At Singapore’s famous Gardens by the Bay, 24-year-old Sun Shiqi reflected on her first international trip, noting that Singapore’s visa-free entry for Chinese nationals was a significant factor in her decision.
“I simply showed my passport when I crossed the border,” said Sun, a recent university graduate, who enjoyed a smooth four-day visit with a friend.
Since February, Chinese travelers have had visa-free access to Singapore. In return, Singaporeans can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This agreement also benefits citizens from the US, UK, and other ASEAN countries who have similar travel privileges.
The introduction of visa-free travel has fueled a surge in exploration across Southeast Asia. This region, still recovering from the pandemic, relies heavily on tourism, prompting many governments to ease long-standing immigration restrictions.
Travelers from India, China, and Russia have become major beneficiaries of these new policies, flocking to the region’s beaches and resorts. For many, it is their first overseas trip, made easier by the removal of bureaucratic obstacles.
