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From (today) 1 Nov 2003, citizens of the People's Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) holding Diplomatic, Official, Service or Public Affairs passports will be exempted from visa requirements if they stay in Singapore for a period not exceeding 30 days.

From Dec 2003, it will be easier for business travellers to apply for long-term Multiple Journey Visas (MJVs). So long as the applicant is able to furnish a Letter of Introduction from a Government agency or a business associate in Singapore, ICA will consider granting him a long-term MJV with a validity period of up to 5 years.

ICA will also accept Letters of Introduction from reputable Chinese companies. EDB has started to build up a list of such companies. Moving forward, various economic agencies will work with companies in Singapore to expand this list. Those holding a MJV will not need to apply for a visa each time they visit Singapore. We hope this will encourage more to make Singapore their regional business base.

In Jul 2003, ICA launched a pilot trial where visa applications for individual travellers could be submitted through 3 selected Chinese travel agents.

Based on the experience gained and feedback received, STB and ICA will work towards significantly expanding the number of Chinese travel agents who can submit visa applications for individual tourists coming to Singapore.

From 01 Dec 2003, ICA will also start issuing 5-week multiple-journey visas, instead of the current 3 weeks. Holders of such visas may be granted a longer stay of up to 30 days upon arrival, instead of the current 14 days.
ICA will also continue to streamline the visa application procedures. Details will be made available at a later date.

The above measures are part of ICA's continuing efforts to streamline and improve the visa framework. In Oct 2002, ICA introduced a series of measures to facilitate the entry and stay of businessmen and visitors to Singapore. These measures have yielded positive and encouraging results.

The new measures announced today will help to further facilitate the entry and stay of bona fide visitors. For clarification, the media may contact Miss Ngoon Pei Ling at Tel: (65) 6391 6514 or fax their queries to Fax: (65) 62987869.

Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority 30 Oct 2003