Coming to Singapore? Here's what you need to know about visas
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, welcome lah! You're in for good food, fast trains, and some serious aircon everywhere you go. But before we get into the fun stuff, let’s settle the boring-but-important part first: visas.
Now, if you’re holding a passport from certain countries, you can just hop on a plane and come in without applying for anything. Others will need to sort out a visa before flying. The rules aren’t complicated, but they can be a little confusing the first time.
So in this guide, I’ll break things down simply: who needs a visa, how to apply, what to prepare, and even what to expect when you land. I’ll also share a few extra tips for first-timers, plus how Singaporeans like us apply for visas to places like Japan, China, Australia, or the US.
Let’s get you sorted!
Who Needs a Singapore Visa?
Source: Wikipedia
This one really depends on where your passport is from.
✅ No Visa? You’re Good to Go
If you're holding a passport from countries like Malaysia, Australia, Japan, the UK, the US, or most of Europe, you’re in luck — no visa needed for short visits.
Just make sure your passport’s valid for at least 6 months, and don’t forget to fill out the SG Arrival Card online before your flight. That’s it.
✳️ Special Note: since early 2024, China passport holders can now enter Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days. It’s part of a new travel agreement between both countries. So if you’re coming from China, no more visa paperwork for short trips. Nice, right?
🔥 Need a Visa? Here’s What to Know
Here’s a list of countries that typically require a visa before arriving in Singapore:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- China (ordinary passports now get 30-day visa-free, check ICA for exceptions)
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Egypt
- Georgia
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Types of Visas
If you're visiting Singapore, the kind of visa you need depends on what you're here for.
Just visiting?
Most people apply for a short-term visit pass. This covers holidays, catching up with family, or short business trips. It usually lets you stay for up to 30 days.
Staying longer?
If you're here for a few months, say to help out family or spend time with someone working here, there’s a long-term visit pass for that. It’s something you’d need to apply for before your trip.
Coming to work or study?
That’s a different track. You’ll need a work pass or student pass, and usually your company or school will handle most of it.
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How to Apply for a Singapore Visa
Source: www.ica.gov.sg
Who can apply?
There are two ways this usually goes:
You can apply on your own through an authorised visa agent in your home country.
Or, if you’ve got a friend or family member living in Singapore, they can apply on your behalf as your local sponsor.
Not everyone has someone here though, so most people go the agent route.
Where to apply
Singapore doesn’t do walk-ins or embassy visits for visas. Everything goes through ICA-approved agents or a local contact. You can’t just apply directly on the ICA website either.
What’s the process like?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Check if you need a visa – Go to the ICA Visa Requirements page and look for your nationality.
- Prepare your documents – Usually includes your passport, passport-size photo, flight details, and where you’ll be staying.
- Submit your application – Either through an authorised agent or your local sponsor.
- Pay the fee – The visa costs SGD $30, but agents may charge more for their services.
- Wait for processing – It usually takes 3–5 working days. Your agent or sponsor will let you know when it’s ready.
- Get your visa emailed to you – Most visas are issued electronically. Just print it out and bring it along when you fly.
What Documents You Need
Source: Unsplash
The paperwork’s pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy. Here’s what you’ll need to get your Singapore visa sorted:
A passport that’s still valid — Make sure it has at least 6 months left from the date you arrive.
A recent passport photo — Standard size, with a white background. Some agents might help you crop it properly if needed.
Flight and hotel bookings — They’ll want to know when you’re coming and where you’re staying.
A short explanation of your trip — Just a couple of lines about why you’re visiting. Some call it a “cover letter,” but it doesn’t have to be formal.
Once your documents are in, everything is submitted through the ICA’s e-service (or by your agent).
If it’s approved, you’ll get an e-visa via email. It’s not a sticker or stamp in your passport. Just print it out and bring it with you.
How Long It Takes & What It Costs
Once everything’s submitted, it usually takes about 3 working days to process. That’s not counting the day you apply. But if you’re going through an agent, it might take a little longer depending on how fast they handle it.
As for cost, the official visa fee is SGD $30. But most agents will charge extra for helping with the paperwork, so don’t be surprised if you end up paying more. Some charge $60, others a bit higher, so it really depends on who you go to.
If you’re in a rush, it’s a good idea to check with the agent early and see if they offer express processing too.
Before You Fly: Quick Visa Checklist
Quick run-through before your trip:
✅ Do the SG Arrival Card online. Do it within 3 days of landing. No fee.
✅ I always save a copy of my visa (just in case). A screenshot on your phone works fine, but a printout helps if your phone dies.
✅ Keep your flight and hotel bookings handy. Immigration officers sometimes ask for them.
✅ If you're staying longer than planned, you might be able to extend your stay through ICA’s online portal. Best to apply before your current pass expires.
What Happens When You Arrive in Singapore
Once you land, just follow the signs to immigration. It’s pretty straightforward: passport scan, thumbprint, photo. No paper forms.
The officer might ask about your plans. Where you’re staying, when you’re flying back. Just have your hotel booking and return ticket ready on your phone.
Sometimes they give fewer days than expected. If that happens, don’t panic. You can apply online to extend your stay. Just do it before your pass runs out.
First Time Here? Here's What I’d Tell You
If you’ve never been to Singapore, I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s easy to get around, the food’s great, and things work. But here are a few quick things that might help.
Where to Stay
Try to pick a hotel near an MRT station. Makes everything simpler. Bugis, Orchard, and City Hall are solid. You’ll find shopping, food, and transport all in one spot.
If you're watching your budget, Lavender or Chinatown can be good too. Still central, still convenient.
Recommended Hotels In Singapore
Getting Around
Just tap in with your credit card. Or get an EZ-Link. The trains and buses cover most places. Taxis are okay, but they cost more during busy hours. Grab works fine here.
What to Eat
Don’t waste time on hotel food. Head to a hawker centre. Maxwell, Old Airport Road, or even the food court at your nearest mall. Try chicken rice, rojak, bak kut teh, laksa. Whatever’s got a queue, go there.
A Few Things to Do
Marina Bay is always a nice walk, especially at night. Gardens by the Bay is nearby. Go before 7pm so you can catch the light show.
Sentosa’s worth visiting if you’ve got time. Bit touristy, but still fun.
And if you like cafes or street art, go wander around Haji Lane.
That should get you started.
Top Things To do In Singapore
Need a Visa from Singapore to Travel Out?
If you’re living here or just stopping by and planning your next trip, here’s a quick look at some common destinations:
- How to apply for a U.S. tourist visa in Singapore: You’ll need to book an appointment through the U.S. Embassy’s website. Interviews are held at Napier Road.
- How to apply for a visa to Australia from Singapore: Most people do it online via the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount system. It's straightforward if you’ve got your docs.
- Japan visa in Singapore: As of now, Singaporeans don’t need one for short stays. But other passport holders might need to apply through the Japan Embassy here.
- China visa in Singapore: You’ll need to book an appointment through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre if your passport requires it.
- Australia visa for Singaporeans: You can apply online for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). It’s usually approved pretty fast.
From Visa to Visit: You’ve Got This
Singapore’s not a big place, but it’s packed with little things that leave a strong impression. Whether you’re here for a quick holiday, a work trip, or just passing through, getting your visa sorted early makes everything smoother.
I hope this guide made things clearer for you. And if it’s your first time here, welcome. Walk a little, eat a lot, and take your time. That’s how you really see the city.
Safe travels, and maybe I’ll bump into you at the hawker centre.
Singapore Visa FAQs
Do I even need a visa to visit Singapore?
That depends entirely on your passport. Some people don’t need a visa at all and they just show up and breeze through immigration. Others, like travellers from India or Bangladesh, usually need one in advance.How long does the visa process take?
On average, around three working days. It can be quicker, but delays happen — especially during peak travel seasons. Best not to leave it to the last minute.What’s the usual way to apply?
Most folks I know either use an authorised travel agent back home or get someone in Singapore (a friend, relative, or company) to help them submit the application. If you don’t know anyone here, just stick with a licensed agent — it’s simpler and more reliable.How much does it cost?
The official fee is $30 SGD. But agents usually add on a small service charge to help with forms and submission. It varies, so it’s worth checking upfront.What do I need to prepare?
Let’s keep it simple. You’ll need a passport that’s still valid for at least six months, a recent photo and your travel details. That means flight bookings, hotel confirmation, maybe even a short note on what your trip’s about (ie a holiday or visiting family).Do I need to print out my visa?
Yes, definitely. Even though it’s a digital visa, print a copy just in case. Keep a copy on your phone too — better to have both.What’s this SG Arrival Card about?
It’s a short online form where you fill in your travel info and a quick health declaration. Totally free, takes just a couple of minutes. You need to submit it within 3 days before arriving in Singapore.