Singapore Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

Singapore Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

Planning a trip to Singapore? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to...

HolidaySG

HolidaySG Travel Team

August 20, 2026

26 min read 135 views

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.

Singapore is one of those places where three days feel like a week — in the best possible way. Compact enough to cross in an hour, yet dense with experiences that could fill a month. But before you start planning your hawker crawl or choosing between the Zoo and Night Safari, there is one piece of paperwork that deserves your attention first: the Singapore visa.

This guide covers the full picture — who needs a visa, which type to apply for, what documents to gather, how much it costs, and how long the process takes. Everything here is drawn from Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and verified against their published guidelines as of August 2026.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Singapore Visa?

It depends on your passport. Citizens of many countries — including the US, UK, most of the EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — can enter Singapore visa-free and receive a Visit Pass on arrival (typically 30 days). However, nationals from ICA Assessment Level I and II countries need to apply for an Entry Visa through an authorised agent before travelling.

Regardless of whether you need a visa, every short-term visitor must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) electronically within three days before arrival. It is free and takes about five minutes. This is a separate requirement from the visa itself and applies to all nationalities without exception.

If you are unsure whether your passport requires a visa, use our Singapore visa requirements checker for a quick answer based on your nationality.

Singapore Visa at a Glance

Detail Information
Visa required? Yes, for ICA Assessment Level I and II nationals
Main visa type Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent)
Government fee S$30 per application
Processing time 3 to 5 working days (longer at peak periods)
Validity Single journey approximately 9 weeks; Multiple journey 1 to 2 years (5 or 10 years for some nationalities)
Permitted stay Set by the Visit Pass at the checkpoint, typically up to 30 days
Where to apply ICA Authorised Visa Agent (for example VFS Global) or a Singapore local contact with Singpass via ICA e-Service (Form V39A)
HolidaySG assistance fee S$10 per applicant (typically S$100 elsewhere)

Who Needs a Visa for Singapore?

Singapore sorts nationalities into assessment levels. If your country falls under Assessment Level I or II, you need an Entry Visa before boarding your flight. The list includes — but is not limited to — nationals of:

India, China (certain travel 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 and Yemen.

The full and current list is maintained by ICA on their official website. Assessment levels can change, so it is worth checking even if you have visited Singapore before. Citizens of countries not on this list generally qualify for visa-free entry and receive their Visit Pass at the immigration checkpoint.

One nuance that catches people off guard: holding a permanent residence permit in a visa-free country does not change your visa requirement. It is your passport nationality that matters for Singapore immigration, not where you currently live. A person holding an Indian passport and living in the UK still needs to apply for a Singapore visa.

Gardens by the Bay - HolidaySG
The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay — one of the first things many visitors want to see after clearing immigration

Singapore Visa Types, Fees and Processing Times

There are three things you need to know about when entering Singapore. Two are visa-related, and the third applies to every visitor regardless of nationality. Understanding the distinction between them is important because the SG Arrival Card is separate from the visa itself and is often overlooked.

Option Official Fee Max Stay Processing Where to Apply
Entry Visa (via Authorised Visa Agent) S$30 per application Set by Visit Pass, typically up to 30 days 3 to 5 working days Authorised Visa Agent (for example VFS) or local contact with Singpass via ICA e-Service
Singapore Visit Visa (e-Visa) S$30 30 days 3 to 5 working days ICA-authorised visa agent, strategic partner or local sponsor
SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with e-Pass Free Not applicable Immediate ICA SG Arrival Card portal or MyICA app

A common point of confusion: you cannot apply for a Singapore visa directly as an individual traveller. Applications must go through an ICA-authorised visa agent, a strategic partner or a local sponsor who holds a Singpass account. This is different from many countries where you simply fill in an online form yourself. The government does not accept direct applications from foreign nationals residing outside Singapore.

Another point worth clarifying: the Entry Visa and the Visit Visa are, for most tourists, effectively the same product — a short-term electronic visa that permits entry for leisure or business meetings. The terminology can vary depending on the source, but the S$30 government fee and 3 to 5 day processing time apply to both. The difference largely comes down to the application channel.

Documents Required for a Singapore Visa

Getting the documents right is the single most controllable factor in whether your application goes smoothly. Here is what you will need for an Entry Visa:

Document Details
Passport Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with at least two blank pages for stamps
Passport photo Recent colour photo, white background, no glasses, looking directly at the camera
Confirmed return or onward flight Booking confirmation showing departure from Singapore (a flight reservation is accepted)
Accommodation booking Hotel reservation showing dates and guest name, or a letter from a host in Singapore
Proof of sufficient funds Bank statement showing a stable balance over the last 3 to 6 months, in your name
Form 14A Required for all Entry Visa applications, completed and signed
Letter of Introduction (V39A) If sponsored by a Singapore-based contact, employer or educational institution
Cover letter with itinerary Outlining your travel plans, dates, purpose of visit and where you will stay each night

A few notes on the documents that cause the most trouble. The passport photo specification is strict — white background, no glasses, no smiling, no head coverings except for religious reasons. Many applications are returned simply because the photo does not meet the standard. If you are not sure, have the photo taken at a professional studio rather than at home.

For the bank statement, ICA wants to see financial stability, not just a large number. A statement that shows consistent salary credits and a steady balance over several months is stronger than a large one-off deposit made the week before the application. Three months is the minimum; six months is better.

Adventure Cove Waterpark™ - HolidaySG
Adventure Cove Waterpark on Sentosa — slides, wave pools and a snorkelling reef in one park

How to Apply for a Singapore Visa: Step by Step

The application process depends on which route you take. Here is a step-by-step for each of the three main options:

Option 1: Through an ICA Authorised Visa Agent

This is the most common route for travellers applying from outside Singapore. Agents like VFS Global handle the paperwork on your behalf. You submit your documents — either in person at a VFS centre or online through their portal — pay the S$30 government fee plus the agent's service charge (typically S$50 to S$100 on top), and the agent files the application with ICA.

Processing takes 3 to 5 working days from the date of submission, though this can stretch during peak travel seasons such as the December to January holiday period, Chinese New Year, or the summer school holidays. You will receive an email notification when a decision is made. If approved, the e-Visa is linked to your passport number — there is no physical sticker or stamp.

Option 2: Through a Local Contact in Singapore

If you have a friend, family member or employer in Singapore who holds a Singpass account, they can file your application through the ICA e-Service using Form V39A. This route is often faster because it goes directly to ICA without the intermediary. It also avoids the agent's service fee — you pay only the S$30 government charge.

The local contact acts as your sponsor and takes on some responsibility for your stay. This is a standard part of the process and does not carry unusual obligations, but your contact should be aware they are named on the application.

Option 3: Through HolidaySG

We offer visa assistance for a flat S$10 per applicant — well below the typical S$100 charged by most agencies. We check your eligibility, send you a personalised document checklist tailored to your nationality and circumstances, complete the forms on your behalf and track your application until the outcome is received.

Check your requirements and apply through HolidaySG

The SG Arrival Card: Required for Everyone

Whether or not you need a visa, you must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) electronically within three days before your arrival in Singapore. This replaced the old paper disembarkation card that used to be handed out on flights.

Submit it at the ICA SG Arrival Card portal (eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard) or through the MyICA mobile app. It is free, takes about five minutes, and you will receive an e-acknowledgement immediately. Keep the confirmation with your passport — immigration officers may ask for it. The card asks for basic information: passport details, flight number, where you are staying and your contact information in Singapore.

The three-day window is important. Submissions made earlier than three days before arrival are not accepted by the system. Submissions made after arrival — for example while queueing at the immigration counter — are technically possible on a phone, but you risk being turned away from the automated clearance lanes and directed to the manual queue, which is significantly longer.

Singapore Zoo - HolidaySG
Singapore Zoo in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve — home to over 300 species in naturalistic habitats

Singapore Visa for Children and Families

Children need their own visa or entry authorisation, including infants. There is no exemption based on age — a six-month-old baby requires the same application as an adult. For family applications, you will need:

  • Each traveller's passport (children must have their own passport, not be listed on a parent's)
  • A recent passport photo for every applicant, including infants
  • Birth certificates for minors, to establish the parent-child relationship
  • A consent letter if the child travels with one parent or a guardian who is not the other parent
  • Each child's own SG Arrival Card submission, filled in by a parent

Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent, which can make things easier at the checkpoint. If one family member's application takes longer than the others, the agent can usually advise on next steps. It is worth submitting all applications at the same time rather than in batches.

For families from Assessment Level I and II countries, Singapore is an especially rewarding destination with children. The wildlife parks, Sentosa Island attractions and the interactive exhibits at places like the ArtScience Museum are designed with younger visitors in mind. Getting the visa paperwork done early means you can focus on building an itinerary rather than worrying about approvals.

Visa-Free Countries: Who Does Not Need a Visa?

Many nationalities can enter Singapore without a visa. You receive a Visit Pass on arrival, typically valid for 30 days (some nationalities get up to 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements). Countries with visa-free access include:

Region Examples of Visa-Free Countries
Europe United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Portugal
Americas United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru
Asia-Pacific Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia
Middle East and Africa United Arab Emirates, Israel, South Africa, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

Even visa-free travellers must complete the SG Arrival Card before arrival and should carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and sufficient funds. Immigration officers at Changi Airport can and do ask for these, particularly for travellers arriving on one-way tickets or without a clear departure plan.

If you are arriving from a neighbouring country and plan to stay longer than the initial Visit Pass allows, you can apply for an extension through ICA before your pass expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and must be applied for in advance — overstaying carries serious penalties.

Singapore Flyer - HolidaySG
The Singapore Flyer observation wheel offers views across Marina Bay and the city skyline

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejections

From handling Singapore visa applications, these are the issues we see most often. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:

Mistake Why It Matters
Passport too close to expiry Singapore requires at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close, as passport renewal itself can take several weeks
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 to 6 months with regular income credits
Photo specification errors Wrong size, wrong background colour, glasses, accessories or a smile can bounce an application — use a professional service if unsure
Applying too late Submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer of at least two weeks, not the minimum
Mismatched documents Names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight booking and hotel reservation
Weak ties to home country Employment letters, leave approval from your employer, property ownership and return flight bookings help demonstrate your intention to return home
Not declaring prior overstays or refusals Declare them honestly — hiding travel history causes more problems than the history itself, and authorities cross-reference records
Forgetting the SG Arrival Card Complete it within 3 days before arrival at the ICA portal — missing it can cause delays at the border and block automated clearance

Practical Timeline: From Application to Travel

Here is a realistic timeline for planning your Singapore visa application alongside your trip. These windows are based on typical processing times, but individual cases can vary:

When What to Do
6 to 8 weeks before travel Check passport validity (renew if under 6 months), confirm your visa requirement, and start gathering documents
4 to 5 weeks before Get your passport photo taken, request bank statements, arrange for employer letters if applicable
3 to 4 weeks before Book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your application
During processing Allow 3 to 5 working days — do not make non-refundable bookings until you have your approval
On approval Print or save the approval letter, keep it with your passport, and proceed with firm travel bookings
Within 3 days of departure Complete the SG Arrival Card online for every traveller in your group
Night Safari - HolidaySG
Night Safari — the world's first nocturnal wildlife park, just a short ride from the city centre

Singapore Visa Costs: A Complete Breakdown

The government fee is straightforward, but the total cost depends on how you apply. Here is a clear comparison:

Cost Component Amount
ICA government fee S$30 per application
Typical agency service fee (VFS Global and similar) S$50 to S$100 per applicant
HolidaySG assistance fee S$10 per applicant
Via local contact with Singpass S$30 only (no service fee)
SG Arrival Card Free

For a family of four, that means the government fees alone are S$120. Through a typical agency, the total could reach S$520 or more. Through HolidaySG, it would be S$160 — S$120 in government fees plus S$40 in assistance fees.

Before You Travel to Singapore: Arrival Checklist

Once your visa is sorted (or if you are arriving visa-free), there are a few things to have ready before you board:

  • SG Arrival Card — submitted within 3 days before arrival at the ICA SG Arrival Card portal or the MyICA app
  • Onward or return ticket — airlines and immigration can ask for proof of departure from Singapore
  • Proof of funds — a credit card and some Singapore dollars in cash (ATMs are widely available at Changi Airport)
  • Travel insurance — strongly recommended, particularly for medical coverage
  • Copies of key documents — digital and paper copies of your visa approval, hotel booking and passport photo page
  • Singapore SIM or eSIM — arrange connectivity before arrival for navigation and ride-hailing apps
Singapore Cable Car - HolidaySG
The Singapore Cable Car connects Mount Faber to Sentosa Island with panoramic harbour views

Singapore Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Indian nationals are among the most frequent applicants for Singapore visas, and India falls under ICA's Assessment Level I. The process is the same as described above — you apply through an ICA-authorised visa agent — but a few specifics are worth highlighting because they come up regularly:

  • The e-Visa is typically issued as multiple-entry, valid for up to 2 years at ICA's discretion, though first-time applicants may receive a shorter validity
  • Processing from India usually takes 3 to 5 working days through VFS Global centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and other major cities
  • If you hold an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card with a foreign passport, your visa requirement depends on the passport country, not the OCI status — a British passport with OCI does not need a Singapore visa
  • Indian travellers who have recently visited Singapore or hold valid visas for the US, UK, Canada or Australia may find the process smoother, though there is no formal fast-track or guaranteed outcome
  • The bank statement requirement is taken seriously for Indian applicants — ICA looks for salary credits and a consistent balance, not a large one-off deposit

Singapore is one of the most popular short-haul international destinations for Indian travellers, and for good reason. Direct flights from most Indian metros take about 5 to 6 hours, the city is safe and walkable, English is widely spoken, and the food ranges from world-class hawker stalls to high-end restaurants. For families with children, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks and Sentosa Island are especially rewarding.

What If You Need a Flight Reservation for Your Visa Application?

Many visa applications require a confirmed flight booking, but buying a non-refundable ticket before your visa is approved is risky. If the visa is refused or delayed, you are stuck with a ticket you cannot use. A flight reservation — a confirmed itinerary held for a set period without full payment — solves this problem cleanly.

HolidaySG offers a manual flight reservation service specifically designed for visa applications. We hold a real, verifiable reservation on your behalf that can be confirmed by the embassy or consulate if they choose to check. This is not a fabricated document — it is a genuine reservation held with the airline, just not an issued ticket. It carries a valid PNR (booking reference) that appears in airline systems.

This is particularly useful for Indian nationals applying for a Singapore visa, where the flight booking is a standard requirement. You can make the reservation before your visa application and only purchase the actual ticket once you have your approval.

SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands 滨海湾金沙空中花园 - HolidaySG
The SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands — 57 floors above the city

Singapore Visa Validity versus Permitted Stay

This distinction confuses many first-time visitors. Your visa validity — the period during which you can enter Singapore — is not the same as how long you can stay once you arrive.

A single-entry visa is typically valid for about 9 weeks from the date of issue. This means you must enter Singapore within that 9-week window. Once you arrive, the immigration officer at the checkpoint will stamp (electronically) your Visit Pass, which grants you a specific number of days — usually up to 30 days for tourists.

A multiple-entry visa gives you 1 to 2 years (sometimes up to 5 or 10 years for certain nationalities) during which you can enter Singapore as many times as you like. Each entry still grants a Visit Pass with a defined stay period, typically 30 days per visit.

If you need to stay longer than the Visit Pass allows, you must apply for an extension through ICA before your current pass expires. Overstaying is treated seriously in Singapore — it can result in fines, imprisonment and a ban on future entry.

Transit Through Singapore: Do You Need a Visa?

If you are connecting through Changi Airport without leaving the transit area, you generally do not need a visa, even if your nationality would normally require one. Singapore's transit facilities are extensive — Changi regularly tops global airport rankings — and you can eat, shop and rest without clearing immigration.

However, if your layover is long enough that you want to leave the airport and explore the city, you will need to clear immigration and therefore need a valid visa (or visa-free entry based on your nationality). Some travellers with long layovers choose to do this deliberately — Singapore's compact layout means you can visit Marina Bay, eat at a hawker centre and get back to the airport within a few hours.

Check with your airline for any transit visa requirements specific to your route, particularly if you are connecting between different terminals or airlines.

Good to Know

  • There is no way to apply for a Singapore tourist visa directly online as an individual — you always need an authorised agent, sponsor or local contact to file on your behalf
  • Singapore uses an e-Pass system — there is no physical visa sticker in your passport, and your approval is linked to your passport number electronically
  • The visa fee of S$30 is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application
  • Singapore has strict laws regarding overstaying — penalties include fines of up to S$4,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, and being barred from future entry
  • If you change your passport between receiving your visa and travelling, you may need to apply for a new visa linked to the new passport number
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if you arrive from or transit through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission
  • Singapore's weather is warm year-round, with temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius — there is no bad season for visiting, though December to June tends to be drier
Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony - HolidaySG
Wings of Time — Sentosa's nightly open-sea show with fireworks, lasers and water jets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Singapore visa cost?

The ICA government fee is S$30 per application, regardless of the outcome. On top of this, most agents charge a service fee — typically S$50 to S$100 per applicant. Through HolidaySG, the assistance fee is a flat S$10 per applicant, making the total S$40 per person.

How long does it take to get a Singapore visa?

Standard processing is 3 to 5 working days from the date of submission. During peak travel periods — December to January, Chinese New Year, school holidays — it can take longer. We recommend applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays or requests for additional documents.

Can I apply for a Singapore visa online by myself?

No. All applications must go through an ICA-authorised agent, a strategic partner or a local contact in Singapore with a Singpass account. You cannot submit an application to ICA yourself as an individual living outside Singapore. This is a common source of confusion, as many other countries do offer direct online applications.

What is the SG Arrival Card and do I need it?

Yes, every short-term visitor to Singapore must complete the SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival. It is free and submitted online at the ICA portal or via the MyICA app. It replaced the paper disembarkation card and is mandatory for all nationalities, including those with visa-free access. Failure to complete it can cause delays at the immigration counter.

How long can I stay in Singapore on a tourist visa?

The permitted stay is decided by the immigration officer at the checkpoint, typically up to 30 days for tourists. This is separate from your visa validity period. If you need a longer stay, you can apply for an extension through ICA before your Visit Pass expires, but extensions are granted at ICA's discretion and are not guaranteed.

Do children need a separate visa for Singapore?

Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own visa or entry authorisation. Children must also have their own passport — they cannot be included on a parent's passport for Singapore entry. Each child also needs their own SG Arrival Card submission, which a parent can complete on their behalf.

What happens if my Singapore visa is rejected?

ICA does not typically provide detailed reasons for visa rejections. The S$30 government fee is non-refundable. You may re-apply if you believe the issue was with your documentation — for example, a stronger bank statement or a clearer cover letter may improve the outcome. There is no official waiting period before re-applying, but submitting the same application without addressing the likely reason for refusal is unlikely to produce a different result.

Is a Singapore visa on arrival available?

Not for nationals who require a visa. If your country is on the Assessment Level I or II list, you must obtain your visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at Changi Airport for these nationalities. Arriving without a valid visa will result in being denied entry and returned on the next available flight.

River Wonders - HolidaySG
River Wonders — Asia's only river-themed wildlife park, home to the beloved giant pandas

Apply for Your Singapore Visa with HolidaySG

Our flat S$10 assistance fee per applicant covers eligibility checking, a personalised document checklist, form completion and application tracking until the outcome. The official government fee (S$30 per application) is separate and paid directly to ICA.

We have handled visa applications for travellers from India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and many other Assessment Level countries. The process is straightforward and we keep you informed at every step.

See Singapore visa requirements, fees and apply

Things to Do Once Your Singapore Visa Is Sorted

With the paperwork behind you, Singapore opens up. The city packs an extraordinary amount into a small island, and having your visa sorted early means you can focus on the good part — planning what to actually do when you arrive. Here are some experiences worth looking into:

Gardens by the Bay (/singapore/singapore/gardens-by-the-bay) is a must-visit — the Supertree Grove light show alone is worth the trip to Singapore, and the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are genuinely world-class conservatories. Tickets start from S$32.00.

Universal Studios Singapore (/singapore/singapore/universal-studios-singapore) on Sentosa Island is Southeast Asia's only Universal theme park. Plan a full day — there are enough rides and shows to fill it comfortably. From S$65.43.

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to four parks, each different enough to justify its own visit. Singapore Zoo (/singapore/singapore/singapore-zoo, from S$32.15) is open-concept and family-friendly, with animals in naturalistic habitats rather than cages. Night Safari (/singapore/singapore/night-safari, from S$38.53) is unlike anything else — the world's first nocturnal wildlife park, where you explore by tram and walking trails after dark. River Wonders (/singapore/singapore/river-wonders, from S$31.18) follows the world's great rivers, with giant pandas as the headline. And Bird Paradise (/singapore/singapore/bird-paradise, from S$32.15) is the newest addition, with walk-through aviaries and immersive presentations.

For views, the Singapore Flyer (/singapore/singapore/singapore-flyer, from S$28.00) and the SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands (/singapore/singapore/skypark-observation-deck-at-marina-bay-sands, from S$29.75) offer two very different perspectives on the skyline. The Singapore Cable Car (/singapore/singapore/singapore-cable-car, from S$31.50) connects Mount Faber to Sentosa with panoramic harbour views along the way.

Skyline Luge Singapore 新加坡斜坡滑车与空中吊椅 - HolidaySG
Skyline Luge on Sentosa — a gravity-fuelled ride with views of the South China Sea

On Sentosa itself, Skyline Luge (/singapore/singapore/skyline-luge-singapore, from S$35.51) is a family favourite — half go-kart, half toboggan, entirely gravity-powered with views over the harbour. Wings of Time (/singapore/singapore/wings-of-time-fireworks-symphony, from S$18.70) is the nightly open-sea show that combines fireworks, water jets and lasers. And if Changi Airport is part of your journey, Canopy Park at Jewel (/singapore/singapore/canopy-park, from S$6.85) is a surprisingly beautiful way to spend a layover or your first hours in the country.

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands (/singapore/singapore/artscience-museum-at-marina-bay-sands, from S$18.00) is worth a visit if you enjoy immersive exhibitions that sit at the intersection of art, science and technology. And for a full-day water park experience, Adventure Cove Waterpark on Sentosa (/singapore/singapore/adventure-cove-waterpark, from S$28.48) has slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a snorkelling reef.

For a deeper dive into what the country has to offer, browse our full Singapore attractions and activities page.

ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands - HolidaySG
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands — where art, science and technology converge

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore's public transport is efficient, affordable and easy to navigate. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) covers most of the city and runs from about 5:30 AM to midnight. An EZ-Link or SimplyGo card works on both MRT and buses — tap on, tap off. A single ride rarely costs more than S$2.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used and often convenient for point-to-point travel, especially with luggage or young children. Taxis are metered and reliable but cost more during peak hours. Walking is feasible in many areas — the city centre, Chinatown, Little India, and the Marina Bay waterfront are all comfortably walkable.

For getting to and from Changi Airport, the MRT runs directly into the city centre for under S$3. The journey to the hotel district around Orchard Road or Marina Bay takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Daily Budget in Singapore

Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, and it can be — but it does not have to be. A realistic daily budget depends on your style of travel. Hawker centre meals run S$4 to S$8 per dish, while restaurant meals start at S$15 to S$30. A coffee at a kopitiam is S$1.50; at a cafe, S$6 to S$8.

Budget-conscious travellers can manage on S$150 to S$200 per day including a clean hotel, two attraction tickets, meals and transport. Mid-range travellers spending S$250 to S$400 per day will be very comfortable, with nicer accommodation, more attraction visits and a mix of hawker and restaurant dining.

The key to keeping costs down is eating where Singaporeans eat — hawker centres are not just cheap, they are genuinely some of the best food in the country. And many of Singapore's most iconic experiences — the Supertree Grove light show, the Marina Bay waterfront walk, Chinatown, Little India, the Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO site) — are free.

Last updated October 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team. Visa rules can 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. E-tickets are emailed after our team confirms your booking.

Important: Some of the links recommended here are paid placements or have sponsored our stay in one way. We have paid for these accommodations ourselves. If you book through any of our links, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our site running – so thank you in advance for your support!
HolidaySG

Written by

HolidaySG Travel Team

Singapore-based travel specialists covering attractions, tours and travel experiences across Asia-Pacific and beyond. Licensed travel agency (TA04014).

Last updated: October 13, 2026

#singapore visa #singapore visa requirements #singapore visa fee #singapore visa application #singapore e-visa
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