Cardholders in China holding Visa Platinum and Visa Gold will be granted two-year multiple journey visas to Singapore under the "Visa-for-Visa" program jointly launched by Visa International and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), reported by the website of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

The program has started on December 1 and enables eligible Visa cardholders to purchase travel packages in addition to applying for a two-year multiple journey visa to Singapore at appointed travel agents by presenting their Visa Platinum or Gold cards and passports. The privilege is extended to spouses and children.

In a stroke, this relieves cardholders from the troublesome visa application procedures where they have to pay security deposits and submit supporting financial documents. Cardholders who purchase tour packages at appointed travel agents in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou will also receive additional shopping bonus in Singapore worth RMB500 (US$60).

Twelve Chinese travel agents will be participating in the program, including five in Beijing, five in Shanghai and two in Guangzhou. Visas to Singapore for Chinese travelers are issued from Singapore Missions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen. Details of the "Visa-for-Visa" program are available at Visa's website at www.visa.com.cn and STB's website at www.visitsingapore.com.

(CNTA.com December 10, 2004)