SINGAPORE – International business residents and travellers in Singapore will soon have an easier time obtaining a visa to China with the creation of a special visa centre at Raffles Place.
Currently, Singaporeans do not need a Chinese visa for trips less than 15 days so the new centre, due to open in mid-May, will speed up the process for internationals living or travelling in the Southeast Asian country.
UK passport holders living in Singapore (estimated to be 25,000 at the moment), however, will be significantly affected by the news as they will no longer be able to apply for passport renewals through the Singapore-based British High Commission and will instead have to apply at the British consulate in Hong Kong. It is understood this will increase delays for processing by four days and cost more as applicants will have to pay for a courier service.
For the Shanghai World Expo, due to be held from 1 May to 31 October, China is pledging to accelerate the visa application process for event organisers and visitors. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has instructed Chinese embassies and consulates around the world to use this easier process for granting visas throughout the event’s life.
