Introduction
Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, drawing over 18 million visitors in 2019 alone. With its dazzling skyscrapers, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural diversity, it’s easy to see why so many travelers flock to this island city-state.
One common question asked by potential visitors is – is Singapore visa free? Can I visit without applying for a tourist visa in advance?
The answer depends on your country of citizenship. Read on to find out everything you need to know about visa requirements for entering Singapore.
Visa-Free Access for Citizens of Certain Countries
Singapore has visa-free agreements or visa-free access policies with many countries and territories. Citizens of these places can enter and stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without applying for a visa.
This includes citizens of:
European Union Countries
All European Union member states enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore. This covers countries like:
And many more EU member states. As long as you hold an EU passport, you can visit Singapore without a visa for up to 30 days.
Other European Countries
Aside from the EU, citizens of these other European nations also get visa-free access:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Vatican City
- San Marino
- Turkey (note: e-visas required as of April 2023)
So Europeans from non-EU countries can also enter Singapore freely.
Asia
ASEAN Countries
As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore allows visa-free access for citizens of these ASEAN countries:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Nationals of ASEAN member states can visit Singapore freely for up to 30 days.
North America
- United States
- Canada
Oceania
Asia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Africa
Countries That Require Visas
Europe
Asia
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- China
- Georgia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Macao
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
Africa
Citizens of these countries have to apply for a Singapore tourist visa or e-visa online before they can enter and visit. Visa requirements help regulate and control visitor inflows.
Singapore has introduced visa-free transit facilities at Changi Airport. So even if your home country needs a visa, you may still be able to enter Singapore visa-free on a short layover. But you would need to remain within the transit area.
Long-Term Visas
The visa-free access discussed above only applies to short tourist or social visits up to 30 days in Singapore. If you wish to stay longer, you would need to apply for a longer-term visa like:
- Student pass if you want to study in Singapore
- Work permit if taking up employment
- Dependent’s pass for families of work permit holders
- Long-term visit pass for extended stays to visit family etc.
Singapore issues several other long-stay visas like S-passes and employment passes for qualified professionals taking skilled jobs. Be sure to apply for the right visa that fits your purpose of visit.
Conclusion
In summary, Singapore does provide visa-free access to citizens of many developed countries for short tourist trips up to 30 days. But if you hail from other nations, you would need to apply for a Singapore visa before you can visit.
To enjoy a hassle-free trip, always check visa requirements that apply to your nationality before booking flights. With some advance planning, you can easily visit this amazing island nation and explore all the sights.
References
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. “Visa Requirement for Foreigners entering Singapore.” https://www.mfa.gov.sg/visa-requirements-for-foreigners
Singapore Tourism Board. “Visitor Information.” https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/getting-around/visitor-information/
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. “Visa-Free Transit Facilities.” https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart/entry_requirements/visa_requirements/visa-free-transit-facilities
Goh Jun Cheng is the chief staff writer for SingaporeAirport.com. Jun Cheng graduated with a degree in journalism from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He has over 5 years of experience writing about aviation, tourism, and lifestyle topics relevant to locals and visitors in Singapore. His articles provide insights into the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions of Singapore. Jun Cheng is an avid traveler who has visited over 15 countries.
When he is not writing or traveling, he enjoys photography, trying new foods, and hiking. As a longtime Singapore resident, Jun Cheng is passionate about sharing hidden gems and perspectives about his home country.
