This article provides an analytical guide specifically for Russian passport holders (you can replace it with your passport, but check the list of countries for free transit on provided official websites) on how to travel visa-free using transit policies in Singapore and China. The information applies to those who meet the eligibility criteria for visa-free transit and intend to follow the required conditions.
Visa-Free Transit In Singapore
Who Can Use Singapore’s Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF)
Singapore offers a Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for citizens of certain countries, allowing short stays during transit.
Eligible Countries:
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
- Other Countries: Georgia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Conditions For Entry:
- Must Be In Transit To A Third Country
- Stay Up To 96 Hours (4 Days)
- Eligibility Is Determined Upon Arrival By Singapore Immigration
Official Reference: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
If your stay in Singapore is longer than 96 hours, or your transit does not qualify, you will need a tourist visa.
Apply Here: Singapore Tourist Visa
Visa-Free Transit In China
Who Can Use China’s 144/240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China has extended its visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in specific areas.
Eligible Countries:
- Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States
- Asia: Brunei, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Conditions For Entry:
- Must Be In Transit To A Third Country (Not Returning Directly To The Origin)
- Stay Up To 240 Hours (10 Days)
- Available At 60 Designated Ports In 24 Provinces
- You Must Remain Within The Designated Area (For Example, Guangdong Province For Guangzhou)
Effective December 17, 2024, China’s National Immigration Administration announced an extension of the visa-free transit policy for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa.
Official Reference: China Embassy Announcement
If your stay in China is longer than 240 hours, or your transit does not qualify, you will need a tourist visa.
Apply Here: China Tourist Visa
Understanding “Transit To A Third Country”
Many travelers misunderstand the meaning of “transit to a third country.” Here’s how it works:
Allowed Routes For Visa-Free Transit:
- Russia → China → Thailand (Third Country = Thailand)
- Indonesia → China → UAE (Third Country = UAE)
- Russia → China → Indonesia (Third Country = Indonesia)
Not Allowed (Does Not Count As A Transit To A Third Country):
- Russia → China → Russia (Return To The Origin Country)
- Indonesia → China → Indonesia (Return To The Origin Country)
Returning to Indonesia is allowed only if the traveler first transits through another country before returning.
Example: Indonesia → China → Malaysia → Indonesia
Example Itinerary Using Visa-Free Transit
Planned Route:
- Bali → Guangzhou (Via Singapore) – Transit In Singapore Allowed (72 Hours)
- Stay In Guangzhou (10 Days, Visa-Free Transit)
- Guangzhou → Kuala Lumpur – Transit In Malaysia (Must Go Outside Of Terminal Via Immigration Officer, At Least)
- Kuala Lumpur → Bali – Return Home
Bali → Guangzhou (Via Singapore)
Date: February 22-23, 2025
Departure: Bali (DPS) – February 22, 20:40
Arrival: Guangzhou (CAN) – February 23, 09:30
Flight Details:
- Route: Bali – Guangzhou (Via Singapore)
- Booking: Skyscanner Bali – Guangzhou or via Aviasales
- Visa-Free Transit In Singapore (72 Hours Available)
Stay In Guangzhou (Visa-Free Transit For 240 Hours)
Dates: February 23 – March 4, 2025
- Eligible For China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Allowed To Stay Within Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Etc.)
- Must Depart Before March 4, 09:30 AM
Guangzhou → Kuala Lumpur (Must Go Outside Of Terminal Via Immigration Officer, At Least)
Date: March 4, 2025
Departure: Guangzhou (CAN) – 03:10 AM
Arrival: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – 07:30 AM
Flight Details:
- Route: Guangzhou – Kuala Lumpur
- Booking: Skyscanner Guangzhou – Kuala Lumpur or via Aviasales
Transit In Kuala Lumpur:
- If Flights Are On One Ticket, Stay In The Transit Area (No Immigration Needed)
- If Flights Are On Separate Tickets, Check Malaysia’s Transit Visa Policy For Russian Citizens
Kuala Lumpur → Bali
Date: March 4, 2025
Departure: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – TBD
Arrival: Bali (DPS)
Flight Details:
- Route: Kuala Lumpur – Bali
- Booking: Skyscanner Kuala Lumpur – Bali or via Aviasales
Summary Of The Route & Visa Conditions
| Leg | Route | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bali → Guangzhou | Singapore: 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit |
| 2 | Stay In Guangzhou | China: 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit |
| 3 | Guangzhou → Kuala Lumpur (Must Go Outside Of Terminal Via Immigration Officer, At Least) | Transit In Kuala Lumpur (No Visa If Airside Transit) |
| 4 | Kuala Lumpur → Bali | No Visa Required |
Conclusion
By carefully planning your travel to include transit to a third country, you can take advantage of visa-free transit policies in Singapore and China without needing a visa.
If your stay exceeds the transit limits, apply for a visa:
Travel smart, avoid visa hassles, and explore more.