Visa Requirements for Travel to Singapore
A visit to Singapore is a glimpse into the future. From its modern and almost surreal airport to its eye-catching and ever-changing skyline, Singapore is continuously innovative.
Even though the tourist entry requirements for most nationalities are straightforward, Singapore is known for its commitment to the rules. Here’s what you need to know about visas for Singapore, including what types of visas are available and how to navigate the rules for trouble-free travel.
Understanding Visa Requirements in Singapore
The visa requirements for travel to Singapore depend on your nationality, how many days you’ll spend in the country, and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of 164 different countries can enter Singapore as tourists for a period of 30 or 90 days without needing a visa.
- Passport holders from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and the United States can enjoy 90 days visa-free in Singapore.
- Citizens of some other countries are permitted to stay a maximum of 30 days without applying for a visa.
Travelers from countries that aren’t on the visa waiver list must apply for either an e-visa or a regular tourist visa, depending on their nationality. E-visa applications can be conveniently processed through various online e-visa providers, typically with a rapid one-day processing time. Conversely, regular visas require travelers to contact their nearest Singaporean diplomatic mission or work with an agent.
Frequent Traveller Programme
The Frequent Traveller Programme is available for visitors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This program allows the use of automated clearance facilities at immigration, significantly simplifying the entry process into Singapore and helping frequent travelers avoid long wait times during peak hours.
Essential Requirements Before Visiting Singapore
All tourists arriving in Singapore must have:
- A valid passport (with a minimum validity of six months at the time of departure).
- Sufficient funds for their stay in Singapore.
- An SG Arrival Card to facilitate entry.
Unlike many other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore does not require a paper-based Disembarkation Card upon arrival. Instead, all travelers, including those in the Frequent Traveller Programme, must submit an SG Arrival Card online, providing basic personal information, trip details, and a health declaration. This can be accomplished through the MyICA phone app or the official ICA website.
Furthermore, travelers arriving in Singapore from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a valid yellow fever vaccine certificate. Travelers failing to provide this certificate may face quarantine at their own cost for up to six days.
Passport Stamps and Visit Pass
Travelers passing through immigration at Changi Airport receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) via email rather than a traditional passport stamp. The e-Pass contains important details about the visit, including the maximum number of days and the last day the traveler is authorized to stay in Singapore.
