China has stopped issuing multiple journey visas (MJVs) to foreigners.

In a media interview by Lianhe Zaobao on 7 April, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore confirmed this news, stating computer system upgrading as the reason for the discontinuation since 27 March.

The maximum duration of stay for business or tourist visa holders have also been reduced to one month, from 90 days and 60 days respectively.

Tour agencies in Hong Kong and Singapore said that the discontinuation would last till after the Beijing Olympic Games.

Counsellor Xue Yungang of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore stressed that the discontinuation of the issuance of the MJV is only temporary and would resume when the computer system upgrading is completed. He did not comment on when China would resume with the issuance of the MJV, but stated that China continued to welcome foreigners to tour or do business in China.

Singapore citizens who hold an ordinary Singapore passport need no visa to enter China for purpose of visiting relatives, friends or do business, provided the duration of stay is no more than 15 days.

As most Singapore business executives would not spend more than 15 days per trip to China, they do not require visa.

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