Singapore Visa Rules & Regulations

Coming in possession of a Singapore visa is comparatively easier than getting a visa for let’s say the US or UK. However, in light recent events of the covid-19 pandemic that was experienced globally, there have been changes in the rules and regulations for applying and getting a visa.

If you hold an official or diplomatic passport, you do not require an entry visa to enter Singapore! Furthermore, because the Singapore High Commission does not accept individual walk-in applications, the entire process is conducted online. Getting one’s hands on a Singapore tourist visa is a simple process. However, there are multiple regulations one needs to be aware of, especially considering the situation in Singapore. The rules for an entry requirement for all visitors to Singapore that includes getting a Singapore visa from UAE, are as follows:

• Travel documents that are valid (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)

• A passport sized-photo, visa application form, employment letter, and bank statement are all essential documents for Singapore visa application.

• Confirmed tickets for the next leg of your journey or for the return journey (if applicable)

• To the next destination, entry facilities, including visas;

• Sufficient cash to support yourself throughout their stay in Singapore, as well as a visa for admission into the country

• An eVisa is required to enter Singapore. An eVisa which comes in PDF format has taken the place of the sticker visa. An electronic visa that has been accepted is sent via email to the applicant in PDF (Acrobat Reader) format and includes a UID number. At passport control, the Singapore visa is printed on an A4 sized piece of paper and handed over to an immigration officer alongside the completed landing card and passport

• Tourists are permitted to travel and further stay in Singapore for a duration of thirty days with the Visa. The thirty days can be used in multiple entries throughout the course of two years from the date of the Visa's issuance. During this time, there will be no need to renew the Singapore Tourist Visa.

• Finally, two most important things to remember are, first, applications for walk-in visa are not accepted at the Singapore High Commission. Instead, Singapore's checkpoint authority and immigrations has authorised a number of visa agents to handle the visa applications. Only those authorized agents can apply for a Singapore visa.

• Second, a foreigner who is in possession of a visa isn’t automatically permitted to enter Singapore. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Singapore checkpoints determines whether or not a foreign tourist is granted a visit pass, every application is evaluated based of its individual merits.

There are also a few basic dos and don’ts to follow when applying for a visa to Singapore. It isn’t a difficult task to remember but absolutely do not leave any incomplete forms and/or documentation as it may cause the application to be denied or delayed in processing. 

Do know that the length of time you are allowed to stay is indicated on the visit pass endorsed on your passport and is not linked to the validity of your visa. Do not forget to keep checking up on your visa application status. In case you already have a valid visa but have misplaced the copy of your e-Visa, you can print it by following a few simple steps -

• Visit the website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), then scroll down to the section e-Services and Forms on the ICA homepage and click on apply entrance visa. After that, depending on the type of application, scroll down the page and choose either Enquire Application Status or Enquire Family Application Status.

• Enter the travel document number and visa referral number and finally submit. Once the application is approved you can take a print out.

Keeping in mind the above-mentioned rules, one can apply for a Singapore tourist visa stress free and hopefully get their documents approved and accepted in no time.