Not long ago, a Chinese traveler asked me directly if she needed a visa to visit Singapore. This is honestly a question I’ve been asked and I’ve answered more than once, and it’s easy to see why. With so many rules changing around the world, visas can be confusing. The good news is that if you hold an ordinary passport from China, you don’t need a visa to enter Singapore for up to 30 days. This makes visiting the Lion City easier than ever and helps explain why so many Chinese visitors are now flocking here.

Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Visitors

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, ordinary passport holders from China are exempted from visa requirements. You can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without needing to go through any visa application process.

This policy has opened the doors wider for tourism, shopping, and cultural exchange. It’s part of why Chinese arrivals in Singapore have surged to the top spot in recent months.

China Leading the Way in Singapore Tourism

Tourists gathered at the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore with the iconic globe.

I honestly wasn’t surprised when I came across the latest numbers from the Singapore Tourism Board. According to reports, in August alone, almost 400,000 visitors came from China, making it the single biggest source of tourists to Singapore. When you think about it, that’s nearly a quarter of all international arrivals for that month, which reached about 1.6 million in total.

And it’s not just a one-off spike. From January to August this year, almost 2.4 million Chinese visitors set foot in Singapore. That’s more than any other country, putting China firmly in the number one spot ahead of Indonesia and India. Overall, Singapore has already welcomed 11.6 million international visitors in 2025 so far, a small but steady rise compared to the same period last year.

To be honest, I see this trend every time I’m in Singapore. At tourist attractions, in malls and even in casual dining spots, I tend to notice more Chinese tourists than any other group. One memory that really sticks with me was when I stayed at a hostel in Chinatown. In this hostel, more than 80 percent of my roommates were from China. It felt like I had flown to Shanghai or Beijing without leaving Singapore. That’s when it hit me how strong the connection between China and Singapore really is.

For me, these numbers are something I’ve seen with my own eyes, and they explain why Singapore has become such a magnet for Chinese travelers.

What You Need to Enter Singapore

Visitors walking along the sheltered walkway at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

Even though a visa isn’t required, there are a few essentials you must have:

  • A passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry.
  • A completed SG Arrival Card (this is done online before you land).
  • A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation in Singapore (hotel booking or host’s address).

Important Things to Know

  • Length of stay: Visa-free entry is capped at 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for an extension or a different type of pass.
  • Multiple visits: You can re-enter Singapore after leaving, but immigration officers will check for overuse of visa-free entry.
  • Work and study: This visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business visits, and short stays. You cannot work or study under this exemption.

Not Every Chinese Traveler is Visa-Free

Now, here’s something important that many people miss. While most Chinese travelers can now enjoy visa-free entry into Singapore for up to 30 days, this does not apply to everyone holding a PRC-issued document. Ordinary passport holders are fine, but if you’re traveling with other types of documents, the rules change.

For example, holders of the following documents still need to apply for an entry visa before stepping into Singapore:

  • PRC Travel Document
  • The Hong Kong SAR Document of Identity (DOI)
  • The Macau SAR Travel Permit

It’s one of those fine-print details that can easily be overlooked, but it can make or break your trip.

I’ve met travelers on the road who got caught out by this, assuming they could just board a plane and enter without issue. That’s why I always recommend double-checking your document type before making plans. Singapore is very strict with immigration rules, and the last thing you want is to be stopped at the border after flying all the way here.

Busy Chinatown street market in Singapore with shops and stalls under a covered walkway.

Why Do Some Still Need a Visa?

You might be wondering, if Singapore allows ordinary passport holders from China to enter visa-free, why are some Chinese travelers still required to apply for a visa? The answer lies in the type of travel document you hold.

Ordinary passports are the most common and widely recognized for international travel. That’s why Singapore extended the 30-day visa exemption to them since it makes things smoother for the majority of Chinese tourists.

But documents like the PRC Travel Document and the other aforementioned ones are not considered the same as an ordinary passport. These documents are often issued for very specific situations. For example, they are issued to people without a regular passport, residents of Hong Kong or Macau with different travel arrangements. Because of this, Singapore applies stricter rules and still requires a visa.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Visitors to Singapore

Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay in Singapore?

No, the 30-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before your current stay ends.

Do I need proof of onward travel when entering Singapore?

Yes, immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward or return travel. It’s always better to carry a confirmed flight ticket out of Singapore to avoid any problems at the border.

Can Chinese citizens work or study in Singapore on a visa-free entry?

No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short visits. If you plan to work, study, or engage in business activities, you must apply for the correct visa or pass before arriving.

What happens if I overstay the 30-day visa-free period?

Overstaying in Singapore can result in fines, detention, or even being banned from returning. Always respect the immigration rules and leave before your 30 days are up.

Colorful flower display inside Gardens by the Bay with visitors walking through.

Do children also get visa-free entry to Singapore?

Yes, children holding a valid ordinary passport from China also enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

Do I need travel insurance to visit Singapore?

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but I highly recommend it. Singapore is a safe country, but unexpected medical or travel issues can happen, and insurance gives you peace of mind.