Do You Need a Visa for Singapore? Country-by-Country Guide

• Citizens of 162+ countries can enter Singapore visa-free for 30 or 90 days — no application needed
• Only around 36 nationalities (including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Russia) must apply for a visa before arrival
• Every traveller — visa-free or not — must submit the free SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before landing
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you leave Singapore
• Eligible nationals from India, CIS countries, and China can use the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility instead of a full visa

Most travellers do not need a visa for Singapore. Citizens of over 162 countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Australia, Japan, and most ASEAN nations — can enter visa-free for 30 or 90 days. Around 36 nationalities, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Russia, must apply for a visa before arrival. Regardless of nationality, every visitor must submit the free SG Arrival Card online within three days of their travel date.

Singapore processes more than 16 million visitor arrivals a year, and the vast majority clear Changi Airport immigration in minutes — no visa paperwork, no embassy visits, no fees. But if your passport happens to be on a specific list of roughly 36 countries, the process looks very different: you will need to apply through an authorised agent or a Singapore overseas mission, gather supporting documents, and plan at least a week of lead time.

The confusion does not stop there. Many travellers mix up the SG Arrival Card (which is mandatory for everyone) with a visa (which most people do not need). Others are unaware that a 96-hour transit facility exists for Indian and CIS-country passport holders. This guide cuts through the noise. You will find a complete country-by-country breakdown of Singapore visa requirements, the exact steps for applying if you do need a visa, and every practical detail you need to clear immigration without a hitch.

Singapore Visa-Free Countries — The Complete List

Citizens of 162 countries and territories can enter Singapore without applying for a visa. The duration of your visa-free stay depends on your nationality — either 90 days or 30 days. No pre-approval, no application fee, and no embassy visit is required. You simply present your valid passport at immigration and receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) via email.

Which Nationalities Get 90-Day Visa-Free Entry?

A 90-day visa-free stay is granted to passport holders from 35 countries. These are primarily citizens of Western nations and a few select partners with strong bilateral ties to Singapore.

The full list of 90-day visa-free nationalities includes:

• All European Union member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
• Other European countries: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland
• United States
• United Kingdom (British passport holders)
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea

If you hold a passport from any of these countries, you can stay for up to 90 days per visit without any visa formality. The 90-day window is generous enough for extended holidays, business trips, or even short-term courses.

Which Nationalities Get 30-Day Visa-Free Entry?

The remaining 126+ visa-free nationalities receive a 30-day stay on arrival. This covers most of the world, including the vast majority of countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

Key 30-day visa-free countries include:

• Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Laos, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
• Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE
• Africa: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and all Caribbean nations
• Oceania: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and others

Thirty days is more than sufficient for a typical Singapore holiday. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — though extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

ASEAN Nationals — Special Arrangements

All ten ASEAN member states have reciprocal visa-free arrangements with Singapore. If you hold a passport from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam, you can enter Singapore for 30 days without a visa. Malaysian citizens enjoy additional privileges, including the option to enter via land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas using just their identity card.

Countries That Require a Visa for Singapore

Around 36 nationalities must apply for a visa before travelling to Singapore. There is no visa-on-arrival option — if your country is on this list, you need an approved visa before you board your flight. Singapore's ICA divides visa-required countries into two assessment levels, which determine how your application is processed.

Assessment Level I Countries (Standard Processing)

Nationals from Assessment Level I countries can apply for an e-visa through ICA's online portal via a local Singaporean contact or an authorised strategic partner. Alternatively, they can apply at the nearest Singapore overseas mission or through an authorised visa agent without needing a local contact.

Assessment Level I countries include:

• Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, North Korea

Processing time for Level I applications is typically 3 working days (excluding the submission day). Holders of diplomatic or official passports from most of these countries are exempt from the visa requirement.

Assessment Level II Countries (Additional Documentation Required)

Assessment Level II nationals follow a similar application process but must include a "Letter of Introduction for Visa Application" — either from a local Singaporean contact or from a Singapore diplomatic mission. This adds an extra step to the process.

Assessment Level II countries include:

• Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen

For Level II applicants, non-ordinary passport holders (diplomatic, official) are also generally required to obtain a visa, unlike Level I countries where diplomatic passport holders are usually exempt.

Region-by-Region Visa Requirements for Singapore

The tables below give you a quick reference for every major region. If your country is listed as "Visa-free," you can enter Singapore without applying in advance. If listed as "Visa required," you must secure a visa before travel.

Asia

Country	Visa Status	Stay Duration
Brunei	Visa-free	30 days
Cambodia	Visa-free	30 days
China	Visa-free	30 days
Hong Kong SAR	Visa-free	30 days
India	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Indonesia	Visa-free	30 days
Japan	Visa-free	90 days
Kazakhstan	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Laos	Visa-free	30 days
Macau SAR	Visa-free	30 days
Malaysia	Visa-free	30 days
Mongolia	Visa-free	30 days
Myanmar	Visa-free	30 days
Nepal	Visa-free	30 days
North Korea	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Pakistan	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Philippines	Visa-free	30 days
South Korea	Visa-free	90 days
Sri Lanka	Visa-free	30 days
Taiwan	Visa-free	30 days
Thailand	Visa-free	30 days
Vietnam	Visa-free	30 days
Bangladesh	Visa required	Up to 30 days

Europe

Country	Visa Status	Stay Duration
All EU member states (27 countries)	Visa-free	90 days
United Kingdom	Visa-free	90 days
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein	Visa-free	90 days
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia	Visa-free	30 days
Georgia	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Russia	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Ukraine	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Belarus	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Moldova	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Kosovo	Visa required	Up to 30 days

Americas

Country	Visa Status	Stay Duration
United States	Visa-free	90 days
Canada	Visa-free	30 days
Mexico	Visa-free	30 days
Brazil	Visa-free	30 days
Argentina	Visa-free	30 days
Colombia	Visa-free	30 days
All Caribbean nations	Visa-free	30 days
All Central American countries	Visa-free	30 days

No country in the Americas requires a visa for Singapore. This makes Singapore one of the most accessible Asian destinations for travellers from the Western Hemisphere.

Africa

Most African nations enjoy visa-free access to Singapore for 30 days. However, a handful of countries do require a visa:

• Visa required: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia
• Visa-free (30 days): All other African nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe

Middle East

Country	Visa Status	Stay Duration
Bahrain	Visa-free	30 days
Israel	Visa-free	30 days
Oman	Visa-free	30 days
Qatar	Visa-free	30 days
Saudi Arabia	Visa-free	30 days
Turkey	Visa-free	30 days
UAE	Visa-free	30 days
Iran	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Iraq	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Jordan	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Lebanon	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Syria	Visa required	Up to 30 days
Yemen	Visa required	Up to 30 days

Oceania

All Oceanian nations — including Australia and New Zealand (90 days) and Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu (30 days) — enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore. No country in this region requires a visa.

Singapore Visa for Indian Citizens — What You Need to Know

Indian passport holders must apply for a visa for Singapore before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Indian nationals, and arriving without an approved visa means you will be denied boarding or turned away at immigration. India is classified as an Assessment Level I country, which means the application process is relatively straightforward — but you do need to plan ahead.

How to Apply for a Singapore Visa from India

The Singapore High Commission and consulates in India no longer accept walk-in applications. All visa applications from Indian nationals must be submitted through authorised visa agents or the ICA's online e-visa system via a local Singaporean contact.

Here is the step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Contact an authorised visa agent in India (a list is available on the Singapore Consulate websites for your region) or arrange for a local Singaporean contact with a SingPass account to submit on your behalf
• Step 2: Complete Form 14A (the visa application form) and gather required documents
• Step 3: Submit your application and pay the visa fee
• Step 4: Receive your e-visa approval via email (typically within 3–5 working days)
• Step 5: Print a copy of the e-visa to present at immigration

Documents Required, Fees, and Processing Time

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore
• Completed Form 14A: Signed by the applicant
• Passport-size photo: Recent, colour, white background
• Proof of travel: Flight itinerary or confirmed air tickets
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation or host's address in Singapore
• Proof of funds: Bank statements showing sufficient funds (generally SGD 2,000–5,000 or equivalent)
• Visa fee: Approximately SGD 30 (~INR 1,900 / ~USD 22)
• Processing time: 3–5 working days (can take longer during peak seasons)
• Visa validity: Typically 2 years with multiple entries (each stay up to 30 days)

Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing time and any unexpected delays. The visa can be submitted no earlier than 30 days before your intended arrival.

The 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for Indians

If you are an Indian national transiting through Singapore on your way to or from a third country, you may qualify for the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility — which lets you clear immigration and explore Singapore for up to four days without a visa.

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You are travelling to or from a third country (not directly between India and Singapore)
• You have a valid onward air, ferry, or cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours
• You hold a valid visa or long-term pass (with at least 1 month of remaining validity) issued by one of these eight countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or United States
• You depart Singapore by air or sea (regardless of how you entered)

A few important nuances to keep in mind:

• The VFTF can only be used once per itinerary — either on the outbound or return leg, not both
• Single-journey visas are accepted on the return leg if you travel directly from the visa-issuing country back to India via Singapore
• Schengen visas that are valid for entry into Germany or Switzerland also qualify
• There is no separate application — eligibility is assessed by ICA officers at the immigration counter upon arrival
• Extensions beyond the 96-hour window are not permitted under any circumstances

This is a useful option if you are flying from India to the US or Australia via Singapore and want to spend a few days exploring the city. Four days is enough time to visit Gardens by the Bay, tour the Marina Bay waterfront, and eat your way through a couple of hawker centres.

The SG Arrival Card — What Every Traveller Must Know

The SG Arrival Card is mandatory for every foreign visitor entering Singapore — and it is the single most common source of confusion in Singapore's entry process. It is not a visa. It does not replace a visa. And it applies to you regardless of whether your nationality is visa-free or visa-required.

What Is the SG Arrival Card (and Why It's Not a Visa)?

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free electronic pre-arrival declaration managed by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. It replaced the old paper disembarkation card in 2020. The form collects your personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and a short health declaration.

Key facts:

• It is 100% free — there is no government fee of any kind
• It is not a visa and does not determine whether you need one
• It must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival (not earlier)
• You need a new SGAC for every entry into Singapore
• Every traveller needs one, including children and infants (a parent can submit on their behalf)

How to Submit the SG Arrival Card for Free

There are only two legitimate ways to submit the SGAC:

• Online: Via the official ICA e-Service portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
• Mobile app: Via the MyICA Mobile app (available free on iOS and Android)

The form takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. You will need your passport details, flight number, Singapore accommodation address, and a valid email address (your e-Pass will be sent here after you clear immigration).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying a third-party site: Numerous unofficial websites charge USD 20–80 for what is a free government service. The only legitimate URL is eservices.ica.gov.sg. If a site asks for a credit card number, close it immediately.
• Submitting too early: The system only allows submissions within 3 days of your arrival date. If you try to submit a week in advance, the form will not display your arrival date.
• Vague accommodation details: Entering "hotel in Singapore" will not be accepted. Copy the full hotel name and address (including postal code) from your booking confirmation.
• Forgetting to update health information: If your health status changes between submission and arrival, update the SGAC through the ICA website to avoid delays at immigration.

Practical Entry Tips for Singapore

Clearing Singapore immigration is straightforward if you arrive prepared. Here are the details that catch travellers off guard — and how to avoid them.

Passport Validity and What to Carry at Immigration

Singapore requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure (not arrival). If your passport expires within that window, you may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the checkpoint.

At immigration, have the following ready:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity from departure date)
• Completed SG Arrival Card confirmation (on your phone or printed)
• Proof of onward or return travel (flight booking or e-ticket)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements or credit cards)
• Visa approval (if your nationality requires one)
• Hotel booking confirmation or host's address in Singapore

e-Pass — Singapore's Digital Visit Pass

Singapore no longer stamps passports. Since 2022, all foreign visitors receive an electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) via email after clearing immigration. The e-Pass notification contains your permitted period of stay and the last day you are allowed to remain in Singapore.

Make sure you provide a valid, active email address when submitting your SG Arrival Card — that is where your e-Pass will be delivered. You can also retrieve your e-Pass later through the ICA's e-Pass Enquiry Portal.

Extending Your Stay Beyond the Visa-Free Period

If you need to stay longer than the 30 or 90 days granted on your Visit Pass, you can apply for a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) extension through the ICA's online e-Service. Extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Apply at least 7 days before your current pass expires.

Overstaying your Visit Pass — even by a single day — is a punishable offence in Singapore and can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a future entry ban. Check the last day of stay indicated on your e-Pass and plan accordingly.

Plan Your Singapore Trip with Confidence

For most travellers, entering Singapore is one of the simplest immigration experiences in Asia. If you hold a passport from any of the 162+ visa-free countries, all you need is a valid passport, a completed SG Arrival Card, and proof of onward travel. If you are from one of the 36 visa-required countries, apply through an authorised agent at least two weeks before your trip — the process typically takes just 3–5 working days.

With the entry logistics sorted, you can focus on what actually matters: deciding what to see and do. From the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay to late-night hawker stalls in Chinatown, Singapore packs more into 730 square kilometres than most countries manage in ten times the space. Start planning your trip on Travjoy's Singapore page — where every experience has been researched, vetted, and approved by local experts so you can spend less time second-guessing and more time exploring. You can also check our top 20 things to do in Singapore to make the most of your visit.