Singapore has introduced a fresh travel update that allows citizens of more than 160 countries to visit the country without obtaining a visa before travelling. The policy applies to eligible travellers visiting Singapore for short stays, while passport holders from a smaller group of countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling. This broad entry policy is operated by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) using a restricted list of nationalities whose citizens require visas for entry.
According to the ICA, passport holders from over 160 countries can enter Singapore without applying for a visa in advance, subject to the country's entry requirements. The visa-free access covers travellers from several major regions, including Europe, North America, Oceania, and parts of Asia. Some of the countries whose citizens generally benefit from visa-free short-term access include the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union member states.
Most ASEAN member states are also included in the visa-free entry policy. Singapore's approach means that citizens of roughly 160 or more of the world's approximately 195 recognised states fall outside the visa-required category. This makes Singapore a popular destination for tourists and business travellers from around the world.
Despite its broad entry policy, Singapore requires passport holders from 35 countries to obtain a visa before travelling. A number of African countries are included on the restricted list, alongside countries from the Middle East and Asia. Some of the visa-required countries include Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Tunisia.
Travellers from these countries may need to meet additional requirements before being permitted to enter Singapore. The requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and the purpose of the visit. Singapore's ICA provides detailed information on the entry requirements for each country on its website.
Singapore also operates a 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for eligible travellers from certain visa-required countries. Passport holders from India and valid travel document holders from China may qualify if they have an active visa or long-term pass with at least one month's validity issued by certain countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The 96-hour transit facility does not allow travellers to extend their stay beyond the permitted period. This facility is designed to facilitate transit travel and provide a convenient option for travellers who need to pass through Singapore on their way to another destination. Citizens of Georgia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) may also qualify for the 96-hour transit facility if they have a valid onward air ticket departing Singapore within the permitted period.
Key points
- Singapore offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 160 countries.
- 35 countries remain on Singapore's visa-required list.
- Singapore operates a 96-hour transit facility for eligible travellers from certain visa-required countries.
