Foreign nationals who nurse the intention of visiting Singapore for purposes like tourism, business, employment, or study will need to apply for a pre-entry visa. The  Singapore visa application is submitted online, and applicants will pay a  fee to get their visas processed.

For a long-term stay such as residence, applicants will also pay an issuance fee to secure the requisite documents. Discover the processes involved in securing a Singapore Visa as you read!

Singapore Visa Types

Singapore categorizes visas into two:

• The single journey visa
• The multiple journey visa
• Single Journey Visa

As the name implies, a single journey visa is used once. After leaving the country, the same visa would not be applicable for re-entry even when it has not expired.

• Multiple Journey Visa

On the other hand, multiple entry visas can be used many times for re-entry as long as it is still valid.

Type of Passes for Singapore

·        Short Term Visit Pass

The pass permits the holder to visit Singapore for a short-term social visit, medical treatment, or tourism purposes.

·        Dependent’s Pass

This pass is issued to an individual allowing them to stay in the country as much as the  Work Pass holder still works and lives there.  

• Work Pass

The holder of this pass can take up a job in Singapore and earn a living.

• Student Pass

As the name suggests, this pass is for international students who intend to further their education in Singapore.

• Long-Stay Visit Pass

The pass is issued to the family members of the Work pass holders who are not able to get the Dependent pass

·        Visa-free Transit Facility

This visa is issued to citizens of specific countries to enable them to leave the transit area of the airport and stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours(4 days) or wait for the connecting flight.

Who Needs a Pre-Arrival Visa for Singapore?

Singapore has divided the category for nationals who require pre-entry visas into two. These divisions are known as Assessment Level 1 and Assessment Level 2 countries.

Assessment Level 1 countries include:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Democratic Republic of Korea
• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

Assessment Level 2 countries include:

Afghanistan	Algeria	Bangladesh	Egypt
Iran	Iraq	Jordan	Kosovo
Lebanon	Libya	Mali	Morocco
Nigeria	Pakistan	Saudi Arabia	Somalia
Sudan	Syria	Tunisia	Yemen

Singapore Visa application requirements for Level 1 and Level 2 assessment countries are relaxed as long as they have a diplomatic, service, or official passport.

Get more visa guides to other countries here

Application Process For Singapore Visa

If you are applying for tourism or business purposes,  you need to attach the following documents with the application form:

• Completed Form 14A signed by the applicant
• Valid passport (at least 6-months of validity on the date of entry into Singapore)
• Two passport-sized color photographs not older than three months

For Form 14A, you are required to fill in the general and specific details. Before you start filling the form, ensure you have all the required information.

Processing Time

Once you submit your application, the concerned authority will begin your visa processing. Visa processing time usually takes between 3 to 5 working days after your application has been submitted.

Visa Fee

Applicants must pay a fee of $30 for visa processing when applying. Individual applicants should note that the processing fee is non-refundable, irrespective of a withdrawal or rejection of your application.

Visa Application Status

After submitting the Singapore visa application, you can check your application’s status through your reference number. Use these steps to achieve this:

• Visit the Immigration and Checkpoint authority website (https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19/enteringsg)
• On the home page, search for this section –’Frequently Accessed eServices.’
• Click on the ‘Visa’ option
• Click on ‘Status Enquiry’
• Enter ‘Application reference number’ and ‘Travel Document Number’
• Click on ‘Proceed’ if the application is approved and get the e-visa copy.

Extension of Short-Term Visa

You can apply for an extension of your short-term visa. Before applying, you need to have the following documents:

• Travel information: D/E Card Reference Number, Passport details of the applicant.
• Original documents, which validate the applicant’s relationship with a citizen of Singapore or a permanent resident.
• In the case of a local sponsor, he has to be a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident who is 21 years of age and has a SingPass account
• Alternatively, you can mail your request to the ICA_Visit_Pass@ica.gov.sg to request further assistance.

After receiving the Singapore Visa

Once you have received your visa, you can travel on the original date mentioned in your application. On arrival at the Singapore border, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers will approve your entry and issue a pass to you.

Singapore Business Visa

This business visa is also known as the EntrePass business visa. Foreign nationals need to acquire this visa before they can start a business in the country. This EntrePass visa is one of the most suitable options for entrepreneurs, valid for one year. The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, Singapore is in charge of procedures for obtaining the visa.

Eligibility Criteria for EntrePass

Applicant should have:

•  A valid passport
• Employment testimonials
• Business plan showing your business ideas, projections, management, research, roadmap, etc
• Latest business profile and bank statement of at least $50,000, if registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

The application process for the Entrepass visa is simple. Applicants will pay $70 when submitting their application, and another fee of $150 after the pass has been issued. It takes approx—six weeks to process the Singapore business visa. You need to provide a correctly filled application with your registered business to get the in-principle approval letter. Upon completion of your biometrics, the applicant would get the pass.

FAQs

Which documents are required for Singapore Visa Application?

As mentioned earlier, the documents needed are:

• A completed and duly signed 14A form
• Passport and any other documents mentioned in the official email

Depending on the requirements, you might be asked to submit a duly filled Form V39A signed by a local contact.

How long would it take to file the trip visa application?

You can apply for a visa a month before the arrival date has been decided. In case you are planning to travel in the coming months, the application process should start a month before and should take 3-5 days to process.

Is entry guaranteed if you obtain a Singapore Visa?

No!

Entry is not guaranteed even if you possess a Singapore visa. The final decision rests with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.

COVID-19 travel restriction guideline for Singapore

Due to the worldwide pandemic outbreak, the Singapore government has implemented precautionary measures to contain the virus and forestall further importation of the virus into the country. For an updated version of these measures, check here

Conclusion

Singapore is a business hub. Some of the most prominent organizations have been in the country, offering excellent employment opportunities. The country is equally popular amongst the tourists for its scenic beauty and places to visit. To ensure fail-proof approval, we have made an effort to furnish you with detailed guidelines on the Singapore visa application and approval process.