Are you planning a trip from India to Singapore? Well, grab your reading glasses, because we have got you sorted! Whether for a vacation, a business trip, or visiting loved ones, one of the first steps you’ll need is getting your Singapore visa from India. This read will walk you through important information you need to know about the Singapore visa requirements for Indian citizens, including how to apply, fees, documents required, and tips to make the process smooth.
Let’s dive into the details and get you travel-ready for Singapore!
Quick Facts about Singapore
- Official Name: Republic of Singapore
- Capital: Singapore (a country and a city)
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD or S$) (SGD 1 = INR 63.60)
- Official Language: English, Malay (national), Mandarin, Tamil
- Population: 5,995,991
- Time Zone: Singapore Time (SGT) (UTC+08:00)
- Visa Processing Time: 3-5 working days
- Must-Visit Places: Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Singapore Flyer, Universal Studios Singapore, Clarke Quay
- Nearly half of Singapore’s land is covered with green spaces (parks and gardens).
- Chewing Gum is banned in Singapore (unless the medical or dental reasons).
Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Singapore?
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Singapore, except in certain transit cases. Usually granted for short-term visits, a Singapore visa for Indians can be acquired for travel, business, or family visits. You might not require a visa if you are traveling through Singapore and will be in the airport’s transit area for less than 96 hours.
Types of Singapore Visas for Indian Travelers
For most Indian travelers, the visa type you will be applying for is a Short-Term Visa Pass (STVP). This visa allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 30 days, and it can be used for both leisure and business purposes. If you are visiting for a longer duration, such as for work or studies, you will need to apply for a different category of Singapore Visa.
Type of Visa | Description |
---|---|
Single Visit Visa | A short-term tourist visa allows a one-time entry. |
Multiple Visit Visa | Allows multiple entries within the validity period of the visa. |
Refer to the official government websites for up-to-date and accurate visa charges as it is subject to change.
How to Apply for a Singapore Visa From India
The Singapore visa application process for Indian citizens is straightforward and can be done online or through unauthorized visa agents. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
You will need to gather the following documents before applying for your Singapore visa from India:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity from your intended arrival date in Singapore). Ensure there are blank pages for visa stamps.
- A recent passport-sized photograph (two, in color, against a white background with no border).
- A completed visa application form (Form 14A) – you can download this form from the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
- Confirmed travel itinerary (including flight tickets and hotel reservations).
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay (bank statements and salary slips for the last three months are required to prove you can support yourself during the stay).
- A cover letter stating the purpose of your visit (if applying for a business or family visit visa).
Step 2: Submit the Application
You can apply for a Singapore visa for Indians online through authorized visa agents or at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission in India. Unfortunately, individual applicants cannot apply directly through the ICA website.
As an alternative, applying through one of Singapore’s approved visa agents is hassle-free for many! All you have to do is submit your documents online or at the agent’s office, pay the fees, and wait for the visa to be processed.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees
The Singapore visa fees for Indian citizens typically include both the government fee and the service fee charged by the agent. The government fee for a Singapore visa is SGD 30 (approximately INR 1,925), a service fee of INR 650, and the Agent fees can range between INR 300 to INR 1,000, depending on the agent.
Tip: Make sure the government of Singapore has authorized the agent.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Visa processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days. During peak travel seasons, it might take longer, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip. It is not mandatory to buy a flight ticket before applying for an entry visa.
Singapore Visa Fees and Price Breakdown
The total Singapore visa price for Indian citizens is relatively affordable. The government fee is around SGD 30, but the total cost depends on the service charge of your agent. Typically, you can expect to pay around INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 for the entire process, including service fees. Regardless of the outcome of the visa application or even if you decide to withdraw the application after it has been submitted, the visa cost is non-refundable.
The fee amount for applying for the visa may vary depending on the type of visa you choose. The types of tourist visas include:
Visa Type | Tourist Visa Fees |
Single Journey Visa | SGD 30 (INR 1,900) |
Multiple Journey Visa | SGD 30 (INR 1,900) |
Important Tips for a Successful Visa Application
Following are the few steps to ensure your India visa for Singapore applications go smoothly.
- Apply early: Always apply for your visa at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date. This ensures you have enough time to resolve any issues.
- Provide accurate information: Ensure that all the data on the application form matches your passport and supporting documents. Inaccurate or incomplete information may result in delays or rejections for the visa.
- Book return tickets: Having confirmed return tickets increases your chance of visa approval.
- Stay updated: Always check the latest visa requirements and guidelines on the official Singapore ICA website or with authorized visa agents.
Exceptions: Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF)
Indian nationals who plan to transit through Singapore, are eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), as long as they meet certain criteria. Only if you are transitioning to or from any third country via Singapore does the VFTF permit you to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours (4 days) without a visa. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned on the ICA website.
What Happens After You Receive Your Singapore Visa?
Once your Singapore visa for Indians is approved, it will mostly be granted as an e-Visa, which you can download and print once it is approved. You are expected to showcase this document at immigration, so pack it along with other documents while traveling.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Singapore?
Although travel insurance is not mandatory for entry into Singapore, it is strongly recommended, specifically in these post-pandemic times. Travel insurance can cover unforeseen circumstances like lost luggage, medical emergencies, or flight delays and cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Singapore visa if I have an Indian Passport?
Yes, as an Indian passport holder, you need a visa to travel to Singapore. You can apply for a tourist visa that usually allows you to stay for up to 30 days. Make sure to apply well before your trip!
What is the validity of my Singapore Visa?
Typically, a Singapore tourist visa for Indian travelers is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. However, your visa might have multiple entries for 2 years. Make sure to check all the visa details carefully at https://www.ica.gov.sg
Do I need travel insurance for Singapore?
While it is not mandatory to have travel insurance for Singapore, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, flight cancellations, or any unforeseen events during your trip.
What documents are needed to apply for a Singapore Visa?
You will need a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, your confirmed travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a completed visa application form. Some applicants might also need a cover letter and financial proof. It is also advisable to carry your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
How to apply for a Singapore Visa?
You can apply for a Singapore visa online through authorized agents or visit a Visa Application Center. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and track the status online. Approval usually takes about 3-5 working days.
Now that you have all the information you need about the Singapore visa requirements for Indian citizens, it’s time to start planning the fun part – your trip! Whether you’re looking to explore the vibrant cityscape, shop in the world-class malls, or relax at the stunning Sentosa Island, JustWravel offers perfect Singapore Travel Packages for you.