to the local police and contact ICA using their e-service.
Still, I always keep both a soft copy and a printed backup of my passport just in case. Another thing I learned the hard way: if you're not staying in a hotel, you need to register your address at the nearest police station within 24 hours of arrival.
It's a legal requirement, and skipping it could lead to unnecessary complications.
As for safety in general, China’s cities are very safe.
But of course, low crime doesn’t mean no crime. I always stay alert in crowded places and use common sense when navigating local transport or night markets.
Health Declaration
Health declarations aren’t a daily thing, but during specific periods, like pandemics or when new health risks pop up, China might require them again at the border.
I keep an eye on updates from MFA or the Chinese Embassy just before each trip, so I don’t get caught off guard.
It usually involves a short online form where you declare symptoms or recent travel to affected regions, and it’s easy to complete with a stable internet connection or a quick scan of a QR code on arrival.
What Singaporeans Can Do in China
If you want to make the most of your 30-day visa-free stay, China has something for everyone—history, vibrant cities, relaxing coasts, and exciting food. Every region offers its own unique experience, making every trip memorable.
Explore the Great Wall at Badaling
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There’s just something surreal about standing on the Great Wall, especially at Badaling, where the restoration allows you to climb the steep watchtowers and take in sweeping mountain views. I got there early in the morning to avoid crowds, and trust me, it’s worth it for that quiet moment overlooking centuries of history.
- Location/Address: Badaling Great Wall, Yanqing District, Beijing
- Price Range: RMB 35–45 (off-peak to peak seasons)
- Best For: First-time visitors, photographers, history lovers
Wander Through Shanghai’s Bund & Nanjing Road
Whenever I need that blend of old-meets-new, I head straight for the Bund. The colonial-era buildings facing the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River never get old. From there, it’s a smooth walk over to Nanjing Road, where the lights, shops, and constant movement make it feel like Times Square with dumplings.
- Location/Address: The Bund and Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- Price Range: Free to walk, variable for dining and shopping
- Best For: Night owls, city explorers, urban photographers
Visit the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
Seeing the Terracotta Warriors in person is like stepping into a time capsule. There’s a quiet awe that comes from facing thousands of life-sized soldiers crafted over two millennia ago. I took a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the layout and historical depth, and it made the experience all the more immersive.
- Location/Address: Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, Lintong District, Xi’an
- Price Range: Around RMB 120
- Best For: Ancient history buffs, cultural travellers
Relax in Hainan’s Sanya Beaches
After weeks on the move, I flew to Sanya for some downtime, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. The beaches here rival any tropical hotspot I’ve visited—soft sand, warm waters, and zero rush. Whether I was sipping coconut juice under a palm tree or trying local seafood by the shore, Sanya felt like a well-earned reset.
- Location/Address: Sanya, Hainan Province
- Price Range: Varies by beach and activity; many public beaches are free
- Best For: Beach lovers, families, laid-back travellers
Tulou
Visiting a Tulou in Fujian is like stepping into a living piece of Chinese heritage. Unique to the Hakka people, these ancient, fortress-like communal buildings are as fascinating up close as they are in photos. Wandering through the circular corridors, you’ll hear local dialects echoing, spot families drying crops in the courtyards, and maybe even be invited in for a taste of homemade tea or snacks. It’s a glimpse into a centuries-old way of life that’s both welcoming and wonderfully authentic.
- Location/Address: Yongding or Nanjing counties, Fujian Province
- Price Range: RMB 50–100 for entrance and tours
- Best For: Culture buffs, architecture enthusiasts, history lovers
Connecting Online & Staying Updated
Between juggling e-tickets, hotel check-ins, translation apps, and digital maps, having stable internet isn’t just helpful, it's essential.
Here’s why using Airalo’s China eSIM is a smart move:
- Budget-friendly: unlimited data for just $3.50 per day
- Preload your data plan before arriving, so no need to search for local SIM cards
- Enjoy instant internet access as soon as you land
- Fully compatible with VPNs, making it easy to access Gmail, Google, and other blocked services
- No physical SIM required—no fiddling with cards or SIM ejector tools
- Reliable coverage across provinces, so you stay connected wherever you go
It also lets me access Gmail, Slack, Zoom, and even Google Maps right away.
Trust me, without that connection, it’s easy to feel lost, especially when you’re trying to stay on top of travel updates, health declarations, or visa policies that could shift overnight.
