Singapore Tourist Visa: Entry Requirements and Application
Get into Singapore with the right visa or visa-free entry clearance. Covers eligibility, SG Arrival Card, e-visa application, documents, fees, and immigration tips for smooth entry.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 162 countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea enter Singapore visa-free for 30 days. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website lists all eligible nationalities. Visa-free travelers still need to complete the SG Arrival Card online before arrival.
Apply for an e-visa if your nationality requires one
Citizens of countries requiring a visa must apply through a Singapore embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa agent. The processing fee is 30 SGD (approximately 22 USD). Processing takes 3-5 business days. The visa is typically granted for 30 days with single or multiple entry.
Submit the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before arrival
All travelers including visa-free nationalities must submit the SG Arrival Card electronically at eservices.ica.gov.sg within 3 days of arriving. The form asks for accommodation details, flight information, and a health declaration. Submission is free and takes 5 minutes. You receive a confirmation email but do not need to print it.
Application Process for Visa-Required Nationalities
Find a local contact or authorized visa agent to sponsor your application
Singapore requires visa applications to be submitted by a local sponsor: a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or an authorized visa agent. Hotels and tour operators sometimes provide sponsorship for confirmed guests. Authorized agents charge 20-50 SGD for processing on top of the government fee.
Prepare a recent passport-size photo in color with white background
The photo must be 35x45 mm, taken within the last 3 months. White background, 80% face coverage, no glasses. Digital format must be in JPEG, minimum 400x514 pixels. Singapore is strict about photo specifications and rejects applications with non-compliant photos.
Provide proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing a stable balance equivalent to at least 100 SGD per day of your planned stay. Employment letters, business registration, or scholarship letters serve as supporting financial documents. Cash-rich bank statements with a sudden deposit right before application raise questions.
Submit a confirmed return or onward flight booking
A confirmed flight itinerary showing departure from Singapore within your visa validity is required. One-way tickets result in application rejection. If your plans are flexible, book a refundable ticket or a low-cost carrier flight that can be changed for a small fee.
Receive your e-visa approval via email within 3-5 business days
The approved visa is emailed as a PDF. Print one copy to present at immigration and keep a digital backup. The visa shows your permitted stay duration and entry type. Some applications are referred for additional processing, which extends the timeline to 2-4 weeks.
At Immigration
Present your passport and printed visa at the immigration counter
Changi Airport immigration counters have automated lanes for citizens of selected countries with biometric passports. All other travelers use the staffed counters. Immigration officers may ask about your accommodation, return flight, and purpose of visit. Have your hotel booking confirmation accessible on your phone.
Receive your entry stamp with the permitted stay duration
The immigration officer stamps your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay. This may be less than 30 days even for visa-free nationalities depending on the officer's assessment. Check the stamp immediately and note the date you must leave by.
Clear customs with nothing to declare or use the red channel
Singapore has strict customs enforcement. Duty-free allowances include 1 liter of spirits, 1 liter of wine, and 1 liter of beer for travelers arriving from countries other than Malaysia. Chewing gum is prohibited for import. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned and will be confiscated with fines starting at 2,000 SGD.
During Your Stay
Follow Singapore's strict laws on public behavior
Littering carries fines from 300 SGD for first offenses. Smoking is prohibited in most indoor and outdoor public spaces with fines of 200-1,000 SGD. Jaywalking within 50 meters of a crossing costs 50 SGD. Eating and drinking on MRT trains incurs a 500 SGD fine. These laws are actively enforced.
Track your stay duration and apply for extension if needed
Extensions are granted in exceptional circumstances only, such as medical emergencies or flight cancellations. Apply at the ICA Building on Kallang Road before your stay expires. Overstaying is a criminal offense punishable by a fine, imprisonment, and caning for males. The penalty is severe even for overstays of a single day.
Use the Tourist Refund Scheme for GST recovery on purchases
Tourists spending 100 SGD or more at a single retailer in one receipt can claim a refund of the 9% GST. Use the eTRS self-help kiosks at Changi Airport before departing. You need the original receipts and the purchased goods in your possession. Process the refund at least 2 hours before your flight.
Practical Tips
Get an EZ-Link card for public transport at any MRT station
An EZ-Link card costs 10 SGD (5 SGD stored value + 5 SGD non-refundable card cost). It works on MRT trains, buses, and at some convenience stores. Single rides cost 0.90-2.20 SGD depending on distance. The card saves 10-15% compared to single-trip tickets. Alternatively, use contactless Visa or Mastercard payments on buses and MRT.
Download the Singapore Tourism Board app for visitor information
The Visit Singapore app includes attraction maps, dining recommendations, and event listings. Download offline maps before arriving as data roaming is expensive. A local prepaid SIM card with 100 GB of data costs 15-32 SGD for 7-28 days at Changi Airport kiosks or convenience stores.
Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella at all times
Singapore receives rainfall year-round with sudden afternoon showers that last 30-60 minutes. Average daily temperatures range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Humidity stays above 80%. Most attractions, malls, and MRT stations are air-conditioned to 22-24 degrees, so a light layer is useful indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Singapore?
US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. You receive a visa-free entry stamp at immigration. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. You must complete the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days before arriving. Have a return or onward ticket ready.
How long can I stay in Singapore as a tourist?
Most visa-free nationalities receive a 30-day stay. Visa holders receive the duration specified on their visa, typically 14-30 days. The immigration officer at entry determines the exact stay duration and stamps it in your passport. Extensions beyond the stamped date are granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Is Singapore expensive for tourists?
Budget travelers can manage on 80-120 SGD per day covering a hostel dorm (25-50 SGD), hawker center meals (3-6 SGD each), public transport (5-10 SGD), and one attraction (15-40 SGD). Mid-range travelers spend 200-350 SGD per day. Hawker centers serve excellent food at a fraction of restaurant prices and are a core part of Singapore culture.
What items are prohibited in Singapore?
Singapore bans import of chewing gum, e-cigarettes and vaping devices, firecrackers, and controlled drugs. Drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Prescription medications containing controlled substances require a letter from your doctor and prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority. Duty-free tobacco is limited to personal use quantities.