Background on Singapore’s visa policy
Singapore has a generally open visa policy, allowing citizens of most countries to enter Singapore without a visa for tourism and business purposes. The length of stay allowed varies based on nationality.
Singapore’s visa free access is part of its overall strategy to promote tourism, investment, and economic partnerships. By removing visa barriers, Singapore aims to attract more visitors, talent, and capital. At the same time, Singapore maintains discretion to impose visa requirements on selected nationalities for security and immigration control reasons.
Visa rules for Japanese citizens
Japanese citizens enjoy visa free entry into Singapore for tourism and business purposes. According to Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA):
“Citizens of Japan are allowed to enter Singapore without a visa for purposes of tourism or business for up to 30 days.” [1]
This means Japanese passport holders do not need to obtain a visa in advance when visiting Singapore for short-term activities like tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings or events, etc.
The 30 day duration covers the visitor from the date of entry into Singapore. For example, if a Japanese tourist enters Singapore on 1 January, their permitted stay is up to 31 January.
Highlights of Singapore’s visa free access for Japanese citizens:
- No visa application required before travel
- Permission to stay up to 30 days from date of entry
- Valid for tourism and business purposes
- Entry through any Singapore immigration checkpoint
How Japanese citizens can extend their stay
While Japanese citizens get an initial 30 days visa free in Singapore, it is possible to extend your permitted stay beyond 30 days.
Options to extend your stay include:
Apply for visa extension
You can apply to Singapore’s ICA for a visa extension beyond the initial 30 days. Extensions up to 89 days from date of entry are possible. Visa extensions take around 3-5 working days to process and fees apply. [2]
Apply for long-term immigration pass
If you need to stay in Singapore longer for employment, study, investment, or residency, you can apply for the relevant long-term immigration pass like an Employment Pass, EntrePass, Student Pass, or Permanent Residence. Approval will be based on meeting eligibility criteria for that pass.
Visit neighbouring countries
You can make short trips to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and return to Singapore to refresh your 30 days. However, immigration officers may ask for proof of your ongoing travel plans.
Conclusion
In summary, Japanese citizens enjoy convenient visa free short-term access to Singapore for tourism and business. This facilitates travel for a wide range of purposes without needing to apply for a visa.
If you need to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply to extend your visa or convert to a long-term immigration pass. Check Singapore’s official immigration website for the most updated policy.
References
[1] “Visitor Arrival Requirements – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.” https://www.ica.gov.sg/visitor/visitor_arrival_requirements. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
[2] “Extend Your Stay – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.” https://www.ica.gov.sg/visitor/extend_stay. Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.
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.
