Overview of Singapore Visas
Singapore issues several types of visas for visitors, including tourist visas, social visit passes, and transit visas. The most common visa for leisure travel is the tourist visa.
Tourist Visa
The Singapore tourist visa allows foreign nationals to enter Singapore for up to 30 days for leisure travel purposes. Some key facts about the tourist visa:
- Issued as either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa
- Valid for up to 30 days from the date of entry
- Extendable up to 90 days total stay
Social Visit Pass
The social visit pass is very similar to a tourist visa, but is issued upon arrival for citizens of certain countries. It also allows up to 30 days initial stay.
Transit Visa
The transit visa allows passing through Singapore en route to another country. It is valid for up to 96 hours.
Extending the Tourist Visa
The standard Singapore tourist visa allows up to 30 days stay from the date of entry. However, it is possible to apply to extend the visa up to 90 days total stay.
Eligibility for Extension
To be eligible for a tourist visa extension in Singapore, you must:
- Have a valid tourist visa
- Have already been in Singapore for at least 30 days
- Be able to provide proof of funds and onward travel arrangements
- Pay the extension fee
- Have not exceeded 90 days stay in Singapore this year
Some nationalities may have additional requirements.
How to Apply for Extension
To extend a tourist visa, you must submit an application in person at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) office. Here are the steps:
- Download the tourist visa extension form from the ICA website
- Complete the form with your personal details
- Prepare supporting documents:
- Passport
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Confirmed onward or return ticket
- Any other required documents
- Go to the ICA office during operating hours
- Submit the completed form, passport, and supporting documents
- Pay the extension fee (typically $30-60 SGD)
- Wait for passport to be returned with new visa sticker reflecting extended validity
Extensions are usually processed while you wait at the ICA office. Total processing time is 30-60 minutes typically.
Length of Extension
When applying for a tourist visa extension, you can request an extension of up to 60 additional days. For example, if you entered Singapore on a 30-day tourist visa and have already been there for 30 days, you could apply to extend your stay for up to 60 more days.
The maximum combined length of stay allowed on a tourist visa is 90 days within a 6 month period. So you cannot extend longer than that.
Conclusion
The Singapore tourist visa can indeed be extended beyond the initial 30 days up to a total stay of 90 days. You must apply in person at the ICA office and meet the eligibility criteria. With the extension, you can prolong your time visiting amazing Singapore.
References
Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority – https://www.ica.gov.sg
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.
