Singapore has a very open visa policy and allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including Germany. As per the current rules:
Citizens Can Stay for Up to 30 Days Visa-Free
German passport holders can enter and stay in Singapore without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism and business purposes. This applies only if they enter Singapore by sea or air.
No Visa Required for Cruise Ship Passengers
German citizens who arrive in Singapore as cruise ship passengers can also enter without a visa. They are permitted to stay visa-free while the ship is in port, up to a maximum of 30 days.
Extending Stay Beyond 30 Days Requires a Visa
If German citizens wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days, they have to apply for the relevant Singapore visa before arriving. Some of the common visa options are:
- Tourist visa – for leisure travel and short-term visits
- Business visa – for attending conferences, meetings, etc.
- Employment pass – for working in Singapore
- Student pass – for studying in Singapore
Recent Changes to Visa Policy
Singapore periodically reviews its visa rules to facilitate tourism and business travel. Here are some of the recent changes:
Visa-Free Transit Facility
In 2019, Singapore introduced a new visa-free transit facility that allows transit passengers to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours visa-free. This applies to German citizens as well.
Visa Not Needed for Children Under 6 Years
As of January 2020, German children below 6 years of age do not need an entry visa for Singapore. The same rule applies for children from other visa-exempt countries.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa-Free Entry
While German citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore, they need to meet certain eligibility conditions:
- Must hold a valid German passport with at least 6 months validity
- Must have an onward or return ticket out of Singapore
- Shall not have any criminal records or immigration offenses
- Shall not have overstayed previously in Singapore
Failing to meet these conditions can result in denial of entry at the immigration checkpoint.
Conclusion
German citizens can enter Singapore without a visa and stay for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days. Visa-free entry is a privilege extended by the Singapore government to facilitate travel and strengthen diplomatic ties. German visitors should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria to fully benefit from this privilege.
References
- https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart/entry_requirements/visa-requirements-for-german-citizens
- https://www.singaporevisa.com.sg/visa-services/singapore-tourist-visa/germany-citizen
- https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/singapore-visa/german-citizens/
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.
