Singapore Visa Guide – All You Need to Know

Are you planning a Singapore trip and are overwhelmed by the complexities of the Singapore visa application process? You are on the right page! A Singapore visa is a pre-entry permission to enter Singapore. Furthermore, Indians must get a Singapore visa before visiting Singapore.

This article will provide you with everything you need to know to apply for a Singapore visa, like the need for a visa, types of visas, documents required for a visa, the application process for a Singapore visa, etc.

Do Indians Require a Visa for a Singapore Trip?

Yes, Indians require a visa for a Singapore trip. You need to apply for a travel visa, business visa, student visa, etc., based on your purpose of travel.

3 Types of Visas for Singapore Travel:

1. Tourist visa:

• You should apply for a tourist visa if you want to visit Singapore to meet a relative or for sightseeing.
• It is valid for 1-3 months.
• Tourists can explore Singapore for 30 days with this visa.

2. Business visa

• You should apply for a business visa if you are visiting Singapore for business purposes like attending a meeting or conference, setting up a business, etc. 
• It is valid for 1-3 months(can be extended up to 2 years).
• Travellers can stay for 30 days in Singapore with this visa.

3. Student visa:

• Students who want to participate in academics can apply for a student visa. 
• You should enrol in a full-time course accredited by an educational institution.
• The student should possess an invitation letter from the institution, evidence of financial support and results of the English proficiency test(if required).

Visa Free Transit Facility

• You are eligible for VFTF if you travel via Singapore to specified countries like Australia and Canada.
• Travellers don’t need a visa to enter Singapore with this facility.
• You can explore Singapore for a maximum of 96 hours with this facility.
• You can enter the country by any mode of transport, but you have to leave the country by air or sea.
• You must have the ticket of departure from Singapore, and the exit should be within 96 hours.
• You should have a valid visa issued by  Australia, Canada, etc. 

Eligibility for Singapore Visa

• You must own an Indian passport and return ticket from Singapore.
• Your passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from departure.
• You must possess proof of accommodation.
• You should have at least Rs.30000 in your bank account to support your stay in Singapore.
• Students should enrol in a full-time course in a recognised institution for a student visa.

Documents Required For Singapore Visa:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the visa’s submission date.
• There should be a minimum of 2 blank pages in your passport.
• A return ticket from Singapore.
• Application form for visa.
• Minimum two Recent passport-size photographs(35mm*45mm).
• Last six months’ bank statement.
• A negative RT-PCR test report(test taken 48 hours before departure) and vaccination certificates for both doses of COVID-19.

Additional Documents For Singapore Visa

You need additional documents to apply for a Singapore visa, depending upon the type of visa. 

• Singapore visit visa: You will need an invitation letter/letter of introduction from your relatives if you visit them.
• Singapore business visa: The host company in Singapore should issue an invitation letter stating the purpose of your business trip and business details. You must support these documents with a cover letter from an Indian company.
• Minor: Minors’ parents should provide a no-objection certificate, a copy of ID proof of parents, proof of sufficient funds like a bank statement, and a copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
• Retired individuals should provide proof of retirement, like a bank statement and pension book.
• Students: Students should furnish an invitation letter from the university/school.
• Persons in employment: They should provide a three-month salary slip.

Singapore Visa Health Requirements

• Tourist Visa: No medical test is necessary.
• Business Visa: No medical test is necessary.
• Work visa: A medical test is necessary for a work visa. This test is a blood test to check for HIV, malaria, and syphilis. A doctor registered with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will administer this test.
• Student visa: A medical test is not necessary.

Singapore Visa Photo Requirements

• Size and dimensions:35 mm wide, 45 mm high
• Background- White
• Facial expression- Neutral
• Head position- Face forward
• Attire-Daily attire
• Glasses- Ensure no reflections in your spectacles.
• Quality-High resolution

Application Process For Singapore Visa

1. Visit the official website of Immigration and Checkpoints Authority through this link: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/-/media/Images/MFA/OverseasMission/New-Delhi/Consular-Services/AVA-List/Updated-AVA-List—23-August-2023.ashx.

• You must get help from your local contact, a strategic partner, or an authorised agent. 
• They will apply for your passport through their Sign Pass ID.

2. Gather documents like flight tickets, cover letters, etc., and upload them on the portal. Please keep the following records handy:

• Form 14 A with your signature- https://www.ica.gov.sg/docs/default-source/ica/forms/form14a.pdf
• Passport with 6 months validity
• Two recent passport-sized photograph

3. You can pay your visa fee of Rs. 1900 through internet banking, credit card, or debit card. Please note that this is a non-refundable amount and is the same for everyone regardless of the purpose of travel, age, or gender.
   
4. The authorities will grant your visa after confirming your details.

• Please note that this is the process only if you are applying through a local contact, strategic partner or authorised agent.
• You must visit the Singapore embassy in person if you don’t have a local contact or an authorized agent.

How do I Track My Singapore Visa Application?

• You can track your visa application through this website-http://www.ica.gov.sg.
• Click on “Check Status” on the website menu.
• Then click on “entry visa.”
• Click on “status inquiry.” 
• Fill in your visa application reference number and click “next”.
• You can print your e-visa after approval of your application.

Processing Time of Singapore Visa Application

• The processing of a Singapore visa application takes 3-5 working days.
• Generally, you should apply for your visa 30 days before your travelling date.

Types of Passes For Singapore 

You can travel to Singapore with a visa but need a pass to enter Singapore. A Singapore visa is only a pre-entry permission to travel to Singapore. A visit pass is issued by the Singapore official at the time of clearance, and it specifies your duration of stay. 

• Visit pass: You can enter Singapore with this pass for tourism, medical reasons, and short social visits. 
• Dependent’s pass: This pass is for family members of the person who has an employment pass
• Work pass or employment pass: Available to people who have a job in Singapore. These people can legally work in Singapore. These include an Employment Pass for professional people, an S pass for mid-level skilled workers and a Work Permit for semi-skilled workers.
• Long Stay Visit Pass: If you are not eligible for a dependent pass, you should apply for a long-stay visit pass. 
• Student pass: Available to students who are studying in Singapore.
• Entre pass: Available to people who want to start a  business in Singapore.

SG Arrival Card

You must also apply for an SG arrival card before departure to Singapore.

• SG arrival card is a necessary document to enter Singapore
• It also works as a travel health declaration 
• You do not require this SG arrival card if you do not intend to undergo the immigration clearance process.
• E submission of SG arrival card is free of cost
• You should submit this card three days before your travel date
• This process takes 5-7 minutes to complete

How to Apply for a Singapore Arrival Card?

1. Visit the official website of ICA-https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-card.
2. Provide information related to recent travel history and COVID-19-related information.
3. Confirm the information and declare the agreement
4. You will get an email for acknowledgement of the declaration.

Print a copy of this declaration.

What Is The Procedure After I Arrive In Singapore?

After you arrive in Singapore, you will go through the immigration process. You must provide a passport, arrival card, and valid tourist visa.

Officers will ask questions about your accommodation arrangements, stay duration, and visit purpose. Answer these questions honestly.

The immigration officer will permit your entry into Singapore if he is satisfied with your answers.

Ensure the following things after your arrival:

• You will be given a declaration form on the flight. Keep it with you at all times.
• Ensure you have all the documents, like your passport, visa, return ticket, etc., when you meet the immigration officer.
• If you are a minor travelling alone, stay with the flight attendant.

Details on eIACS

eIACS stands for Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System. It enhances the speed of immigration checks at ICA.

You are eligible for the Singapore-enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) if you have a passport that follows the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). To get the benefits of eICAS, you should have an ICAO passport.

Also, you are only eligible for eIACS after fulfilling one of the following conditions:

• You should be a permanent resident, a long-time pass holder, or a citizen of Singapore. Your age must be over six years, and your fingerprints must be registered with the ICA.
• When you arrive in Singapore, you register your fingerprints and return to your country.
• You should have an employment pass, work permit or a Singaporean S pass, and your fingerprints must be registered with MOM( Singaporean Ministry Of Manpower)
• You should have a registration in ICA’s Frequent Travel Program (FTP).

Tourists can register for this facility in the enrolment centres of Singapore.

Important Notes For Singapore Visa

• If you submit incorrect information, the authorities will not approve your application.
• The assessment of every visa is unique and is based on the individual.
• A tourist visa is only a pre-entry permission to travel to Singapore. The Singapore Officials will give you an immigration pass after your arrival.
• A visa does not guarantee your entry into Singapore.
• ICA officers on duty will determine your duration of stay in Singapore.
• Service, diplomatic and official passports do not require a visa for entry.

Singapore Visa Tips

• Check the eligibility criteria before applying for a visa.
• Ensure all your documents are correct, as any small error can result in visa rejection.
• Apply for entry pass 3 days before your travel date.
• Research how to apply for a visa.
• Find a reliable authorized agent.
• Ensure that your passport is in good condition.

Reasons For Visa Rejection

• Damaged documents: The officials may reject your application if any documents are not in good condition. For example, if your passport is torn, has missing pages, etc.
• Wrong visa category: The officials will refuse your application if you have applied for the wrong purpose. For instance, you want to travel but apply for a work visa.
• Insufficient documents: If you have not submitted any of the essential documents or have submitted fraudulent documents, the officer has the right to refuse your application.
• Documents not in English: You must submit all your documents in English for acceptance.
• Criminal record: If the officers find out that you have any undisclosed criminal record, they will reject your application
• Not applying through a registered visa agent: Only registered agents can apply for a Singapore visa. Please make sure to go through the list of registered visa agents on the official website through this link-https://www.mfa.gov.sg/-/media/Images/MFA/OverseasMission/New-Delhi/Consular-Services/AVA-List/Updated-AVA-List—23-August-2023.ashx
• Invalid passport: The validity of your passport should be at least 6 months.

How Can I Avoid Singapore Visa Rejection?

You can avoid your visa rejection by following tips:

• You should provide a detailed cover letter covering all the details of your trip like the purpose of your visit, no. of family members, etc.
• Check the updated list of additional documents from the official website, as it keeps updating. 
• Keep your passport in good condition.
• Have a reliable travel agent who will assist you in every step of the process.

Common Visa Problems

• Visa delay: The processing time for visa applications takes around 3-5 working days, but this process may take longer for some individuals. If you are facing a delay in your visa grant, you may contact a consulate in India or the Singapore embassy.
• Overstaying a visa: Contact the Singapore embassy or consulate in India to extend your stay and explain your condition. They will guide you further.
• Visa Transfer: You may transfer your visa to your new passport if you have more than three months of valid visas. To transfer your visa, you must submit your documents to Authorised Visa Agents and pay them a processing fee of Rs.500. You can submit transfer applications on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
• Extension of Duration of Visa: You can extend your visa for a maximum period of 30 days. Travellers should apply at least seven days before the expiration of the visa on the official site of ICA.  Wait for a few weeks for the authorities to process your request.

FAQs

Q.1: Is travel insurance necessary to apply for a visa?

Ans.1: No, travel insurance is not necessary to apply for a visa. However, getting travel insurance before travelling to Singapore is general advice.

Q.2: Are Indians eligible for the Singapore Visa on Arrival?

Ans.2: No, Indians are not eligible for the Singapore Visa on Arrival. They need to get a visa before travelling to Singapore.

Q.3: Is there an e-visa for Indians?

Ans.3: Yes, there is an electronic visa for Indians. You can apply for it online. The validity of the e-visa is for one year.

Q.4: Does India have a Singapore embassy?

Ans.4: Yes, there are three Singapore embassies in India:

1. Consulate-General of The Republic for Singapore- Mumbai
2. High Commission of The Republic of Singapore-Delhi
3. Consulate-General of The Republic for Singapore-Chennai

Q.5: What is the rejection percentage of a Singapore visa?

Ans.5: The rejection percentage for a Singapore visa is low, but you should understand the process for the high chance of approval. We advise you to take the help of agents for getting a visa.

Q.6: Does a Singapore visa’s validity period include the expiry date?

Ans.6: Yes, the validity of a Singapore visa includes the visa’s expiry date.

Q.7: I want to change the validity period of my visa. How do I do it?

Ans.7: You cannot change the validity period of your visa after it is issued. You have to apply for a  new visa for this purpose. 

Q.8: Should I apply for a new visa if the validity period ends before I return to my country?

Ans.8: You do not need to apply for a new visa if your validity period ends before you return to your country. Your visa should be valid on your travel date.

Q.9: What is the difference between a single journey and a multiple journey visa?

Ans.9: You can visit Singapore only once with a single journey visa(even if you have remaining days). However, you can use a multiple-entry visa multiple times till its validity.

Q.10: What is the difference between a visit pass and a visa?

Ans.10: A visa is only a pre-entry permission to travel in Singapore. A visit pass is issued on the arrival of a passenger, and these passes determine the duration of stay.

Q.11: How to appeal against visa rejection?

Ans.11: You can appeal against visa rejection within one month from the date of visa rejection through an authorized visa agent.

Q.12: Can I know the reason for my visa rejection?

Ans.12: No, you cannot know the reason for your visa rejection. The ICA does not disclose this information.

Q.13: Is the application fee for the visa refundable?

Ans.13: No, the application fee for a visa is nonrefundable.

Q.14: What should I do if I accidentally lose my passport in Singapore?

Ans.14: You should contact the nearest local police station if you lose your passport in Singapore. Ensure to take a copy of the loss property report with you. This report will help you later in the passport renewal process.