Planning a trip to Singapore? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Singapore's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Singapore need entry visa (via authorised visa agent), with an official government fee of S$30 per application.
Singapore visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent) |
| Government fee | S$30 per application |
| Processing time | 3–5 working days (longer at peak) |
| Validity | Single journey ~9 weeks; Multiple journey 1–2 years (5/10 yrs for some) |
| Permitted stay | Set by Visit Pass at checkpoint, typically up to 30 days |
| Where to apply | ICA Authorised Visa Agent (e.g. VFS) or Singapore local contact with Singpass via ICA e-Service (Form V39A) |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$10 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Singapore?
Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent): Nationals of ICA Assessment Level I & II countries: India, China (certain documents), Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka*, Nigeria, Egypt, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and others (full list on ICA).
Singapore Visit Visa (e-Visa): Assessment-Level nationals such as Indian passport holders (Singapore passport holders do not need a visa for their own country)
SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with e-Pass: ALL short-term visitors (visa-required and visa-exempt), including Indian and Singapore residents returning
Singapore visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent) | S$30 per application | Set by Visit Pass at checkpoint, typically up to 30 days | 3–5 working days (longer at peak) | ICA Authorised Visa Agent (e.g. VFS) or Singapore local contact with Singpass via ICA e-Service (Form V39A) |
| Singapore Visit Visa (e-Visa) | SGD 30 | 30 days | About 3-5 working days (longer in peak periods) | ICA-authorised visa agent, strategic partner, or local sponsor (not filed directly by the traveller) |
| SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with e-Pass | SGD 0 | — | Immediate e-acknowledgement | ICA official SG Arrival Card portal / MyICA app |
Documents required
For the Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent):
- Passport valid ≥6 months with blank pages
- Recent passport photo (white background)
- Confirmed return/onward flight
- Accommodation booking
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
- Form 14A
- Letter of introduction (V39A) if sponsored
- Cover letter with itinerary
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent): ICA Authorised Visa Agent (e.g. VFS) or Singapore local contact with Singpass via ICA e-Service (Form V39A) — allow 3–5 working days (longer at peak).
- Singapore Visit Visa (e-Visa): ICA-authorised visa agent, strategic partner, or local sponsor (not filed directly by the traveller) — allow About 3-5 working days (longer in peak periods).
- SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with e-Pass: ICA official SG Arrival Card portal / MyICA app — allow Immediate e-acknowledgement.
- Arrival formalities: SG Arrival Card (free) within 3 days before arrival — eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Singapore visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Singapore visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Singapore.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: SG Arrival Card (free) within 3 days before arrival — eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Singapore application.
- Processing: allow 3–5 working days (longer at peak). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Singapore
- Arrival card / declaration: SG Arrival Card (free) within 3 days before arrival — eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- No direct online tourist application without an agent or local sponsor. Visa validity is not the permitted stay.
Singapore visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Singapore visa?
Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent): S$30 per application. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$10.
How long does it take?
Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent): 3–5 working days (longer at peak).
Apply for your Singapore visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$10 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: Entry Visa: S$30 per application · Singapore Visit Visa: SGD 30 · SG Arrival Card with: SGD 0. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your Singapore visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Singapore you can book on HolidaySG:
- Nineteen95 — from SGD 81
- Omni-Theatre — from SGD 11
- Palate Sensations — from SGD 143
- Pay-Per-Use Showers at Hub & Spoke Changi Airport (Public Area) — from SGD 10
- Perfume Making Workshop - Fragrance Design & Mixology Session — from SGD 67
- Best 5G+ Singapore SIM Cards/Tourist Cards with Transport Card Option (Airport/ City Pick-up) — from SGD 7
Official sources
- ICA Singapore — verified 16 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 20 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 20 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 20 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.