Singapore Visa – Requirements, Types, Fees and Application

What is a Singapore visa, and what are the requirements? How does it differ from other visas? Again, is it possible to apply for multiple types of visas at once?

Singapore is a city-state located in Southeast Asia. It has a population of over 6 million people. The country is known for its high standard of living, cleanliness, and safety. In recent years, Singapore has become a significant tourist destination.

Furthermore, Singapore is a beautiful place for tourists. There are several reasons why you come here. One of them is because of the visa system.

More often than not, you must apply for a Singapore visa at least 30 days before your trip. This article will answer your Singapore visa questions, especially regarding the requirements.

Quick Facts About Singapore

Despite being one of Asia’s smallest countries, Singapore is an economic and tourism powerhouse.

Here are a few quick facts about this great city-state:

• Singapore is a Southeast Asian island off the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip.
• The country comprises 63 islands, the largest of which is Pulau Ujong.
• With a land area of 710 square kilometers, Singapore is one of Asia’s tiniest countries.
• Singapore has a population of over 3.4 million people despite its small size.
• Singapore’s official languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
• Singapore is a constitutional republic with a parliamentary government system.

What is Singapore Visa?

It is a government-issued document that allows a foreign national to enter, exit, and stay in Singapore for a specific purpose.

Generally, different types of visas are available depending on the reason for visits, such as business, tourist, student, or work visas. Depending on the type of visa, the requirements and application process differ. This article will go over these visas in greater detail.

Who Needs a Visa for Singapore?

Most countries don’t require a visa to enter Singapore. Besides, the application process has been simplified for such people. Also, after Singapore implemented the e-Visa, you can apply online anytime.

There are two categories for the countries whose nationals require a Singapore visa. Both the countries with an assessment levels I and level II. Both the length of time it takes to process your visa application and what level your country is at affecting each other.

Countries at Assessment Level I

The following Assessment Level I countries whose citizens require a Singapore visa:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
• Georgia
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• The People’s Republic of China (PRC)
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

Countries at Assessment Level II

The following Assessment Level II Countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Singapore:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mali
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Yemen

Furthermore, even if your country is exempt, you must apply for a visa if you possess one of the following documents:

• A Hong Kong Identity Document for Visa Purposes
• The Travel Permit for the Macao Special Administrative Region
• Passport issued by the Palestinian Authority
• The United Arab Emirates has issued a temporary passport.
• A passport issued to an alien, such as a certificate of identity or a refugee travel document. People holding these types of documents are considered stateless by the ICA, regardless of their passport’s nationality.

Types of Singapore Visas and Passes

There are various types of visas and passes for Singapore, depending on your purpose and length of stay:

• Short-Term Visit Pass allows the holder to enter Singapore for a short social visit, tourism, or medical purposes.
• Work permits and passes. This is commonly referred to as a Singapore work visa. A work permit or employment pass holder can legally work in Singapore.
• Dependent’s Pass is available to family members of Employment Pass holders. It allows the holder to stay in Singapore for the same time as the EP holder.
• Long-Stay Visit Pass is available to EP holders’ family members who are not eligible for the Dependent Pass.
• Student Pass. This is the Singapore student visa open to international students who want to study in Singapore.
• Visa-Free Transit Facility – a Singapore transit visa is only available to citizens of certain countries. It allows them to leave the airport’s transit area and stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours while waiting for a connecting flight.

How Do I Apply for a Singapore Visa?

Countries from either assessment level are eligible to apply for a Singapore visa at one of the following locations:

• You can apply online (ICA’s e-Service), through a local Singaporean contact, or through a strategic partner.
• Or at a diplomatic mission in your home country.

If you are applying via a Singaporean diplomatic mission, you must contact them to learn about their requirements and application process.

Please Note:

Either method you choose, you cannot apply for a Singapore visa alone. Instead, to apply for a Singapore visa, you must find an authorized visa agent, strategic partner, or local contact in Singapore.

Required Documents for a Singapore Visa

You must submit numerous documents to obtain a Singapore visa. The essential documents include:

• Completed the Singapore Visa application form: Your personal information, marital status, the location of your accommodations in Singapore, and home address will all be questioned, the purpose of your visit, your intended stay, and so on. You must sign the document. When you arrive in Singapore, the ICU may request that you submit it.
• Your passport or travel documentation: It must be good for at least six months after the expiration of your visa.
• A photocopy of the bio-data page from your passport: It must be in A4 format.
• A photocopy of the booked airline ticket or itinerary: A4 paper size.
• Photograph of yourself in passport size: It must have a white background, a recent photo of you with a neutral expression facing forward, and meet the following requirements. You are not allowed to wear headgear, barring religious restrictions. Even so, the headgear cannot obstruct the view of the face.
• An Introduction letter: Your local contact or strategic partner must sign and attach this letter to your application. It requests that your Singapore contact/partner provide your personal information, why you want to visit Singapore, how long you will stay, and your relationship with them.
• A credit card: To be used to pay the processing fee: VISA or MasterCard is required.
• A Yellow Fever Vaccination: may be required depending on your country of origin.

After Obtaining your Singapore Visa

Following the receipt of your Singapore visa, you or your partner can print a paper copy of the e-Visa once you have received your Singapore visa.

Suppose you are from an Assessment Level I country, your Singapore visa will usually be processed within one day.

But, your visa will be processed within three days if you are from an Assessment Level II country.

Again, some applications may take longer to process than usual in either case.

After collecting your visa, you can travel to Singapore, where Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers determine whether you should be allowed to enter and issue you a Pass at the entry points.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel Through Singapore? 

Generally, you do not need a transit visa to pass through Singapore if you are a national of an Assessment Level I or II countries and meet the following criteria:

• Have a plane ticket for your next destination.
• Do not leave the airport transit area.
• Do not pass through the immigration area.

Some countries can enter Singapore temporarily if they are transiting. This is possible because of the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF).

Singapore Visa Fee

The Singapore visa processing fee is $30 (Singapore dollars) and is non-refundable. In addition to the visa processing fee, Authorised Visa Agents are allowed to charge a service fee of Rs. 300. Upon submitting a visa application, all fees are paid.

Therefore, if you have plans to visit Singapore soon, be sure first to confirm the requirements and costs so you can prepare a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Singapore visa fees?

The processing fee is $30 Singapore dollars.

How many types of visas are there in Singapore?

If you want to visit Singapore, you can apply for several different types of visas. These include tourist visas, business visas, and student visas. Each visa type has requirements and conditions that must be met to be eligible.

How can I apply for a Singapore visa?

You need to take a few steps to apply for a Singapore visa. After that, you can apply online or via the Singaporean embassy nearby.

To begin, gather all necessary documents, including a passport, a completed visa application form, and proof of financial means. Next, you must submit your application to the Singapore embassy or consulate nearest you. Finally, you must pay the visa application fee and await the processing of your visa.

How long does it take to get a Singapore visa?

Usually, the Singapore Visa would take about 3-4 days to obtain. However, be prudent and apply at least seven days before your trip, considering that all of them are working days. If you apply through an agent, the visa processing time can be shortened; however, they charge a fee for their services.

Conclusion

The Singapore visa requirements, types, fees, and application process are relatively simple. However, it is essential to note that the country has a strict immigration policy, so it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or agent before applying for a visa.