SINGAPORE VISITOR VISA GUIDE

Heading to Singapore? We share this Singapore visitor visa guide to help you plan your trip and get the right visa for you.

A Singapore visa may be required for individuals who wish to enter the country for work, business or a holiday. Depending on their nationality, citizens of nearly 80% of the countries in the world can travel to Singapore for 30 days or 90 days, without a visa.

The citizens of the remaining countries, holding normal passports, are divided into two groups- Assessment Level 1 & Assessment Level 2. Citizens of Assessment Level 1 qualify for a Singapore e-visa, while those from Level 2 countries must obtain a visa in advance through a local contact or a diplomatic mission.

Visa requirements for Singapore

After you present yourself at an immigration counter at your port of entry in Singapore, you must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for visiting the country:

• Passport with at least six months of validity.
• Proof of funds during the stay.
• A confirmed onward/return air ticket.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable. (Learn more here.)
• A valid Singapore entry visa* (if applicable).
• SG Arrival Card. (This is an electronic admission card, required in place of the paper Disembarkation/ Embarkation paper card. Must be submitted before travel. Learn more about the SG arrival card requirement here.)

*Citizens of most countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Latin America, and the majority of European countries, do not need a visa. 

Please note that unless you satisfy the basic entry requirements, you may not be granted entry into Singapore even if you have a valid visa

How to apply for a Singapore visa

The visa application form can be downloaded from the government website or collected from any overseas Singapore embassy. You can also apply for a visa through an online visa agency or any Singapore citizen who is your local contact via the SAVE system. If approved, a copy of the e-visa can be sent to you and you can print it out.

The other documents needed for a business or tourist visa are:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity on the date of arrival in Singapore.
• Form 14A is signed by the applicant.
• Two passport-size photographs 35mm x 45mm without borders and not more than three months old. Should be taken against a white background with no shadows.
• Additional documents (Form V39A) may be asked for depending on case to case basis. (Please note that the local contact must be a permanent resident or citizen of Singapore at least 21 years of age.)
• Information about the occupation.
• Accommodation information.
• Your confirmed travel dates.

Once you have applied to an authorized visa agent, you will get a reference number. You can then track your application and print your e-visa when it has been approved.

(Note: In case your visa is rejected, you can make an appeal within one month from the date of rejection. The processing time for an appeal is generally 14 working days depending on merit)

Processing time of Visas

The processing time for a visa is 3-8 business days after the date of submission. This excludes weekends and public holidays.

Visa processing fee

The processing visa to be submitted with every application for a Singapore visa is the equivalent of S$30. This processing fee is non-refundable irrespective of whether your application is approved or not or if withdrawn after submission.

When to submit the application

It is advised to submit the application for an entry visa at least 30 days prior to the intended date of arrival in Singapore in the peak season and seven days in advance during the off-season.

Types of Singapore Visas

• Business visa/ Work visa(B)&(E): This visa is given to those people who are seeking employment or want to start a business in Singapore. It is usually referred to as an Employment or Entrepreneur Pass. (Valid for up to six months, more than six and up to one year, or more than one year up to five years. Single/ Multiple entries)
• Visitor or Tourist visa(T): A tourist visa is required for some nationalities. (Stay period 30 days. Validity up to two years.)
• Study visa(S): A student visa or Student’s Pass is issued if one wants to study in Singapore. (Valid for five years or course duration, whichever is less)

Overstay cases can face strict legal action as per immigration laws and travelers with such a history may not get a Singapore visa again.

Singapore Travel Guide

Singapore is a sprawling urban city and traveling around gets a bit tricky. That said, you will find the experience unique the moment you land at Changi International Airport. The airport itself is a world-class entertainment hub with plenty of engaging activities for adults and kids alike.

Once in the city, the attraction levels reach high decibels. For families, there is Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, Universal Studios, and Adventure Cove Water Park the list is endless. For food head to Chinatown or Little India, and as far as shopping is concerned, Singapore has everything you thought you never even needed. 

Singapore travel tips:

• SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE
• 10 UNIQUE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE
• SINGAPORE ITINERARY: THE PERFECT 3 DAYS
• 6 BEST PLACES TO SEE THE SINGAPORE SUNSET