How to Get a China Tourist Visa From Singapore (2026)

Deciding to visit China? Confused about whether you need a visa? Trust us, you’re not alone. China recently relaxed their entry policies for many nationalities (they opened up to US passport holders!) and just implemented a new reciprocal visa-free agreement with Singapore. That means lots of travellers are scratching their heads trying to figure out what applies to them — and what doesn’t.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a China tourist visa from Singapore: who qualifies, how to apply, what paperwork you need, how much it costs, how long it takes…

First: Do You Even Need a China Tourist Visa?

Okay, so before we talk about how to apply for your China visa — do you actually need one?

As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore explains:

“Starting 9 February 2024, Singapore citizens with ordinary passports* may visit China for tourism, visit friends and family, conduct short-term business, or pass through China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days under the reciprocal visa exemption arrangement.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

If you’re a Singapore citizen travelling to China for less than 30 days, you do not need a tourist visa. Simply show up at the airport with a valid Singapore passport and go on your way.

You will still need a China tourist visa (L Visa) if:

• You are not a Singapore citizen (read: you are a Singapore PR or Employment Pass holder)
• You plan to stay longer than 30 days
• You will be visiting China for work or other purposes not included in their visa-free program
• You do not normally live in Singapore and are just in Singapore temporarily — apply for a Chinese visa in your home country

You can apply for a visa in Singapore as a long-term Singapore resident holding a valid EP, WP, STP, DP, or SVP pass, but you will need to provide proof of your residency status in Singapore (your pass).

What Is a China Tourist Visa (L Visa)?

China has several different categories of visas for tourism (L Visa), business (M visa), studying (X visa), and working (Z visa). It’s important to apply for the correct visa based on your purpose of travel, as the wrong type could limit what you can do in China.

With a Chinese tourist visa, you can travel throughout mainland China for leisure purposes, such as sightseeing and visiting family. Chinese tourist visas can be single, double, or multiple-entry. Visit China Guide

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa From Singapore

Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Sign up and Complete the Online Application Form

First things first, everyone applying for a Chinese visa will need to register/login to their Chinese Visa Application Service Centre portal and fill out the online application form. Once you’ve completed the form, upload any required documentation (we’ll get to this in a minute). Visa For China in Singapore

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre website for Singapore can be found here: bio.visaforchina.cn. Just ensure you select your location as Singapore (SGP3) at the top right of the screen.

Take your time and triple-check your information. Misspelled names, incorrect travel history, and passport mistakes are some of the most common reasons we see applications delayed or denied.

Step 2: Upload Supporting Documentation

Once you’ve filled out your application form, you’ll need to upload electronic copies of all your supporting documents before you can progress to the CVASC portal menu. Generally, you’ll be required to upload the following for a tourist visa:

Evidence of citizenship / valid passport

• Valid passport, clear andMachine-readable with an expiration date at least six months from date of application. It must also have at least one blank visa page.
• Valid photo – Digital photos should be color, taken within six months prior to application and clearly show your full-face against a plain white background. Your photo must be sized 48mm(x) x 33mm(y). Visa For China in Singapore

Proof of legal residency in Singapore

• If you’re not a Singapore citizen, you’ll need to provide proof you have legal residency in Singapore in the form of your EP/ WP/ STP/ DP/ SVP pass.

Tourism-related documents

• Tourists going to China will need to provide round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings in the applicant’s name, OR an invitation letter to visit China along with a copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID (both front and back)
• If visiting a friend or relative in China, you’ll need an invitation letter with your name and passport details clearly stated, your planned trip itinerary while in China, and your friend or relative’s contact number and signature.

Additional documentation

• Copy of any previous Chinese visas or old Chinese passport (If you were formerly a Chinese national but now have citizenship of another country)
• Birth certificate (If the applicant is a minor child of a former Chinese national applying for a Chinese visa for the first time)

Step 3: Await Your Online Review

Once you have submitted your online application form and supporting documents, China will conduct an initial review online. Once the CVASC has completed their online review, you will receive an email notifying you that your “Online review has been completed.” You will then be instructed to print out the attached Visa Application Certificate and take it with your original documents to your nearest Visa Centre. Visa For China in Singapore

You may not visit the Visa Centre until you have received this email. No walk-ins are accepted until you have completed your online application verification.

Step 4: Visit the CVASC in Singapore

Now that your online application has been verified, book an in-person appointment with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Singapore. Remember to bring your ORIGINAL documents along with your printed copy of the Visa Application Certificate.

The CVASC can be found at:

1 Shenton Way, #08-06, One Shenton
Singapore 068803

(Always double-check opening hours on their official website before heading in as they’re subject to change.)

Once you arrive at the Visa Application Centre, your documents will be verified by a Chinese consular officer. All Chinese visa applicants holding regular passports from Singapore will be required to provide your fingerprints. However, effective 2 September 2024 to 31 December 2025, applicants holding regular passports for short-term visas (stay of less than 180 days) who apply for one or two entries will be exempted from fingerprint collection.

Step 5: Pay The Visa Application Fee

Visa fees are paid after you submit your documents at the Visa Application Centre. The total cost will be the visa application fee, plus a processing service fee. If you would like your visa processed faster, such as with the Express service or Rush service, there will be an additional cost. All fees can be paid in cash (Singapore Dollar only), debit card (NETS and UnionPay). Visa To China

Step 6: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed and Collected

Processing Times:

• Regular processing time is 4–5 working days
• Express service takes 2–3 working days
• Rush Service will be processed within 1 working day.

Please note that processing times during peak season (Golden week, Chinese New Year, and school holidays in Singapore) may be longer than stated above. Travelchina

When your visa is ready, you may then pick up your passport and visa in person from the CVASC. Alternatively, you may authorize someone else to pick it up on your behalf by filling out a “Passport pick-up authorization” form.

China Tourist Visa Fees (Singapore)

Visa for China

Keep in mind that China may increase or decrease costs at anytime depending on your nationality and reciprocal visa fee agreements.

How Long Does a China Tourist Visa Last?

Chinese tourist visas (“L Visas”) can range from 30 to 90 days per entry, and are valid between 3 and 12 months upon issue date. We recommend applying for your visa at least 3 months prior to your arrival in China to guarantee that your visa is valid.

You may apply for a visa extension once you are in China at your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) office. Approval is not guaranteed, however, overstaying your visa can result in fines and other penalties.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

• Book refundable tickets. Unless you are sure your visa will be approved, book refundable flight and hotel tickets. You can always confirm your bookings once your visa is approved.
• Triple check your visa photo. One of the most common application rejections we see are because of visa photos. Make sure you go to a professional photo studio or one of those automated passport photo booths to get a photo with the exact specifications needed. China Travel Guides
• Apply early. China allows 4–5 day processing times for their tourist visas, but who likes to be that close to their travel date? We recommend applying at least 3 to 4 weeks out from your intended date of departure, leaving room for unforeseen delays. Bookings made during Chinese holidays tend to take longer.
• Non-citizens: remember your proof of residency. If you’re not a Singapore citizen, make sure to bring your original long-term pass along with a copy. We cannot stress this enough. Many rejected applicants on the day of their appointment because they didn’t realize they needed to provide their EP, DP, WP, or STP pass as part of their documentation.
• Make copies, lots of copies. Keep copies of your application, supporting documents, and your passport with your visa once issued. This will be useful if you have issues arriving in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) and Employment Pass Holders Apply for a Chinese Visa in Singapore?

Yes. Long-term residents of Singapore (including Singapore PRs) can apply as long as you can provide proof that you’re allowed to stay in Singapore for an extended amount of time. This can be shown with your Re-entry Permit, Work Permit, Employment Pass, Student’s Pass, or Dependant’s Pass. Visa To China

Do Singapore citizens need a visa for China?

Citizens of Singapore do not need a visa if they are staying for 30 days or less. As of February 2024, China implemented a reciprocal visa exemption for Singapore citizens holding an ordinary passport (update). China visas are still required if you’re visiting for business or extending your stay.

Can I apply for a China visa online?

The short answer is kind of. While your initial application and supporting documents are submitted online — you’ll still be required to visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Singapore to complete your application. There is currently no way to apply for a Chinese visa from Singapore without visiting the Visa Centre in person. Visa For China

What happens if my visa is rejected?

You will be notified by mail and your passport will be returned to you. Visa fees are typically non-refundable, but you can try re-applying with additional documents or consult with a registered visa agency for advice.

Final Thoughts

The process of getting your China tourist visa from Singapore really isn’t too bad. The most common mistake we see is providing incorrect or incomplete documentation. Or, submitting their application too late before their intended travel date.

Register online, gather your documents, visit the CVASC in Singapore with your paperwork, and allow for processing time. That’s all there is to it. Now go have the time of your life exploring Xi’an, karaoke-ing in Kuching, and everything in between. BeijingGuide

Remember to always check CHINA’s official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre website or the Chinese Embassy in Singapore for the most up-to-date visa information prior to submitting your application.