Everything You Need to Know about Singapore Visa

Do I need a visa for Singapore? If yes, how should I prepare for the Singapore visa application? How long can I stay in Singapore? Is there anything that I should take care of while traveling to Singapore?

If you have similar questions, you are in the right place. Singapore, as a famous tourist attraction, attracts millions of travelers around the world every year. However, due to its strict rules and regulations on border management, citizens of some countries have to present valid travel documents (such as passports and Singapore visas) while other nationals can enter the country without visas. In this passage, you will find out whether you need a Singapore visa or not. If yes, we will introduce Singapore visa types, requirements, and how to apply for it.

Do US citizens need a visa for Singapore?

No. According to the Singapore government, citizens holding travel documents issued by 36 countries must apply for a Singapore visa before setting out while countries/regions not included are exempt from a visa, including the United States.

Visa-required Countries

A visa is also required on the following conditions:

• traveling with refugee travel documents which must take assessment of recognition for entry into Singapore
• traveling with an Alien’s passport which must take assessment of recognition for entry into Singapore
• traveling with a Palestinian Authority passport
• traveling with a temporary passport issued by the UAE
• traveling with a Document of Identity issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
• traveling with a Travel Permit issued by the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China

Visa-free Countries

Citizens from countries not on the list above can enter the country without visas and stay for 30 days except for the following countries whose citizens could stay for 90 days.

• European Union Countries
• Switzerland
• Norway
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Japan 
• United States

Types of Singapore visa

This legal entry permit allows travelers to tour, work, study or do business in Singapore depending on the type of visa and each features extra requirements for application. Here are some common visa types.

Singapore Tourist Visa

This is a short-term visa issued to travelers who enter the country for tourism or other non-work-related leisure activities. After reaching the immigration checkpoint, the officer will check your qualifications and give you an Entry Pass. It remains valid for 2 years upon issuance and allows the visa holders to stay 14-30 days. It can be extendable if you wish to stay longer.

Singapore Work Visa

Singapore is a highly developed economy that provides a large number of job opportunities. Foreigners who wish to get paid employment must apply for a Singapore work visa to enter the country. It can be divided into different categories depending on the employee’s skill level and type of work, including passes for professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, trainees and students, and short-term work. This visa holder can stay for 6 months to 3 years.

Singapore Student Visa

It is issued to foreign students who are accepted by colleges or educational institutions and the courses cost more than 30 days. The application must be handed in 1-2 months before the starting date of the semester. You can stay in Singapore for 3 months to the length of your course.

Singapore Transit Visa

It allows travelers to leave the airport transit area and stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours. Please note that it can be applied only when you have an air ticket for a connecting flight ticket and don’t go through the immigration area.

Singapore Business Visa

It allows the visa holder to Enter the country for the purpose of business, such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc. It is usually issued in electronic form, known as eVisa.

Singapore Golden Visa

It is issued to individuals who want to make substantial investments and become permanent residents in Singapore based on the Singapore Global Investor Program (GIP). You can stay in the country for 5 – 10 years with this visa.

Singapore Dependent’s Visa

It is issued to family members of those with an Employment Pass (EP), Personalized Employment Pass (PEP), S Pass, or EntrePass. The duration of stay in Singapore is as long as the EP holders.

Processing Time & Fees for Singapore Visa Application

The cost of Singapore visas includes the government fee and service fees. The latter one is subject to the local third-party visa centers and travel agencies, the type of visa, and the service requested. The former depends on visa types and are listed as follows. It could be paid through online payment methods with credit cards, debit cards or internet banking

The processing time is subject to the visa type, the number of applications or unforeseen situations. It might take longer during peak travel seasons. Expedited services are also available if you pay extra fees.

Singapore Visa Requirements

If you are eligible to apply for a Singapore visa, you should collect the required documents listed as follows.

• Singapore visa application form

It is used to gather your personal and traveling information. Questions include marital status, purpose of visit, where you will stay in Singapore, how long you will stay, etc. Applicants must sign one Form 14A.

• passport/travel document

Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity before expiration. You should make a photocopy of the bio-data page on the passport (usually the first two pages).

• proof of travel

It could be a photocopy of a confirmed air ticket or travel itinerary in A4 format.

• passport-size photo
• Introduction letter/invitation letter

If you are invited or cooperate with any local contact or strategic partner, you should ask them to provide a statement indicating your purpose of visiting, duration of stay, and your relationship. If there is a local contact, ask him/her to sign on Form V39A.

• credit card/debit card

It should be a VISA or MasterCard which is used to pay for the Singapore visa application fee.

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination

This is only required when you have ever been to following the countries in the last six days.

How to Apply for a Singapore Visa

Singapore visa application can be done online or at the local Singapore embassy/consulate. Please note that you have to ask for a local contact, strategic partner or authorized visa agent to submit the application on your behalf.

For online applications, one must be at least 21 years old to be eligible to register on SingPass, the official digital identity app available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and AppGallery.

A local contact refers to citizens, permanent residents or business users that you know and trust in Singapore.

Authorized visa agents and strategic partners are reputable institutions and travel agencies granted by Submission of Application for Visa Electronically (SAVE). You can contact the Singaporean mission to enquire how to find one. 

The Singapore Visa on SingPass goes through the following process.

• Provide the applicants’ particulars, including name, nationality, date of birth, religion, etc.
• Provide the applicants’ additional information, including contact, occupation & education, expected date of arrival, visa type, purpose of visit, accommodation in Singapore, and applicant’s precedent. 
• Provide local contact’s particulars, including name, identity card number, contact number, address, email, relationship, etc. This page is unavailable for strategic partners.
• Upload a Singapore visa photo
• Confirm the information provided before.
• Fulfill payment.
• Save or print out the acknowledgment which carries the Singapore visa application and e-payment reference number which can be used to track the application status.

Photo Guidelines for Singapore Visa

• Dimensions: 35mm (width) x 45mm (height)
• Digital photo: jpg file, not more than 60 KB
• background: white
• The photo must be taken within the last three months.
• The picture must be sharp and clear.
• The photo must taken under uniform lighting.
• Your head and upper shoulders must be visible.
• Your face must be fully shown and face forward.
• Keep your eyes open and mouth closed.
• You can wear glasses as long as they don’t obscure your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
• Hats and scarves are not allowed.
• Head coverings are only accepted for religious belief.

Tips for Travel to Singapore

Singapore is an amazing country where you can experience diverse cultures, a shopping paradise and so on. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

• Document checklist before boarding

• Singapore visa (if required)
• passport with at least 6 months of validity from the arrival date and 2 blank sheets
• sufficient funds to support the whole trip
• Return or onward ticket
• Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

All visitors must apply for it on ICA website within 3 dates before arrival to enter the country. It is not a visa, but a customs registration form that is used to gather travel information, health conditions and personal information.

• Weather

It is a year-round visitable country. However, December to June is the best time to visit. You are supposed to pack light and breathable clothing. Don’t forget to carry rain gear if you visit there from November to January.

• Check cultural taboos, laws and regulations of your destinations in case of any misunderstanding. For example, chewing gum is banned in Singapore.
• Take care of your valuables and certificates even though Singapore enjoys public praise of safety in Asia.

Summary

Singapore offers various types of visas for foreign visitors. If you are planning to visit this country, you should check whether you need a Singapore visa or not. If yes, please gather all required documents according to the Singapore visa requirements and turn to a representative to submit the application for you. We hope this passage will help you get fully prepared for the upcoming amazing trip.