SingaporeVisits and short stays

Singapore tourist visa and visa-free visits

Short-term visit (visa-free for most nationalities) and SG Arrival Card

In short

Most passport holders can visit Singapore without an entry visa; nationals on ICA's visa-required list apply in advance. The officer at the checkpoint grants a Short-Term Visit Pass, sent as an electronic e-Pass showing the permitted stay, and all travellers must submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival. Visitors may not work.

Apply on SG Arrival Card (ICA) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Set by the immigration officer on arrival and shown in the e-Pass
Fee
SGD 0No visa needed for visa-free nationalities; the SG Arrival Card is free.
Work
No
Where to apply
No visa application; submit the SG Arrival Card online or in the MyICA app

Who needs a visa

ICA lists the nationalities that need a visa, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, among others. Nationals of other countries visit visa-free. Nationals of listed countries must apply for a visa through a Local Contact in Singapore, an authorised visa agent or a Singapore Overseas Mission; ICA does not accept visa applications at immigration counters.

Entry conditions

A visa or visa-free status does not guarantee entry; ICA officers decide at the checkpoint. Carry a passport with sufficient validity, an onward or return ticket, and proof of funds and accommodation if asked. Visitors cannot work; short courses are allowed only if they fit within the Visit Pass or 30 days and meet ICA's conditions.

SG Arrival Card and e-Pass

Submit the SG Arrival Card, including the electronic health declaration, within three days before arrival (the arrival day counts) through ICA's e-service or the MyICA app; it is free, and ICA warns against commercial sites that charge for it. Since March 2022 visitors receive an electronic Visit Pass by e-mail showing the period of stay and last day allowed; there is no stamp in the passport, so give a valid e-mail address.

Longer stays

To work, study or live in Singapore, apply for the appropriate pass: work passes from MOM, or the Student's Pass and permanent residence from ICA. Overstaying the Visit Pass is an offence.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport with sufficient validity

Travel

  • Onward or return ticket

Other

  • SG Arrival Card with health declaration, submitted within three days before arrival

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

  • Proof of funds and accommodation, if requested at the checkpoint

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check that your nationality is not on ICA's visa-required list and that your passport is valid for the trip.
  2. Within three days before arrival, submit the SG Arrival Card free of charge on ICA's site or the MyICA app.
  3. Clear immigration on arrival; the officer grants the Visit Pass.
  4. Check the e-Pass e-mail for your last permitted day and leave before it.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a visa-free visitor stay in Singapore?

The period is decided by the immigration officer on arrival and stated in the e-Pass e-mail.

Is the SG Arrival Card a visa?

No. It is a free arrival declaration submitted within three days before arrival.

Can I attend a job interview as a visitor?

Visitors can attend meetings and interviews but cannot start work until a work pass is issued.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Singapore

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Institutes of higher learning: within one week (two weeks if a visa is required). Private institutions: within one month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified schools.

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (5 years for experienced tech professionals in shortage skills)
  • Work visa Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (limited to 1 month before passport expiry)
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: 6 months

Family

Residence

Singapore visa guide