Singapore Visa Essentials: Types, Processing, and Compliance for 2026

(SINGAPORE) — Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) implemented a new pre-flight security screening system that can stop some passengers from boarding flights to the city-state, shifting checks on Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures to the point of departure.

The new measure, called the Non-Boarding Directive (NBD) system, becomes effective January 30, 2026, and requires airlines flying to Singapore to cross-check advance passenger information against ICA databases before travel.

How the Non-Boarding Directive (NBD) works

Airlines must verify advance passenger details against ICA records prior to departure. Required checks include:

• Visa validity
• Passport validity
• SG Arrival Card (SGAC) data
• Any prior immigration or security flags

Travelers flagged as “undesirable” or who fail to meet Singapore’s entry requirements can be denied boarding after the airline receives a Non-Boarding Directive notice.

Important: The NBD shifts responsibility for these checks to the point of departure and allows airlines to prevent boarding based on ICA directives.

Penalties and enforcement

• Airlines that fail to comply face fines of up to SGD 10,000.
• Airline staff found complicit can be fined up to SGD 10,000 or imprisoned for up to six months.

These penalties raise the stakes for thorough pre-flight document checks.

Recourse for passengers denied boarding

Passengers denied boarding can write to the ICA via the “ICA Feedback Channel” to seek approval before booking a new flight. This is presented as an option for travelers who need clearance after being blocked from travel.

Baseline travel document requirements

All travelers must meet longstanding requirements:

• Passport validity: Minimum six months from date of departure.
• Passport pages: At least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa requirements depend entirely on nationality and passport type. Some nationals do not require a visa for short-term visits, while others must obtain a visa before travel.

Specifics for U.S. passport holders

• American citizens with regular, official, or diplomatic passports do not require a visa for business or social visits up to 90 days.
• Other entry requirements (passport validity, SGAC, etc.) still apply.

Travelers from visa-required countries

• A valid Singapore entry visa must be obtained before travel.
• The ICA maintains a list of countries/regions requiring visas (not reproduced in this guide).

Special travel documents

The guide highlights special travel documents subject to assessment for recognition and entry:

• Refugee travel document
• Alien’s passport
• Palestinian Authority passport
• Temporary UAE passport
• Hong Kong SAR Document of Identity
• Macao SAR Travel Permit

If traveling on one of these documents, travelers should contact ICA directly with a copy of the travel document’s biodata page for verification. No processing timelines are provided.

SG Arrival Card (SGAC) and Electronic Health Declaration

• Submission required no more than three days before arrival, including the day of arrival.
• Submission is free and can be completed via the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app.
• Exceptions: Transit/transferring travelers not seeking immigration clearance; Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass Holders entering via land checkpoints.

Failure to submit the SGAC may result in being denied entry.

Since March 11, 2022, all foreign visitors receive their Visit Pass (e-Pass) notification digitally via email rather than a passport endorsement. The e-Pass indicates the period of stay granted and the last day of stay allowed. Visitors should provide a valid email address when submitting the SGAC.

Visa application routes and requirements

Application routes:

1. Online via SAVE system (when a local contact in Singapore is available)

– Local contact must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident with a SingPass account.
– If approved through SAVE, the local contact can print a copy of the e-Visa.
2. Online, in-person, or by mail to the nearest Singapore diplomatic mission.
– Apply within 30 days prior to arrival (advisable).
– In-person consular services are by appointment only (no walk-ins).
– Typical consular hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
3. Authorized visa agents appointed by Singapore Overseas Missions.
– Contact the nearest diplomatic mission for a list of approved agents.

Required documents for a visa application (basic list):

• Valid passport with at least six months validity
• Completed visa application form Form 14A (free of charge)
• Recent passport-size photograph (taken within last 3 months; color; white background; matte/semi-matte; full face; no headgear unless for religious/cultural reasons and not obscuring facial features)
• Proof of onward/return travel (confirmed flight tickets)
• Accommodation details (hotel reservations or detailed itinerary)
• Valid visa to the next destination (if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Daytime contact number and email address on a separate document

Additional/specific requirements:

• Certain visa types require extra documents.
• Employment Pass applicants must undergo medical screening for HIV/AIDS; a positive result will lead to rejection.

Processing time and fees:

• Typical processing: 3–8 business days from receipt of a complete application; some cases may take longer.
• No expedited service available.
• Fees vary by location:
• Washington, D.C. Embassy: US$23.00 per application
• Johor Bahru Consulate-General (Malaysia): S$30.00 per application (payable in MYR at prevailing rate)
• All fees are non-refundable and are subject to change without notice.
• Washington D.C. embassy accepts money orders or cashier’s checks only, payable to “Singapore Embassy.” Do not send cash.

Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF)

• Singapore offers a VFTF allowing stays less than 96 hours without a visa for eligible nationalities.
• Eligible nationalities include CIS countries, Georgia, India, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and selected PRC nationals who do not hold ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, or service PRC passports.
• The VFTF is framed as an option for transiting travelers; eligibility beyond nationality and the 96-hour limit is not described.

Immigration checkpoint procedures and biometrics

• Travelers are required to present biometrics: fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans.
• Non-compliance may result in denied entry.
• Automated clearance may be available depending on checkpoint and eligibility.
• Arrivals by car, motorcycle, lorry, or bus via Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints can use QR codes for immigration clearance.

At immigration, be prepared to show:

• Sufficient cash for the stay
• Proof of onward travel and visas for next destinations
• Confirmation that you will not overstay the Visit Pass validity

Public health and vaccination rules

• Travelers (including residents) who have been to yellow fever risk countries in the six days prior to arrival must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to the ICA officer.
• The rule also applies to travelers who spent more than 12 hours in airport transit in those countries.
• The guide does not list specific at-risk countries.

Customs, currency, and prohibited items

• Goods exceeding GST import relief and/or a duty-free concession must be declared and tax paid using the Customs@SG web application before arrival.
• Declare all dutiable, controlled, or prohibited goods at the Red Channel.
• Travelers carrying Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) exceeding S$20,000 (or equivalent) must make a declaration.

Categories and limitations of entry

Types of travel categories mentioned:

• Tourist visa — leisure
• Business visa — conferences, meetings, trade shows, negotiations
• Work passes/permits — Employment Passes, S Passes, Work Permits
• Student Pass
• Long-Term Visit Pass — caregiving or family visits

Key clarifications:

• A Singapore visa is not an immigration pass; it is pre-entry permission to travel to and seek entry into Singapore.
• Grant of an actual immigration pass is determined by ICA officers at point of entry.
• Period of stay is determined by the Visit Pass issued as an e-Pass.
• Visitors can retrieve their e-Pass via the e-Pass Enquiry Portal or check Visit Pass validity using the Visit Pass validity tool.
• Travelers wishing to stay beyond the granted period may apply for a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) extension online using the ICA e-Service; approval is discretionary.
• Overstaying is a punishable offense.
• Short-term visitors are not permitted to engage in business, professional, or paid employment while in Singapore.

Nationality, national service, and special obligations

• Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond age 22.
• Universal military service is strictly enforced for all male citizens and permanent residents.
• Those with national service obligations should contact the Ministry of Defense to determine status.

U.S. citizen assistance

• For U.S. citizens needing assistance while in Singapore, the U.S. Embassy contact number is (65) 6476-9100.