By: Cher Tan
The imposition of entry visas is part of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoint Authorities’ multi-pronged approach in ensuring that Singapore remains a safe and secure place for everyone. However, travel visa permits are not required by the citizens of several countries to visit Singapore as tourists. In this case, documents like passports, onward documents (onward/return tickets, entry permit, etc) to the next destination must be on the travellers. They should also have sufficient funds for their stay. For longer stay, permission of the immigration department is required.
Singapore Visa Regulations:
Citizens of the following nations do not need visas
» United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iceland, Luxemburg, Japan, Republic of Ireland
» Countries that are members of the British Commonwealth (except India)
» Philippines (diplomatic, special or official passport holders)
» Liechtenstein, Monaco, Netherlands, San Marino, Switzerland, Thailand (diplomatic or service passport holders)
» India (diplomatic or official passport holders)
Singapore Visa Regulations for others
For citizens of countries not listed above who require a visa, they are required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the stay in Singapore. The visa is issued for the period of 1 month. It can be extended in Singapore to 3 months via the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Visa approval can take anytime from 4 days to 4 weeks. Documents needed would entail a valid passport, 2 fully filled application forms, passport-size photos, proof of sufficient budget and journey details in Singapore.