Singapore is known for having a world-class city airport with a waterfall, being among the most densely inhabited countries in the world, being a financial hub, and having a Botanic Garden that is a World Heritage Site.
So, are you looking to transit through the international airport in Singapore? Well, if you do, you find yourself in the right place. There are a few things that you should know when transiting through Singapore. So, here’s all the information you need to know when transit Singapore:
Is There a Singapore Transit Visa?
Well, to answer your question – Singapore doesn’t have a ‘Transit visa.’ So, if you need to transit through Singapore, you will need a regular entry permit, but we will discuss it later. However, for the sake of this blog, we’ll refer to a Singapore tourist visa as a transit visa. However, there are several regulations and requirements that transit travelers in India must follow.
Do You Need a Singapore Transit Visa?
Well, it depends on what you will do when arriving at Changi Airport. Indian citizens who wish to leave the transit area must get a Singapore transit visa as they must pass through immigration. Whereas Indian travelers who do not intend to clear immigration or leave the transit area to enter Singapore are not considered transit travelers. Hence, they don’t need to get a Singapore transit Visa.
Can I Enter Singapore Without a Singapore Transit Visa?
It is important to note that you cannot enter Singapore without a Singapore Visa. Therefore, you must apply for a Singapore Visa before traveling, also known as a Visit Pass. A Singapore Entry Visa permits you to pass through an immigration checkpoint operated by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), where they will be subject to scrutiny. The ICA decides whether you satisfy the standards for entry into the nation.
When Do You Need a Singapore Transit Visa?
You must get a SinSingaporeansit visa if you want to leave the airport transit area. The visa processing time for an online Singapore visa application is three business days from receipt of the complete application. And if you apply through an agent, it could take longer. Hence, Indian citizens must apply for their Singapore visa well in advance.
Do I Qualify for The Visa Free Transit Facility?
Some Indian citizens who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for the 96-hour visa-free transit facility (VFTF). It may be available to nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Georgia, India, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.
Before being permitted entry into Singapore, transit travelers who meet the qualifications for VFTF must satisfy the current entry requirements. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) immigration officer checks the entrance at the point of entry.
Travel Requirements for Indians Traveling to Singapore
Before you transit to Singapore, you must ensure that you meet the visa requirements they have set in place. Here are the entry requirements for Singapore for Indians you need to know before you transit through Singapore.
You need to know and be aware of the entry procedures, even if you are merely passing through the Singapore international airport and will have to go through Singapore immigration. The following required documents are necessary for all travelers arriving in Singapore.
– A valid passport with at least six months validity from your date of travel.
– A submitted SG Arrival Card.
– A valid Singapore visa for Indians
– Boarding pass for the flight
– A confirmed onward or return air ticket (flight ticket).
– Evidence that you can enter your next destination (for example, a valid visa).
– A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you travel from a Yellow Fever country.
– Travelers must adhere to the latest travel requirements and advisories on the SafeTravel website
How To Get a Tourist Visa to Singapore from India?
As mentioned above, as an Indian national, you’ll need to get a Singapore visa if you want to transit through Singapore to a third country or home county. The Singapore Visa is a document that allows you to enter Singapore legally.
India is one of the Assessment Level One countries; therefore, its nationals are required to have a visa and may apply for one online through a local contact in Singapore through the ICA e-channel. Therefore, obtaining a Singapore tourist visa for Indian nationals is a requirement if they want to travel to Singapore, or Transit, or for any other reason.
How To Apply for Singapore Transit Visa?
The application process for an Indian transit visa to Singapore is the same as for a Singapore Tourist visa. There are three ways for Indian nationals to apply for visas.
– How To Apply Through Atlys: If you want to apply for a Singapore visa in India easily and quickly without all the paperwork, use the Atlys app. You can read about the application process in detail on the Singapore Visa For Indians blog.
– How To Apply Through The ICA Website: If you have a local contact such as friends, family members, or business partners in Singapore that can apply for a visa, they can do so via the ICA Website.
You can provide them with the necessary information to apply online. Then you’ll have to register for the Singpass.
– How To Apply Through Authorized Visa Agents: In India, you must apply for any visa through a licensed visa agent because the Singapore Embassy or High Commission in Chennai does not accept direct visa applications from Indian citizens. The list of authorized agents is available on the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific cities.
What Is the Cost of a Singapore Transit Visa?
The Singapore visa application cost is 30 Singaporean dollars for the processing fee, and you need to pay the Singapore visa application fees on time. Regardless of the outcome of the application or if you cancel it after submission, the processing visa fee is not refundable. Since the application will be online, you will need a credit card.
Can I Extend My Visa Free Transit Facility?
No, the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority doesn’t allow Singapore transit travelers covered by the VFTF to extend their stay.
In conclusion, you do not need to worry about getting a Singapore visa for Indian citizens if you are staying in the transit area at Changi International Airport. However, be sure you know if you must go through immigration to board your next trip. Lastly, do not forget to check out the Singapore Visa For Indian Citizens if you need more information on the visa application process.
