How to apply for a Singapore visa

Are you planning a trip to Singapore? In that case, you might need a visa. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Singapore visa, including eligibility, application methods, required documents, and fees. We’ll also provide some helpful tips to ensure a smooth application process.

Table of Contents

1 Singapore visa eligibility

2 Can I apply online?

3 How to apply

4 Required documents

5 Singapore visa fee

6 Processing time and collection

7 Additional tips

8 Get your passport photo with the Smartphone iD app

9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10 Sources

11 Continue Reading

Singapore visa eligibility

To determine if you need a visa to enter Singapore, check the official list of visa-required countries on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website: https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa-free entry or can apply for an e-Visa.

Can I apply online?

Applying for a Singapore visa online is possible if you have a local contact in Singapore who is a citizen or Permanent Resident with a valid SingPass account. Your local contact can submit your application on your behalf through the ICA website (https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/esvclandingpage/save) by logging in to their SingPass account, completing the online form, and uploading the required documents. They will be responsible for the accuracy of the information provided and will need to pay the visa fee online.

If you don’t have a local contact who can assist you with the online application, you’ll need to consider alternative methods, such as applying through an authorized visa agent or at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission.

How to apply

There are two main ways to apply for a Singapore visa:

Through an authorized visa agent: You can engage the services of a trusted visa agent who will guide you through the application process and submit the necessary documents on your behalf.
At the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission: Locate the nearest Singapore Embassy or Consulate in your country and submit your visa application in person or by mail.

Required documents

When applying for a Singapore visa, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:

A completed visa application form
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Singapore
Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the ICA’s requirements
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore
Confirmed flight itinerary or proof of onward/return travel arrangements
Accommodation details for your stay in Singapore
Supporting documents based on the purpose of your visit (e.g., business letter, invitation letter, or proof of relationship for family visits)

Singapore visa fee

The processing fee for a Singapore visa application is US$22.00 per application. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application or if you choose to withdraw your application after submission.

Processing time and collection

The processing time for Singapore visa applications generally takes between 3 to 8 business days from the date the complete application is received. However, some applications may require more time to process. To account for any potential delays in processing or postal delivery, it’s highly recommended that you submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date.

There is no expedited service available. It’s crucial to ensure that your application is complete and accurate before submission. Incomplete applications may be rejected outright or experience significant delays in processing.

Additional tips

To increase your chances of a successful visa application, make sure to:

Provide accurate and complete information in your application
Submit all required documents, including a high-quality passport photo that meets the ICA’s specifications
Apply well in advance of your intended travel date
Consider using the Smartphone iD app to guarantee a valid passport photo that meets the requirements set by the ICA

Get your passport photo with the Smartphone iD app

Ensuring that your passport photo meets the ICA’s requirements is crucial for a successful Singapore visa application. The Smartphone iD app makes this process easy and convenient. Our app provides real-time instructions to help you capture the perfect passport photo, which is then verified by our team of experts and advanced AI system. Once your photo is verified, it’s sent directly to your email, ready for you to submit with your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply for a Singapore visa on arrival?

No, Singapore does not offer visa-on-arrival facilities. You must apply for a visa in advance through the prescribed methods.

2. How long is a Singapore visa valid for?

The validity of a Singapore visa depends on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. Most short-term visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days.

3. Can I extend my Singapore visa?

In most cases, Singapore visas cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than the validity of your visa, you’ll need to apply for a new visa or seek approval from the ICA.

Sources

https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements

https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/esvclandingpage/save

https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Washington/Visa-and-Entry-Requirements