Singapore Visa Guide
Getting A Singapore Visa
OVERVIEW
A thriving metropolis offering world-class infrastructure, Singapore is among the top business capitals of the world. The sunny, tropical island in South-East Asia, is inhabited by four major communities -- Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian. After breaking off from Malaysia in 1965, the country adopted a parliamentary democracy system. Singapore has a fully-integrated island-wide transport network, a dynamic business environment, and a vibrant lifestyle.
Why Is Singapore Visa Needed?
Every foreign visitor needs to ensure that they meet or possess the following entry requirements as stated by the Singapore Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Singapore for business or social purposes. A Singapore visa is not an immigration pass. It is a permission required by the holder of a proper visa to gain admission into Singapore. The grant of an immigration pass is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Having just a proper visa does not qualify you for entry into Singapore. How long you can stay in Singapore is indicated in the visit pass endorsement based on your passport and it is not linked to the validity of your visa.
| PASS, PERMIT OR PROGRAMME | TYPE OF APPLICANTS | EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SINGAPORE VISA |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Professionals, Managers, Managing Directors, Executives or Specialists |
|
| Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) | Foreign businessmen setting up new ventures in Singapore |
|
| Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) | Professionals, Managers, Executivesor Specialists |
Overseas foreign professionals whose last drawn fixed monthly salary was at least $18,000
Current Employment Pass holders
|
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled workers (e.g. Technicians) |
|
| Work Permit for foreign Worker | Semi-skilled or unskilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, processor services sector. |
|
| Work Permit for foreign domestic workers | Semi-skilled or unskilled foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore. |
|
Singapore Visa Application Process
Singapore is a paradise for fans of nature and skyscrapers alike. Often called the ‘City in a Garden’, Singapore offers sharp contrasts between smoky temples and tall buildings. One moment you are in the humid markets of Hong Kong and malls of Chinatown, and the next moment on the thronging Mumbai streets of India. If you are planning a little getaway, then apply for Singapore visa now.
Singapore Visa Process for Different Types of Visas
Process for applying for a tourist visa:
- Download the Singapore tourist visa form online, fill it up, sign it and apply for the Singapore Visa.
- Make sure that your passport has at least a validity of 6 months as of the date of arrival in Singapore.
- Book a confirmed return air ticket, and keep a tour itinerary handy
- Prepare a covering letter mentioning the reason and dates of travel addressed to ‘The Embassy of Singapore /The Consulate General of Singapore’.
- Procure a leave letter from your company on its letterhead.
- Ensure that all documents are written in English.
- If you are currently residing at an address other than that mentioned in the passport, then attach the residential proof.
- If you are visiting Singapore for the first time, then you need to attach income tax papers of the last 3 years and a bank statement of the last 3 months.
- Though not mandatory, it would be advisable to attach the confirmed bookings of your hotel in Singapore.
Singapore Visa Process for Applying for A Business/Work Visa:
If you wish to apply for a Singapore visa to go there for a job or to set up a business, you need to apply for a business or a work visa – or, as it is often called, an EntrePass. This visa has a validity of one year. The procedure for issuing the EntrePass is managed under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, Singapore. You will have to make a payment of $70 while submitting the application form with all the requisite documents, and another $150 when the visa is issued. It takes around six weeks for a Singapore business visa to be processed. After submitting the filled application form, you need to register your business for getting an in-principle approval letter, complete your biometrics, and get the EntrePass.
Process for Applying for A Student Visa:
If you wish to pursue your studies in Singapore, you first of all need to procure an offer letter from your desired institute for your desired course. Educational institutes in Singapore submit the Singapore student pass for Indian applicants on their behalf to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA). Student visa applications are processed through the Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system. Applications for a student visa must be submitted at least one month, and not more than two months, before the commencement of the course.
Where to Apply for A Singapore Visa?
The Singapore High Commission has stopped accepting individual walk-in applications since 1st April 2009.The Singapore Visa process requires that the applications must be submitted in person to any of the commission’s authorized visa agents at the commission’s Annex A. Applicants whose application has been approved can have their e-Visa printed by the visa agents.
The Singapore High Commission's Authorized Visa Agents are located in New Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. And, if you have a local sponsor in Singapore (with a Singpass account), they can submit your visa application online on your behalf. The online payment mode accepts Master/ Visa; Debit/ Credit cards only.
How to Book An Appointment?
There is no need to book an appointment with the Singapore High Commission as they have stopped accepting individual walk-in applications since 1st April 2009. Instead, you will have to apply online or through their authorized agents as outlined above.
Singapore Visa Eligibility
You are eligible for a Singapore visa if you fulfil the following criteria:
- The Singapore visa process requires that you have a job offer in Singapore
- Work in a managerial, executive or specialized job
- If you earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,600 (more experienced candidates need higher salaries to qualify)
- Have a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialized skills
- Application for an Employment Pass is open to all nationalities
- There is no list of approved institutions for students. Each application is evaluated on merit, based on a wide range of criteria, such as international and country rankings
- Lastly, other factors like proven track records and exceptional skillsare taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis
How to Check Status of Your Singapore Visa Process
You can check the status of your visa in the following way:
- Go to the official website www.ica.gov.sg
- On the left menu click ‘Check Status’
- Click on ‘Entry Visa’
- Go to the bottom of the page and click ‘Status Enquiry’
- Fill in your details and click ‘proceed’ to check your application status
Singapore Visa Requirements
If you wish to visit Singapore, there are certain Singapore visa requirements you will have to fulfill before you can enter the country. You will have to present yourself for immigration clearance at your point of entry in Singapore with the following basic requirements:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months
- Adequate funds for your intended stay are a basic Singapore visa requirement
- A completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (D/E Card)
- A valid Singapore Visa
- A confirmed onward or return ticket, wherever applicable
- Evidence that you can enter your next destination
- A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
If you are found to be eligible for entry into Singapore, you will receive a Visit Pass which will indicate the period of stay granted. You need to check your Visit Pass and the number of days you can stay before leaving the checkpoint. Another Singapore visa requirements is that during your stay in Singapore on a Visit Pass, you are not allowed to engage in any business, professional or paid employment activities. You also need to remember that overstaying is a punishable offence in Singapore, so if you need to stay longer, you will have to apply for an extension. You can apply online for an extension using the e-Service, or you can go to the Visitor Services Centre of the Immigration &Checkpoint Authority (ICA) before your Visit Pass expires.
Documents Required for Singapore Visa Application
A list of Singapore Visa documents is given below
- A duly filled visa application form
- Passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- A clear photocopy of your passport’s first, last and any other observation page
- Two recent color photographs
- Passport copy of the invitee
- Bank statement of the last 6 months
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Original covering letter including the purpose of visit, date of travel, number of passengers, details of travel itinerary, place of stay in Singapore and applicant's employment details In addition to these Singapore Visa documents, for a work visa, you will need the following extra documents:
In addition to these Singapore Visa documents, for a work visa, you will need the following extra documents:
- An offer letter from the employer company in Singapore
In addition to these Singapore Visa documents, for a tourist visa, you will need the following extra documents:
- If you have been invited by family or friends, then you have to produce the invitation letter from your family/friends in Singapore.
- A sponsorship letter and financial details of the sponsor are required if the applicant is travelling alone and is unemployed.
Singapore Visa Eligibility
| PASS, PERMIT OR PROGRAMME | TYPE OF APPLICANTS | EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SINGAPORE VISA |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Professionals, Managers, Managing Directors, Executives or Specialists |
|
| Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) | Foreign businessmen setting up new ventures in Singapore |
|
| Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) | Professionals, Managers, Executivesor Specialists |
Overseas foreign professionals whose last drawn fixed monthly salary was at least $18,000
Current Employment Pass holders
|
| S Pass | Mid-level skilled workers (e.g. Technicians) |
|
| Work Permit for foreign Worker | Semi-skilled or unskilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, processor services sector. |
|
| Work Permit for foreign domestic workers | Semi-skilled or unskilled foreign domestic workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore. |
|
While traveling to Singapore it is advisable to takeout a travel insurance policy with Bharti AXA to protect yourself from possible risks. Such a travel insurance would typically cover expenses arising from emergency medical evacuation/death, personal accident causing death or injury, loss of passport or other traveling documents, loss of checked baggage, or any other damages arising out of flight delays. Most importantly, it will provide you a lot of peace of mind.
What is Singapore Tourist Visa?
If you wish to visit Singapore as a tourist, you will need to comply with certain entry regulations such as a Singapore Tourist Visa. A Singapore tourist visa is not an immigration pass. It is a permission required by the holder of a proper tourist visa to gain admission into Singapore. The grant of an immigration pass is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Having just a proper tourist visa does not qualify you for entry into Singapore. How long you can stay in Singapore is indicated in the visit pass endorsement based on your passport and it is not linked to the validity of your visa.
Duration of Singapore Tourist Visa
Indian passport holders need to apply for a Singapore Tourist Visa that allows them to stay for a maximum period of 30 days, with a total validity of 2 years. As with other country rules, even for Singapore you need to ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of entry in Singapore.
Cost of Singapore Tourist Visa
The Singapore tourist visa feesis Singapore $30. Visa processing fee is paid upon application of visas. This fee is not refundable, whether your visa application succeeds or fails, or if you withdraw the application after submission. If you are applying for a Singapore tourist visa from India, the Authorized Visa Agents may also charge a service fee of Rs.300 on top of the visa processing fee. All fees are to be paid while applying for the visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Singapore Tourist Visa
In order to be eligible for procuring a Singapore tourist visa you, the following conditions have to be fulfilled:
- You must have a valid passport
- Your passport must have a validity that extends the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least 6 months
- You must have a copy of your completed visa application form (Form 14A)
- You must have a copy of the Letter of Introduction for Visa Application (Form V39A) that has been issued by your local contact in Singapore. Your contact in Singapore must be a citizen of Singapore or a permanent resident of Singapore and must be at least 21 years of age. In case you do not have a local contact, you can approach your Embassy to issue a letter of introduction to support your visa application
- In case you provide a Letter of Introduction from your local contact in Singapore, you must provide a photocopy of the local contact’s Singapore Identity Card
- You must provide proof of confirmed hotel reservation, flight bookings and travel itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Singapore
- You must provide proof of having confirmed tickets for your onward or return journey
- In case you provide proof of having tickets for onward journey, you must show evidence of having obtained entry facilities to your onward destination, for example a visa
- You must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support yourself financially during your entire stay in Singapore and for your return transportation.
- You must be in good physical and mental health and must be free from any kind of contagious diseases
- You intend to leave Singapore at the end of your authorized stay
Application Process for Singapore Tourist Visa
- Download the Singapore tourist visa form online, fill it up and sign it.
- Make sure that your passport has at least a validity of 6 months as of the date of arrival in Singapore.
- Book a confirmed return air ticket, and keep a tour itinerary handy.
- Prepare a covering letter mentioning the reason and dates of travel addressed to ‘The Embassy of Singapore /The Consulate General of Singapore’.
- Procure a leave letter from your company on its letterhead.
- Ensure that all documents are written in English
- If you are currently residing at an address other than that mentioned in the passport, then attach the residential proof
- If you are visiting Singapore for the first time, then you need to attach income tax papers of the last 3 years and a bank statement of the last 3 months.
- Though not mandatory, it would be advisable to attach the confirmed bookings of your hotel in Singapore.
Documents required for Singapore Tourist Visa
- A duly filled visa application form
- Passport
- Validity - 6 months
- A clear photocopy of passport -- first, last and any observation page
- Two recent color photographs
- Passport copy of the invitee
- 6 months’ bank statement
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Original cover letter which includes the purpose of your visit, the dates of travel, no. of passengers, details of travel itinerary, place of stay and the applicant's employment details
Where to Apply Singapore Tourist Visa?
The Singapore High Commission has stopped accepting individual walk-in applications since 1st April 2009. Visa applications must be submitted in person to any of the commission’s authorized visa agents at the commission’s Annex A. Applicants whose application has been approved can have their e-Visa printed by the visa agents. The Singapore High Commission's Authorized Visa Agents are located in New Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. And, if you have a local sponsor in Singapore (with a Singpass account), they can submit your visa application online on your behalf. The online payment mode accepts Master/ Visa; Debit/ Credit cards only.
How to Track Singapore Tourist Visa?
You can check the status of your visa in the following way:
- Go to the official website www.ica.gov.sg
- On the left menu click ‘Check Status’
- Click on ‘Entry Visa’
- Go to the bottom of the page and click ‘Status Enquiry’
- Fill in your details and click ‘proceed’ to check your application status
In conclusion, everybody who wants to travel to Singapore would do well to take out a travel insurance with Bharti AXA to protect themselves and their loved ones from any unexpected mishaps. A typical travel insurance would cover the following:
- Expenses arising from emergency medical evacuation/death
- Personal accident causing death or dismemberment
- Loss or passport or other traveling documents
- Flight delay/loss of checked baggage
Types of Visa for Singapore
Basic Types of Singapore Visas
There are different types of visas required to be taken by foreigners who wish to visit Singapore, depending on the nature of their visit. The following are the main types:
Visa for Foreign Entrepreneur/Relocated Management Staff:
- Employment Pass
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
- Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
For Family Members of Relocated Staff:
- Dependent Pass
- Long-Term Visit Pass
- S Pass
For Getting Singapore Permanent Residency/Citizenship:
- Singapore Permanent Resident
- GIP(Global Investor Program)
Miscellaneous Work Pass Scheme:
The Miscellaneous Work Pass is given to foreigners visiting Singapore on short-term assignments. You will be issued a Miscellaneous Work Pass particularly if you are:
- Involved in work directly related to your company or for the conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, or political end
- A foreign religious worker giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion
- A foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency
The other information about this scheme is as follows:
- Validity: Short-term
- Quota System: No. Each visa application is considered on its own merit
- Eligibility for Permanent Residence: Miscellaneous Work Pass holders are not eligible to apply for PR
Singapore Visa Fees
The Singapore High Commission does not directly issue visas, but has authorized specific agents to undertake the process of issuing all types of visas to aspirants. The Singapore visa fee for processing of each application is Singapore $30. This Singapore visa fees is to be paid while applying for the visa. The Singapore visa processing fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of your visa application, or even if you choose to withdraw the application after submission. Over and above this fee, Singapore visa charges amounting to Rs 300 can be taken by authorized visa agents for processing the visa. On the other hand, you can also apply for the Singapore visa online, but the fees for it is the same Singapore $30, and has to be paid online with a MasterCard or Visa Credit or Debit Card. This fee, too, is non-refundable.
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I am an Indian. Am I supposed to apply for a Singapore visa?
Yes, a Singapore Visa for Indians is mandatory.
If I am transiting through Singapore, do I still need a visa?
Foreigners transiting in Singapore will not require visas if they remain within the transit area of Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3 or 4) and do not pass through Singapore Immigration.
When should I apply if I am required to travel to Singapore with a visa?
You can apply for a visa up to one month before your intended date of arrival in Singapore.
Who decides if I will get a Singapore visa?
Your visa application will be processed and decided by Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
Do I need to submit my original passport for submission of application?
You must present your original passport for identity verification purposes, when you apply for entry visa, either with the Singapore High Commission or with their authorized visa agents.
Is it necessary to get travel insurance?
Taking travel insurance during a trip to abroad is always recommendable. Travel insurance allows you to enjoy your travel experience rather than stressing over things that can go wrong. Moreover, it allows you an easy way to deal with emergencies that may arise during your travel.
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