Everyone has their dream travel destination. Traveling is such a worthwhile experience that most people strive hard for it. One travel destination that international travelers dream of is Singapore. While Singapore requires visas from some foreign nationals for entry, most nationals can enjoy visa-free travel to Singapore.
This blog provides information on visa-free travel to Singapore, especially about countries eligible for visa-free entry. For travelers who need visas to enter Singapore, read in this blog the steps for a Singapore eVisa application and the requirements for a Singapore visit visa.
What is the Singapore eVisa?
A Singapore eVisa is a travel document required by foreign nationals wishing to enter Singapore. An application for a Singapore eVisa is made online. Continue reading below for more information about acquiring a Singapore eVisa.
Nationals Who Need Visas to Enter Singapore
Singapore requires visas from nationals of the following countries if they wish to enter and visit the country:
| Afghanistan | Algeria | Armenia | Azerbaijan | Bangladesh |
| People’s Republic of China | Egypt | Georgia | Hong Kong | India |
| Iran | Iraq | Jordan | Kazakhstan | Kosovo |
| Kyrgyzstan | Lebanon | Libya | Macao | Mali |
| Moldova | Morocco | Nigeria | Pakistan | Yemen |
| Russia | Saudi Arabia | Somalia | Sudan | Syria |
| Tajikistan | Tunisia | Turkmenistan | Ukraine | Uzbekistan |
| Democratic People’s Republic of Korea |
Nationals traveling on a Palestinian Authority passport, a temporary passport issued by the United Arab Emirates, or refugee travel documents issued by a Middle Eastern country also need a valid visa for Singapore entry.
Nationals from the abovementioned countries who wish to travel to Singapore can apply for a Singapore eVisa.
Make sure to include the following documents in your visa application:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Copies of plane tickets and an itinerary for your Singapore visit, e.g., hotel reservations, tour packages, etc.
- A valid visa to the next destination (if applicable)
- One recent passport-size photo (taken within the last three months)
- A separate document containing your working contact number and email address
A visa application form must also be completed and duly signed when applying for a Singapore visa. A processing fee must be paid for a Singapore visa application to be processed.
Aside from online visa applications, traveling nationals may also acquire a valid Singapore visit visa via in-person application at an embassy or consulate. Travelers are advised to apply for a Singapore visit visa 30 days before their planned arrival in Singapore.
However, possessing a valid Singapore visit visa, however, does not guarantee entry to Singapore. Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requires additional documents such as public health requirements like Yellow Fever and COVID-19 requirements, and other general entry requirements like a valid passport and an SG Arrival Card, or SGAC (for which a declaration must be filled out three days before arrival in Singapore).
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants visa-free entry to nationals from countries not included in the abovementioned list.
Visa-exempt nationals can stay in Singapore without a visa for up to 30 days, except nationals from the following countries or regions who are allowed a maximum visa-free stay of 90 days:
- European Union (EU)
- New Zealand
- Norway
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- United States of America
US citizens with regular, official, or diplomatic passports can enter Singapore visa-free on either business or social visits.
Visa-exempt nationals are still required by the ICA to present additional documents, like the public health requirements and other general entry requirements listed above, upon arrival in Singapore.
Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF)
Singapore’s Visa-Free Transit Facility, or VFTF, allows certain foreign travelers transiting through Singapore to enter the country for 96 hours under the following conditions:
Nationals of India and the People’s Republic of China in transit to or from a third country via Singapore may be eligible for VFTF if:
1. They have a forward air, ferry, or cruise ticket to depart Singapore within 96 hours, regardless of their mode of transport upon entry; and
2. They have a valid visa or long-term pass (with a validity of at least one month from the date of entry into Singapore under the VFTF) issued by and good for entry into any of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine in transit to or from any third country may be eligible for the 96-hour VFTF if they have a valid onward air ticket to depart Singapore within 96 hours. They may enter Singapore by any mode of transport but must depart Singapore by air.
FAQs
How much is the processing fee for a Singapore visa application?
A Singapore visa application costs US$22.00. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa application outcome or withdrawal of the application post-submission. The fee is subject to change without notice.
How long will a Singapore visa application take?
A complete Singapore visa application will take three to eight business days to be processed. Take note, however, that some visa applications may take longer to process. Applicants are therefore advised to make an allowance period for extra processing time before their scheduled departure.
How long is a Singapore eVisa valid?
A Singapore eVisa is valid for a maximum of 63 days after the date of issuance. It allows multiple entries within the period of validity, with a maximum stay of 15 days per entry.