Entry requirements for Singapore

Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) provides general entry requirements that all travellers should comply with. Below is only a summary of the general entry requirements for Singapore. When planning a trip to Singapore from Australia, travellers are recommended to visit the ICA website, review the provided resources and take steps to meet the general entry requirements for Singapore.

• Valid passport: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay

• Visa: Ensure you have a valid visa for your trip if you are staying beyond the visa-free period

• Singapore Arrival Card: Generally, all travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arriving in Singapore

• Immigration processes: Familiarise yourself with the checkpoint’s clearance procedures

  • Generally, Australians are eligible for automated clearance at airports

  • You may be required to present biometrics such as fingerprints, facial and iris capturing during an immigration clearance

• Proof of sufficient funds: Short-term travellers should have sufficient cash for the duration of their trip

• Proof of onward travel: Short-term travellers should have proof of onward or return tickets or visas for their next destination

• Public pealth requirements: Travellers with recent travel to countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission in the past 6 days (including spending more than 12 hours in airport transit in these countries) prior to arrival in Singapore must produce a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

• Customs declarations: Make the applicable customs declarations before arrival

  • If entering Singapore with goods exceeding your GST import relief and/or duty-free concession make the relevant customs declaration and tax payment

  • Make sure to declare all dutiable goods, controlled or prohibited items

• Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) Declaration: Make a Physical CBNI declaration if you are carrying a total value of CBNI exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency)

Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

All travellers entering Singapore, including Australian citizens, must submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), an electronic declaration form that replaces the paper disembarkation/embarkation card. As part of the SGAC, travellers are required to submit an Electronic Health Declaration. Submitting a SGAC is free of charge.

How to submit the Singapore Arrival Card

Submitting the Singapore Arrival Card is a straightforward process. The SGAC should be submitted within three days before your arrival in Singapore. As foreign visitors to Singapore, Australians can submit the SGAC following the steps below:

1. Visit the official SGAC e-Service page for Foreign Visitors/In-Principle Approval Holders Submission or download the SG Arrival Card mobile app

2. Fill out the Traveller Information section and Health Declaration

3. Add multiple travellers if you are travelling with others

4. Make sure to include a valid email to receive your acknowledgement

5. Fill out the Trip Information section

6. Review all of your details for accuracy

7. Confirm your submission

Upon successful submission, you'll receive an electronic acknowledgment, which you should keep accessible during your journey. If any of your details change, you can make updates to your SGAC online.

Singapore's Electronic Visit Pass (ePass)

The Electronic Visit Pass (ePass) is Singapore's digital immigration endorsement that replaces the traditional entry stamp in your passport. This ePass serves as digital proof of your legal entry and authorised period of stay in Singapore.

Once you enter Singapore, and complete the immigration clearances the e-Pass will be sent to the email address provided in your Singapore Arrival Card submission. You can also retrieve your e-Pass using the e-Pass Enquiry Portal by providing your passport details (passport number, expiry date, date of birth and nationality/citizenship) or your Disembarkation / Embarkation (DE) number which can be found on your Singapore Arrival Card acknowledgement email or PDF, or on the SGAC mobile app (if you chose to submit the SGAC via the app).

Australians in Singapore on a Visit Pass are not permitted to engage in any business, professional or paid employment activities. To engage in paid employment in Singapore you will need to apply for a work visa, or relevant work pass.

How long can I stay in Singapore with the ePass?

Upon arrival, Australians receive an ePass, typically allowing a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended for up to 90 days total. Importantly, the number of days that visitors are allowed to stay in Singapore is not tied to the validity of your visa. How long you can stay in Singapore is ultimately determined by an Immigration Officer upon your arrival in Singapore. Use the e-Pass validity tool to check the validity of your ePass. If you wish to stay longer than the visa-free period or longer than the validity period of your e-Pass, you can apply for a Visit Pass extension online using the e-Service.

What happens if I overstay my visit pass in Singapore?

Singapore has strict laws regarding immigration violations. Overstaying the authorised stay period on your visit pass can result in fines, imprisonment, deportation and being barred from future entry into Singapore. If you realise you've overstayed, report to the ICA as soon as possible to minimise potential penalties.

Singapore's visa exemption scheme

Under Singapore's visa exemption scheme, Australian citizens can enter Singapore for tourism, business meetings, or social visits for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. The actual period of stay is determined by immigration officers upon your arrival in Singapore. For transit passengers, Singapore also offers a Visa-Free Transit Facility for eligible travellers.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Singapore?

Singapore does not issue visas on arrival. Australian citizens benefit from the Visa exemption scheme allowing them to enter Singapore for tourism, business meetings and social visits for up to 90 days.

Singapore visa requirements

While Australian citizens travelling to Singapore for tourism, business meetings or conferences for up to 90 days are visa-exempt, Australian residents from select countries will require a visa to enter Singapore. Keep in mind, all travellers will still need to submit the Singapore Arrival Card and comply with the entry requirements outlined above.

Generally, the following documents are required for a Singapore visa:

• Visa application form: Completed Form 14A signed by the applicant (for applications made by you), or completed Form V39A signed by the local contact (for applications made by a local contact in Singapore)

• Valid passport and photocopy of passport bio-data page: Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry into Singapore

• Passport photos: Recent passport-sized coloured photo taken against a white background within the last 3 months

• Travel details: Confirmed or tentative flight and hotel/accommodation bookings in a cover letter

What are the passport requirements for Singapore?

When travelling to Singapore, your passport must meet these requirements:

• Valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay

• In good condition with no damage or unauthorised alterations

• Have at least two blank pages for stamps and endorsements

• Machine-readable with biometric features

• Your passport photos must also comply with Singapore's photo guidelines.

Singapore passport requirements are strictly enforced, and travellers not meeting these requirements may be denied boarding by airlines or entry by immigration authorities.

Singapore work visa / work pass

Australians planning to work in Singapore and receive payment from a Singapore-based company must have a valid work pass or employment pass, commonly known as a work visa. Your prospective Singapore employer or an appointed employment agent applies for the relevant work pass on your behalf through the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore.

Singapore offers various work passes depending on your professional qualifications and purpose. The most common work passes in Singapore include:

1. Employment Pass: For foreign professionals, managers, and executives

2. S Pass: For mid-level skilled workers(Associate Professionals and Technicians)

3. EntrePass: For entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Singapore

4. Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme): For students and graduates aged 18-25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months

5. Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programmes): For Australian students and graduates aged 18-30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months

Consider if you need travel insurance for a business trip to Singapore.

What are the requirements for Singapore work pass?

Each Singapore work pass has unique eligibility criteria and may require specific documents to be submitted with an application. Generally, your employer will be required to submit the following documents for an employment pass / work pass on your behalf as the candidate:

• Written consent to apply for the employment pass from the candidate

• A completed candidate’s form

• Personal information on your passport

• Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority

• Verification and proof of candidate’s qualifications

Singapore student’s pass

Australian citizens planning to study in Singapore for more than 30 days will likely need to obtain a Student’s Pass. The Student Pass is applied for through the Student's Pass Application and Registration (SOLAR) system by your educational institution in Singapore. For courses less than 30 days, Australians can usually enter Singapore under the visa exemption arrangement without a specific Student Pass.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a student trip to Singapore.

What are the requirements for Singapore student’s pass?

The general documents required for a Student’s Pass in Singapore include:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity

• Recent passport-sized photograph

• Birth certificate (translated and certified copy)

• Proof of financial ability to cover expenses during your studies (bank statements etc.)

• Education certificates and transcripts (highest level)

• Acceptance letter from a Singapore educational institution

• Completed eForm 16 through SOLAR system

As the requirements and procedures for a Student’s Pass differ depending on the type of educational institution in which you will be studying make sure to check the ICAs Student’s Pass application information page for more details.

Do I need to apply for a visa for Singapore?

As an Australian citizen, whether you need to apply for a visa to enter Singapore depends on your purpose of travel:

• Tourism or short business trips (up to 90 days): No visa application needed due to the visa exemption arrangement

• Work: You must hold a valid work pass (also known as a work visa) which your employer will need to apply for on your behalf

• Study (more than 30 days): You will need to apply for a Student’s Pass through your educational institution

Keep in mind, Australian residents that hold travel documents issued by certain countries will require a valid visa to enter Singapore and must follow the visa requirements and applicable entry requirements outlined above.

Step-by-step application process for a Singapore visa

1. Identify the visa type

Based on your purpose of travel, determine which visa category is appropriate for your visit to Singapore. Review the requirements specific to that visa type.

2. Gather supporting documents

Prepare all necessary documents based on your visa type.

3. Visa application method

Visa applications can be made in 3 ways:

Online application via the e-service

A local contact (a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore, who you know) can apply online via the e-Service portal on your behalf. They will require a SingPass to use the service.

In person visa application at the authorised visa centres

You can apply in person at one of 5 authorised visa centres (VFS Australia Pty Ltd) in Australia located in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. Make sure to make an online booking and download the required documents.

In person visa application at the Singapore high commission in Canberra

For in person applications at the Singapore High Commission in Canberra, book an appointment online. Make sure to bring physical copies of any documents required.

4. Pay the visa fee

Pay the applicable visa fee as indicated during the application process.

5. Wait for processing

Processing times vary but typically range from 1-3 business days for standard applications.

How much does a Singapore visa cost?

Visa application costs vary depending on your application method. Below is a general guide to Singapore visa costs:

• Online applications by your local contact in Singapore: SGD30.00

• In person at authorised visa centres: AUD77 service fee and AUD35 visa fee

• In person at the Singapore High Commission in Canberra: AUD35

Please note that visa fees are subject to change. Always confirm the current fees from the Embassy.

Travel insurance for your trip to Singapore

When planning your trip to Singapore, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Depending on the policy chosen, It can also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to Singapore.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with Singapore’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to Singapore.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.