Travel has surged significantly in the two years since China and Singapore's mutual visa exemption began.

Since the agreement began on Feb 9, 2024, the number of travelers between the two countries passing through Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport has exceeded 280,000, a 142 percent increase compared to the two years before the policy. Among them, over 53,000 were Singaporean nationals.

Thanks to the policy, Qingdao airport has expanded its Southeast Asian network, launching new direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and increasing frequency to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Weekly flights to Southeast Asia now total 92, with 14 round trips per week to Singapore.

To improve the travel experience, immigration authorities have introduced online pre-arrival forms to reduce waiting times. This year, nearly 8,000 travelers from Southeast Asia have entered through Qingdao, with Singaporeans making up 8 percent of the total.

As a key regional aviation hub, Qingdao airport continues to strengthen its network, supporting growing people-to-people exchanges and reflecting the deepening ties between China and Singapore.

Qingdao airport now operates 92 weekly flights to Southeast Asia, including 14 round trips to Singapore. [Photo/Guanhai News]