Singapore Visa for Indians - Visa types, fees, and how to apply

From luxurious shopping and dining to cultural immersion and outdoor adventures, Singapore offers something for everyone. Its close proximity to India and easy accessibility also make it a popular destination for Indian travellers. Hence, the number of Indians travelling to Singapore is constantly on the rise. This article aims at providing comprehensive guidance on the Singapore visa process for Indians. Read ahead for details.

Do Indians need visas to enter Singapore?

Yes. Indian passport holders do need a visa to enter Singapore. Nevertheless, holders of diplomatic passports, service passports, and official passports are exempted from the visa requirement for entry into Singapore.

Singapore visa application procedure

Indian passport holders can apply for a Singapore visa online through the website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) or through authorised visa agents. 

Procedure to apply for Singapore visa from India

Before you actually start applying for the visa, you need to keep the necessary documents ready. The documents required for the Singapore visa application process are as follows.

• A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore).

• A duly filled and signed Form 14A. The information that you declare in form 14A is crucial for visa application. 

• Recently taken (within the last 3 months) passport-sized, colour photograph of the applicant. 

• The size of the photograph must be 4.5cm X 3.5 cm. The pixel density of the softcopy of the photograph must be 400 X 514 pixels (for successful uploading to the ICA website). The photograph must be of white background and must be printed on matte finish or semi-matt finish paper. It should not be glossy.

• A copy of the bio-data page of the applicant's passport. 

The following are the steps involved in applying for a Singapore visa for Indian travellers.

1. Visit the ICA website at https://www.ica.gov.sg.

2. Click on "e-Services and Forms" on the top menu bar.

3. Select "Apply for Entry Visa" from the section “SG Arrival Card, Entry Visa, e-Pass Enquiry Portal and Extension of Visit Pass”.

4. Select the type of visa you want to apply for (e.g., Entry visa).

5. Click on "Apply for a Visa" again to begin the application process.

6. Fill in the required personal and travel details, including your passport information.

7. Upload a recent passport-size photograph of yourself.

8. Pay the visa application fee using a credit or debit card.

9. Review your application and submit it.

10.  After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt.

11.  Wait for the visa processing time to receive your visa status.

12.  If your visa is approved, you can download the e-visa from the ICA website.

13.  Print out the e-visa and carry it with you when you travel to Singapore.

Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the updates made to the ICA website. It is always advisable to check the ICA website for the latest information on the visa application process.

Types of Singapore visa

Here are the three basic types of Singapore visa.

1. Tourist visa: This type of visa is required if you want to visit the country as a tourist. As in, you just want to visit the country to experience its marvels, culture, etc., and there’s no motive to work over there. 

2. Business visa: If your intention is to visit Singapore for work or business purposes, then a tourist visa will not be applicable; you will need a business visa.  

3. Transit visa: This is a peculiar type of visa as compared to the two types mentioned above, as this is only applicable for 96 hours. It is helpful only if Singapore is your transit country, where you have a few hours to stay before embarking on the journey to a different destination. 

Eligibility for Singapore visa

Here are the basic eligibility criteria for a Singapore visa. Note that the exact criteria can depend upon your purpose of visit.

• Valid passport

• Return ticket

• Completion of the processes related to the payment

• Accommodation proof

• Invitation letter from an organisation (for business visa)

• Onward ticket (for transit visa)

 SG Arrival Card

All travellers to Singapore are also required to submit an SG Arrival Card three days prior to their date of entry into Singapore (including the date of entry). You can submit this through the ICA website. To submit an SG Arrival card, you need to fill in the following information in the ICA Portal.

• Details of your valid passport

• Your contact details

• Your detailed travel itinerary 

• Details of your accommodation in Singapore

Singapore visa fee for Indians

The fee for a Singapore Tourist Visa application is SGD 30 (approximately INR 1,853) for a single-entry visa and SGD 90 (approximately INR 5,557) for a multiple-entry visa. The fee can be paid online at the time of submitting the visa application.

It's important to note that the visa application fee is subject to change, and it's recommended to check the official website of the Singapore High Commission or the Singapore Consulate in India for the latest updates on visa fees and procedures.

Singapore visa processing time 

The processing time for a Singapore visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed at the time of application. Typically, the processing time for a Singapore visa for Indian citizens is around three to five working days. However, it is advisable to apply for a Singapore visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays in the processing time. It is also important to note that visa processing times may be longer during peak travel periods, such as holidays or summer vacation.

How to track Singapore visa application status

Indian citizens who have applied for a Singapore visa can track their visa application status online through the official website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).

Here are the steps to track your Singapore visa status from India.

1. Go to the ICA website at https://www.ica.gov.sg/

2. Click on the "e-Services" tab on the top menu.

3. Select "Check Application Status" from the list of e-Services.

4. Enter your application reference number and passport number.

5. Click on the "Submit" button to view your application status.

Once you have submitted your application reference number and passport number, you will be able to view your Singapore visa application status. The status may show as "approved", "rejected", or "pending". If your application status shows as "pending", it means that your application is still being processed and you will need to wait for the final decision.

Singapore employment pass for Indians

Indian workers need the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) to be able to work in Singapore. The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a mandatory document required for professionals, executives, skilled workers, etc., from any country to be allowed to work in Singapore. The eligibility criteria for the EP are based on factors such as the applicant's qualifications, work experience, and salary.

As an Indian citizen, you can apply for the Singapore Employment Pass if you meet the following criteria.

1. You have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.

2. You have a university degree or a professional qualification.

3. You have relevant work experience in your field.

4. Your salary meets the minimum requirement for the EP.

The Singapore government has set different salary requirements for EP holders based on their qualifications and experience. As of 2021, the minimum monthly salary for EP holders is SGD 3,600 (approximately INR 2,22,849).

To apply for the EP, your employer must submit an application on your behalf to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The processing time for the EP application is usually around 3 weeks, but it may take longer if additional documents or information are required.

It's worth noting that the Singapore government has been implementing stricter regulations on work visas in recent years, particularly for lower-skilled workers. As a result, the EP application process may be more stringent than before, and there may be additional requirements or checks.

Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)

There are several categories of individuals who are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR), including the following. 

1. Professionals, executives, and skilled workers: This category includes individuals who possess professional, technical, or specialist skills, and who are employed in managerial, executive, or technical positions.

2. Global investors: This category includes individuals who have a substantial investment in Singapore's economy or who have made significant contributions to the country's economic development.

3. Spouses and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR): This category includes foreign spouses and children of Singapore citizens or PRs who wish to reside in Singapore with their family members.

4. Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen: This category includes foreign parents of Singapore citizens who wish to reside in Singapore with their children.

5. Graduates from Singapore's Institutes of Higher Learning: This category includes foreign graduates from Singapore's universities, polytechnics, and other educational institutions who wish to work and live in Singapore.

6. Arts and culture: This category includes individuals who have made significant contributions to Singapore's arts and culture scene.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of a Singapore PR application. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will assess each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as the applicant's qualifications, work experience, and family ties to Singapore.

Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility

The Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) is a program that allows travellers to transit through Singapore without a visa, provided that they meet certain requirements. Here are some details about the Singapore VFTF.

1. Eligibility: The VFTF is available to citizens of certain countries who are transiting through Singapore to a third country. The list of eligible countries can change, so it's best to check the official website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for the latest information.

2. Duration: The VFTF allows travellers to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours (4 days) between flights.

3. Transit requirements: To be eligible for the VFTF, travellers must meet the following requirements.

• Have a valid onward ticket to a third country within 96 hours of arrival in Singapore.

• Have a valid visa (if required) for the third country of destination.

• Have a confirmed hotel booking or a host who will provide accommodation in Singapore.

• Have a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).

4. Entry points: The VFTF is available to travellers arriving at Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, or the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

5. Application: There is no need to apply for the VFTF in advance. Upon arrival in Singapore, eligible travellers will have their passport checked and will be issued an immigration white card, which they must retain for the duration of their stay.

It's important to note that while the VFTF allows travellers to transit through Singapore without a visa, it does not permit them to leave the transit area of the airport. If you wish to leave the airport during your transit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance.

Major reasons for the rejection of Singapore visa 

The decision to approve or reject a visa application is ultimately at the discretion of the visa officers. Here are some common reasons why Singapore visa applications may be rejected.

1. Incomplete or inaccurate application: One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is an incomplete or inaccurate application. Make sure to fill out all required fields accurately and completely, and submit all necessary supporting documents.

2. Insufficient financial resources: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their travel to Singapore. If the applicant does not have adequate financial resources or if the documents provided do not adequately prove financial status, the visa application may be rejected.

3. Criminal history: If an applicant has a criminal history, it can affect their chances of getting a visa. A past criminal conviction or any charges against the applicant may lead to the rejection of the visa application.

4. Purpose of visit: The purpose of the visit must be clearly stated and supported by relevant documents. If the purpose of the visit is not clear, the visa application may be rejected.

5. Previous visa refusals: If an applicant has a history of visa refusals or has violated visa regulations in the past, it may impact their chances of getting a visa.

6. False or fraudulent documents: Submitting false or fraudulent documents in support of the visa application can lead to automatic rejection of the application and may also result in legal action.

These are some of the common reasons why Singapore visa applications for Indians may be rejected. It is important to carefully review the visa application requirements and guidelines before submitting an application, and to provide all necessary supporting documents to increase the chances of approval.

Travel insurance for your Singapore visit

It is not mandatory for Indian citizens to have travel insurance when visiting Singapore.

However, travel insurance is always recommended for international travel, including Singapore. There are several reasons why obtaining good travel insurance is important when visiting Singapore. Here are a few reasons.

1. Medical emergencies: If you experience a medical emergency while travelling in Singapore, medical treatment can be quite expensive. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalisation, and emergency medical evacuation.

2. Trip cancellations or interruptions: Unexpected events such as flight cancellations, trip interruptions, or delays can be disruptive and costly. Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions due to covered reasons, such as illness or death in the family.

3. Loss or theft of personal belongings: Theft or loss of personal belongings such as luggage, passports, and valuables can be frustrating and expensive. Travel insurance can provide coverage for the loss or theft of personal belongings.

4. Travel delays: Travel delays due to weather, strikes, or other reasons can be a major inconvenience. Travel insurance can provide coverage for additional expenses incurred due to travel delays, such as hotel stays and meals.

5. Personal liability: In the event that you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage their property, you could be held liable for damages. Travel insurance can provide coverage for personal liability in such situations.

6. Emergency assistance: In the event of an emergency, travel insurance can provide 24/7 emergency assistance, including emergency medical assistance, legal assistance, and emergency cash transfers.

In summary, travel insurance is important when visiting Singapore to provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events or emergencies. It is always advisable to carefully review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy to ensure that it meets your specific needs and provides adequate financial protection for your trip to Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Singapore visa for Indian travellers and their answers.

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Singapore? 

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to visit Singapore for tourism or business purposes.

What is the process to apply for a Singapore visa? 

Indian citizens can apply for a Singapore visa online or through a visa agent. The application process typically involves submitting the application form, supporting documents, and paying the visa fee.

How long does it take to process a Singapore visa for Indian citizens? 

The processing time for a Singapore visa for Indian citizens may vary, but it typically takes around three to five working days.

What is the validity of a Singapore visa for Indian citizens? 

The validity of a Singapore visa for Indian citizens depends on the type of visa and the purpose of travel. Typically, tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days, while business visas may be valid for up to two years.

Can Indian citizens extend their stay in Singapore beyond the validity of their visa? 

Indian citizens may be able to extend their stay in Singapore beyond the validity of their visa by applying for an extension through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).

Is it possible for Indian citizens to apply for a multiple-entry visa to Singapore? 

Yes, Indian citizens can apply for a multiple-entry visa to Singapore for business purposes, which allows them to enter and exit Singapore multiple times within the visa validity period.

Can Indian citizens travel to Singapore without a visa if they have a layover in Singapore? 

Indian citizens may be able to travel to Singapore without a visa if they are transiting through Singapore for less than 96 hours and meet the eligibility criteria for the Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF).

Explore More:

• Canada Visa for Indians

• Student Visa 

• H1B Visa Process

• Visa on Arrival for India

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.