Travel To Singapore: Visa Rules For Indians

Indian citizens are allowed to travel to Singapore, but they must obtain a visa before entering the country. Singapore does not offer visas on arrival for Indian citizens, so it is important to plan ahead. The process of obtaining a Singapore visa for Indians involves several steps and requirements. Indian passport holders must obtain a pre-approved visa, and there are different types of visas available depending on the purpose of the visit, such as tourist, business, or transit visas. The validity of a Singapore visa for Indians is typically up to 2 years, with a stay duration of up to 30 days. The cost of a Singapore visa for Indians is SGD 30 or INR 1,800, with an additional service charge. The processing time usually takes around 3 to 5 working days.

Visa Requirements: Indian passport holders must obtain a Singapore entry visa before their visit

Indian passport holders must obtain a Singapore entry visa before their visit. This is a mandatory requirement for all Indian citizens travelling to Singapore, except for those holding official or diplomatic passports. The visa processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 working days, but it's recommended to apply at least 30 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.

To apply for a Singapore visa, Indian citizens need to submit their application through authorised visa agents in India or a local contact in Singapore. Here are the detailed requirements and steps for obtaining a Singapore visa:

Visa Requirements:

• Visa Application Form: Fill out Form 14A, available on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. Make sure to sign the form.
• Passport: Ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months from the date of your entry into Singapore. Provide a photocopy of the biodata page and the first and last pages of your passport.
• Photographs: Attach two recent passport-sized colour photographs taken against a plain white background within the last 3 months.
• Cover Letter: Include a cover letter specifying the purpose of your visit, date of travel, number of passengers, place of stay in Singapore, and your employment details.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on your visa type and case, you may need additional documents. For instance, if applying through a local contact, you'll need Form V39A (Letter of Introduction for Visa Application). For a business visa, an invitation letter from the company is required.
• Translations: If you have documents in languages other than English, provide official translations. Translations can be done by the issuing country's embassy, a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country, or private entities attested by the embassy or notarised.
• Bank Statements: Submit bank statements from the last 3 months to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore.
• Travel Itinerary: Provide proof of your travel plans, such as flight tickets and hotel bookings.
• Previous Passports: If applicable, submit your old passports.

Application Process:

• Choose an Authorised Agent or Local Contact: You can apply for your Singapore visa through authorised visa agents in India or a local contact in Singapore. A list of authorised agents can be found on the ICA website.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents mentioned above. Ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejection.
• Submit Application and Pay Fee: Submit your application and the required documents to your chosen authorised agent or local contact. Pay the non-refundable visa processing fee of INR 1800 (or SGD 30) and the service fee charged by the authorised agents (INR 650).
• Track Your Application: You can track the status of your visa application online using the reference number provided by the authorised agent. Visit the ICA website, navigate to the 'e-Services and Forms' section, and follow the steps to check your application status.
• Processing Time: The processing time is generally 3 to 5 working days, excluding the submission date, weekends, and public holidays. However, some applications may take longer, so it's advisable to apply in advance.
• Visa Validity and Duration of Stay: Typically, a Singapore visa is valid for up to 2 years, but the exact duration of stay is determined by ICA officers at the entry point and can be up to 30 days.

Visa Application: Indians cannot apply for a Singapore visa online and must submit their application through authorised agents or local contacts in Singapore

Visa Application: Authorised Agents and Local Contacts

Indians cannot apply for a Singapore visa online and must submit their application through authorised agents or local contacts in Singapore. The visa application process is completely online, but individuals cannot personally apply for a Singapore visa online. The visa application fee is INR 1800, and the authorised visa agents are permitted to charge a service fee of INR 650 on top of the visa processing fee. The visa processing time is 3 to 5 working days, excluding the submission date, weekends, and public holidays.

To apply for a Singapore visa through an authorised agent, individuals must submit the following documents:

• Duly completed Form 14A, signed by the applicant
• Valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Singapore
• Two passport-sized colour photographs taken within the last three months
• Additional supporting documents, such as Form V39A (Letter of Introduction for Visa Application), may be required on a case-by-case basis
• All documents in Hindi, including official notes, should be translated into English

To apply for a Singapore visa through a local contact in Singapore, individuals must ensure that their local contact is either a Singapore citizen (SC) or a Singapore permanent resident (PR) who is at least 21 years old. If the visa application is for a business visit, the local contact must be acting on behalf of a Singapore-registered business entity. LOIs issued by the applicant's Embassy/High Commission may also be accepted if they are unable to secure an LOI from a local contact.

The visa application process through a local contact in Singapore is online. Individuals must visit the Entry Visa application portal and log in using their local contact's Singpass ID and password or scan the QR code with the Singpass app. They will then need to enter the applicant's particulars and additional information, upload the applicant's photo, and make the necessary payments. Once the application is submitted, individuals can check the status of their visa application through the SAVE website.

Visa Costs: The visa processing fee is ₹1800 per applicant, with a non-refundable service charge of ₹650

Indian passport holders are required to obtain a visa to visit Singapore. The visa processing fee is ₹1800 per applicant, paid during the application process. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application's outcome or if the applicant withdraws their application after submission.

Authorised Visa Agents are permitted to charge a service fee of ₹650 on top of the visa processing fee. This service charge, along with the Singapore visa cost, is non-refundable and must be paid upfront upon submission of the application.

The total cost of applying for a Singapore visa for Indian citizens is, therefore, ₹2450.

The visa application process is online, and applicants can use multiple means of payment, including credit or debit cards. The Singapore visa for Indians is a paper visa that will be sent to applicants once received from the Singapore High Commission.

Visa Types: Tourist, Business, Transit, and Student visas are available for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Singapore. There are several types of visas available for Indian citizens who wish to travel to Singapore:

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa is for Indian citizens visiting Singapore for leisure or to visit friends or family. This visa does not permit any work or paid activities in the country. The validity of the Tourist Visa is typically up to 3 months and can be extended up to 2 years at the discretion of the embassy. The stay duration is usually up to 30 days but is ultimately determined by the immigration authorities.

To be eligible for a Tourist Visa, you must have an Indian passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and a passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of departure. You must also complete the payment process and submit various documents, including a visa application form, recent passport-size photographs, a bank statement, travel insurance, and a negative RT-PCR test or vaccination certificate.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is for Indian citizens travelling to Singapore for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or other professional activities. The requirements and validity conditions are similar to the Tourist Visa. However, an additional document, such as an invitation letter from the company in Singapore, is needed to support the purpose of the visit.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa allows travellers to exit the airport and enter Singapore for a maximum of 96 hours. The Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) is available to Indian citizens transiting to or from any third country via Singapore. To be eligible for the VFTF, travellers must have a valid visa or long-term pass issued by specific countries, an onward ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours, and meet other entry requirements.

Student Visa

The Student Visa or Student Pass is required for individuals planning to pursue their education in Singapore. This visa allows students to stay in Singapore for the duration of their course and gain preliminary work experience. To obtain this visa, individuals must provide proof of acceptance into a university in Singapore.

Travel Insurance: While not mandatory for fully vaccinated travellers, unvaccinated travellers require travel insurance with a health cover of $30,000

Indian citizens are allowed to travel to Singapore, but they must obtain a visa before entering the country. This can be done by submitting an application form and relevant documents to an authorised visa agent in India or a local contact in Singapore. It is also important to note that a Singapore visa is not available on arrival for Indian citizens.

In addition to a visa, Indian citizens are also required to have a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before entering the country. The SGAC can be applied for online or through the SGAC app, and it is free of charge.

Regarding travel insurance, it is not mandatory for fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore. However, unvaccinated travellers are required to have travel insurance with a minimum health cover of $30,000. This insurance will help cover the costs of medical treatment in Singapore, and it is important to ensure sufficient coverage as travellers will be responsible for any treatment costs beyond the insured amount. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance from either a Singapore-based or overseas insurer before travelling to Singapore.

When planning a trip to Singapore, it is essential to stay updated with the latest entry requirements and travel advisories.

Frequently asked questions