A visit to Singapore is a glimpse into the future. From its modern and almost surreal airports to its striking and ever-changing skyline, it's constantly innovating.
While entry requirements for tourists from most countries are fairly straightforward, Singapore has a reputation for playing by the rules. What are the precautions for traveling to the Lion City? Here's our guide to getting into Singapore, including the types of visas available and the rules you need to follow for hassle-free travel.
How do I know if I need a visa to visit Singapore?
Visa requirements to travel to Singapore depend on nationality, number of days in the country and purpose of visit. As a tourist, citizens from 164 different countries can enter Singapore visa-free for 30 or 90 days.
All citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and the United States are visa-free for 90 days, while citizens of all other eligible countries can apply for a visa for up to 30 days without a visa.
Travelers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for an e-visa or a regular tourist visa depending on their nationality. While e-visa applications can be easily submitted to any online e-visa provider and the processing time is only one day, ordinary visas are slightly more complicated and travelers must contact the nearest Singapore diplomatic mission or apply for a visa through a visa agent.
Exterior view of golden dome and white wall of Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam Mosque, Singapore, with tourists in front
What if I need to travel to Singapore frequently?
Two programs, the Frequent Flyer Program and the APEC Business Travel Card, make it easier for travelers from certain eligible countries to enter Singapore.
On the one hand, frequent flyer programs allow travelers from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, the UK and the US to use the automated immigration check-in facility under certain conditions - a process that greatly simplifies Immigration procedures and help frequent travelers avoid long waits during peak hours.
On the other hand, having the Singapore APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) makes sense for business travelers as they can travel to the island for up to 60 days on business without a visa. The Singapore ABTC is issued to certain business travelers who are citizens of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Travelers can request this document online for a non-refundable fee of $100.
People fly kites in front of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore skyline at sunset
What else do you need when visiting Singapore?
All travelers arriving in Singapore as tourists must meet the following entry requirements:
Valid passport (at least 6 months valid for departure).
Sufficient funds to support your living during your stay in Singapore.
Singapore Arrival Card
Unlike most other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore does not have a paper arrival card that must be filled out upon arrival in the country. Instead, all travelers (including frequent flyer program participants) must submit their Singapore Arrival Card online, in which each traveler must provide basic personal information, travel details and a health declaration - which will be submitted directly to Singapore immigration authorities. The SG Arrival Card can be obtained through the SG Arrival Card app or the ICA official website.
From 13 February 2023, Singapore will no longer impose a Covid-19 entry requirement for travelers entering the state - meaning proof of a negative test or vaccination status will no longer be required.
Finally, all travelers, including residents, entering Singapore from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travelers without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate must quarantine at their own expense for up to six days upon arrival in Singapore.
Introducing Singapore
Can I get my passport stamped?
From 10 October 2021, all travelers passing through passport control at Changi Airport will receive an electronic access pass (ePassport) via email instead of a passport stamp. The e-pass contains details of the visit pass granted, including the maximum and last days each traveler is allowed to stay in Singapore.
This article was first published in October 2021 and updated in February 2023