Singapore Visa Application Guide

If you are planning a trip to Singapore, you may need to apply for a visa. The majority of countries can enter Singapore without a visa, but for those that do need one, the process has been simplified with the introduction of the e-Visa. To apply for a Singapore visa, you must do so at least 30 days before your arrival in the country. You can apply online, at any time, or through a local Singaporean contact or strategic partner, using the ICA's e-Service. The application process differs depending on whether your country is classified as Assessment Level I or Assessment Level II, with Level I visas processed in 1 day and Level II visas in 3 days.

Visa requirements and eligibility

The majority of countries can enter Singapore without a visa. However, if you are a citizen of one of the countries listed below, you will need to apply for a Singapore entry visa.

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Egypt
• Georgia
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mali
• Moldova
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tunisia
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

You will also need a visa if you are travelling on any of the following documents:

• A Refugee travel document
• An Alien's passport
• A Palestinian Authority passport
• A temporary passport issued by the United Arab Emirates
• A Document of Identity issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
• A Travel Permit issued by Macao Special Administrative Region
• A PRC Travel Document

To apply for a Singapore visa, you must do so at least 30 days before you arrive in the country. You can apply online, at any time, via the e-Visa system, or at a Singaporean diplomatic mission. However, you cannot submit the application yourself. You must find an authorized visa agent, strategic partner, or local contact in Singapore to submit the application on your behalf.

The requirements for a Singapore Visa application are:

• A completed Singapore Visa application form, including personal information, marital status, the address of where you will be staying in Singapore, your address in your home country, the purpose of your visit, and your intended stay.
• A valid passport/travel document, with at least six months' validity after your visa expires, and one blank visa page.
• A photocopy of your passport's bio-data in A4 format.
• A photocopy of your booked airline ticket or travel itinerary in A4 format.
• A passport-size picture, taken within the last three months, with a white background, facing forward with a neutral expression, and no headgear (unless for religious reasons).
• A Letter of Introduction, signed by your local contact or strategic partner, including your personal information, the reason for your visit, how long you will stay, and your relationship to them.
• A credit card (VISA or MasterCard) to pay the Singapore visa processing fee.
• Proof of sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your stay.
• Proof of confirmed onward/return airline tickets.
• All documents required for your next destination.
• A visa for your next country, where applicable.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, if you have been to any of the following countries within six days before travelling to Singapore: Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, or Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Application process and timing

The application process and timing for a Singapore travel visa depend on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin. Here is a detailed overview:

Application Process:

• The majority of countries can enter Singapore without a visa. However, for those that need one, the application process has been simplified, and it can be done online at any time.
• The countries that require a visa have been categorized into two groups: Assessment Level I Countries and Assessment Level II Countries. The level assigned to an applicant's country of origin determines part of the application process and the visa processing time.
• Applicants can apply for a Singapore visa in one of the following ways: online, through a local Singaporean contact or a strategic partner using the ICA's e-Service, or at a Singaporean diplomatic mission.
• Even though applicants fill out their visa application form and gather their documents, they cannot submit the application themselves. They need to find an authorized visa agent, strategic partner, or local contact in Singapore to submit the application on their behalf.
• Authorized visa agents and strategic partners are travel agencies authorized by the Singaporean government to submit visa applications through the SAVE (Submission of Application for Visa Electronically) system available on the ICA's website.
• A local contact is someone the applicant knows and trusts in Singapore (citizen or permanent resident) who is eligible to register on SingPass and submit the application. They must be at least 21 years old.
• If applying through a Singaporean diplomatic mission, applicants will need to contact them directly regarding their specific requirements and application process.
• Applicants will also need to pay a Singapore visa processing fee.
• Applicants must provide various documents, including a completed Singapore Visa application form, a valid passport, a photocopy of their passport's bio-data, a photocopy of their booked airline ticket or travel itinerary, a passport-sized photograph, a Letter of Introduction, and a credit card to pay the processing fee.

Processing Time:

• The average processing time for a Singapore visa is 5 working days, excluding weekends, public holidays, and the day of submission. However, this may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin.
• For Assessment Level I Countries, the visa is usually processed within 1 day.
• For Assessment Level II Countries, the visa is typically processed within 3 days.
• The Singapore tourist visa processing time is usually between 3-4 days, but applicants should apply at least 30 days before their intended travel date.
• The Singapore eVisa processing time for Indian citizens can take about 3 days.
• The Singapore student visa processing time can be between 15 days to a month.
• The Singapore Multiple Entry Visa processing time is 3-5 business days.
• The Singapore Business Visa processing time is 3-5 days, excluding the day of submission, weekends, and holidays.
• The Singapore Work Visa processing time is between 1-7 working days.
• The Singapore Golden Visa processing time is between 2 and 4 months, as it involves a more complex process, including an interview and investment requirements.
• The Singapore Dependent Visa processing time is 3-5 weeks, and the result is typically known concurrently if the DP and work visa applications are filed together.

Submission options and fees

The submission options and fees for a Singapore travel visa depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here is an overview:

Submission Options:

• Online Application: You can apply for your Singapore visa online through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website or via authorised agents such as Akbar Travels or MakeMyTrip. The online application process is straightforward, and you will typically need to fill out an application form, submit the required documents, and pay the visa processing fee.
• SingPass Account: If you have a local contact in Singapore who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with a SingPass account, they can submit your visa application online through the SAVE system on the ICA website.
• Authorised Visa Agents: The Singapore Overseas Missions have appointed authorised visa agents to assist with visa applications. These agents can guide you through the process and submit your application on your behalf.
• Singapore Overseas Mission: If you do not have a local contact with a SingPass account, you can submit your visa application directly to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or through their authorised visa agents.

Visa Fees:

The visa processing fee for each application is typically INR 1800. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. Authorised visa agents are usually permitted to charge an additional service fee of INR 650. Other fees to consider include document courier charges, photograph development charges, taxes, and card charges.

It is important to note that the visa processing fee must be paid using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or through the secure payment gateway provided by the authorised agent.

Additionally, the visa application process may require you to submit specific documents, such as a completed application form, valid passport, recent photographs, and supporting documents based on your occupation and type of visit.

Required documents and forms

The requirements for a Singapore Visa application are as follows:

• A completed Singapore Visa application form. This will require you to answer questions about your personal information, marital status, address in your home country, the purpose of your visit, and your intended stay. You must sign the document yourself and may be asked to submit it upon arrival in Singapore.
• A valid passport/travel document with at least six months' validity remaining after your visa expires.
• Photocopy of your passport's bio-data page in A4 format.
• Photocopy of your booked airline ticket or travel itinerary in A4 format.
• Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last three months. These must feature a white background, show you facing forward with a neutral expression, and comply with other specifications outlined by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• A Letter of Introduction signed by your local contact or strategic partner in Singapore. This document must include your personal information, the reason for your visit, how long you intend to stay, and your relationship with your contact/partner.
• A credit card (VISA or MasterCard) to pay the Singapore visa processing fee.
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination, if applicable.

If you are applying for a business visa, you will also need to provide:

• An invitation letter from the host company in Singapore.
• A cover letter from an Indian company.

If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will also need to provide:

• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of return ticket from Singapore.
• Proof of vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test report (within 48 hours prior to departure).

If you are a student, you will need to provide:

• An invitation letter from your university/school.
• A student ID card, if available.
• Proof of funds.

If you are a minor, your parents or guardians must provide:

• A 'No Objection Certificate'.
• Supporting documents such as ID proof of the parent (passport or PAN card).

If you are employed, you will need to provide:

• At least three months' worth of salary slips.
• An employment ID card.

If you are self-employed, you will need to provide:

A business registration license, MOA, or partnership deed.

If you are retired, you will need to provide:

Proof of retirement, such as a pension book or bank statement.

Visa approval and entry into Singapore

Once you have applied for your Singapore visa, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, visa approval does not guarantee entry into Singapore. The final decision on granting entry is made by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. They will assess whether you meet the eligibility and suitability requirements.

If your visa application is approved, you will receive your e-Visa via email. You or your partner can then print a paper copy of the e-Visa. It is important to note that the period of stay in Singapore is not tied to the validity of your visa. Upon entry, the ICA officers will issue you a Visit Pass in the form of an electronic pass (e-Pass) which will indicate the duration of your stay.

If you are entering Singapore via the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), you must meet the prevailing entry requirements determined by the ICA officers. It is important to note that an extension of stay for transit travellers under the VFTF is not allowed.

Upon arrival in Singapore, travellers must present the following documents to the immigration officer:

• A valid Singapore visa
• Return flight tickets
• Any other documents requested by the Immigration Officials

Additionally, all visitors to Singapore must meet certain entry requirements, including:

• A valid travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure
• Confirmed onward or return tickets (if applicable)
• Entry facilities, including visas, to the next destination
• Sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore
• A visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions