Visa & Entry Guides

Singapore visa requirements at a glance

Singapore visa requirements depend on your passport. Many nationalities can visit for a short stay without a visa. Others must apply for one before they travel. Whatever your passport, you also need a few basics in place. Rules can change, so always check the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website before you book.

Who needs a visa for Singapore?

Citizens of many countries can enter Singapore as tourists without a visa. On arrival, an immigration officer grants a visit pass. Its length depends on your nationality, and it is often up to 30 or 90 days.

Travellers from some countries must get a visa before they travel. Applications usually go through an authorised visa agent, a local contact in Singapore or a Singapore overseas mission. The ICA website lists which passports need a visa.

If you need to stay longer, you can apply to the ICA to extend your visit pass before it ends. Overstaying is a serious offence.

Transit passengers

If you change planes at Changi and stay in the transit area, you usually do not pass through immigration. To leave the airport during a layover, you clear immigration like any other visitor. Check whether your passport needs a visa for this. For ideas, see Singapore Layover Itinerary: 8 Hours in the City and Layover & Stopover.

Passport, SG Arrival Card and entry checklist

Before you fly, make sure you have these in order:

• A valid passport. It should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.
• The SG Arrival Card. Foreign visitors must submit this free online form in the three days before arrival. It includes a health declaration. Use only the ICA website or the MyICA app, as some other sites charge a fee for the same form.
• Your hotel address. You need it for the SG Arrival Card.
• An onward or return ticket. You may be asked to show it.
• Enough money for your stay. Officers may ask how you will pay for your trip.
• A visa, if your passport needs one.
• A yellow fever certificate, if you have recently been in a country with yellow fever risk.

Arriving at Changi Airport

Changi Airport is clearly signposted. Many visitors can use the automated immigration lanes, so follow the signs and any directions from officers. After immigration, you collect your bags and pass through customs. Take the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you do. The MRT, taxis and buses then take you into the city. See How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide. Landing late at night? Changi Airport Hotels keep you close to the terminals.

Customs rules: what you can and cannot bring

Banned items

• Chewing gum, apart from dental and medicated gum
• E-cigarettes, vapes and their parts, plus chewing tobacco
• Controlled drugs, which carry very severe penalties
• Firecrackers
• Products from endangered animals and plants, unless you hold the right permits

Duty, allowances and permits

• Cigarettes and tobacco. There is no duty-free allowance. Declare them and pay the tax, or leave them at home.
• Alcohol. Adults get a limited duty-free allowance, with conditions. Check the details on the Singapore Customs website.
• Shopping from abroad. New goods above a set value may be subject to GST, the goods and services tax. Declare them at the red channel.
• Cash. You must report it if you carry more than 20,000 Singapore dollars, or the same value in other currencies.
• Medicines. Bring prescription medicines in their original packs with a copy of your prescription. Some need approval from the Health Sciences Authority before you travel.

Singapore's laws are strict once you are in the country too. Read Etiquette & Local Laws before you arrive, and see Packing Lists for what to leave at home.

Leaving Singapore

When you leave, you clear immigration again at the airport. If you shopped during your stay, you may be able to claim GST back at the airport. See GST Refund at Changi Airport: Step-by-Step Guide. Arrive at the airport in good time, as Changi is large.

FAQs about Singapore visas and entry

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can visit without a visa for a short stay, while others must apply first. Check the ICA website before you book.

When should I submit the SG Arrival Card?

Submit it in the three days before you arrive. It is free on the ICA website and the MyICA app.

How long can tourists stay in Singapore?

The immigration officer decides on arrival. Visitors often get up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality.

How long must my passport be valid to enter Singapore?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.

Can I bring chewing gum into Singapore?

No, apart from dental and medicated gum. Leave other chewing gum at home.