Southeast Asia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Singapore's visa policy is relatively liberal for short-term tourist and business visits. Citizens of most developed nations can enter visa-free for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days, while other nationalities require a visa approved before travel.
Citizens of these countries can enter Singapore without a visa for tourism or business visits
The actual duration granted is determined by the immigration officer at entry and may be less than 90 days. You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmed onward/return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay. Extension of stay is possible through ICA application.
Citizens of certain countries granted shorter visa-free stays
Stay duration is at the discretion of immigration officers. Standard entry requirements apply including valid passport, onward tickets, and proof of sufficient funds.
Citizens of certain countries can apply for an electronic visa online before travel
Cost: SGD 30 for single entry, SGD 50 for multiple entry (plus potential agent fees)
You must have a Local Contact in Singapore (a Singapore citizen, PR, or registered business) to sponsor your visa application. The visa must be approved before travel - you cannot obtain it on arrival.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or e-visa must apply for a visa in advance
A Local Contact in Singapore is required to sponsor most visa applications. This can be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or registered Singapore company. Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny or requirements. Check with ICA or your nearest Singapore mission for specific requirements.
Arrival Process
Singapore's entry process is highly efficient and typically quick for most travelers. Changi Airport and other entry points use modern technology including automated gates for eligible travelers. Most visitors clear immigration within 15-30 minutes during normal periods.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Singapore has strict customs regulations with significant penalties for violations. The city-state is known for its tough stance on prohibited items, particularly drugs and tobacco. All travelers must comply with duty-free allowances and declare items that exceed these limits or fall into restricted categories.
Prohibited Items
- Chewing gum (except for dental/medical purposes with prescription) - Singapore's famous ban
- Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances - mandatory death penalty for trafficking
- Obscene articles, publications, and videos - strictly enforced
- Seditious and treasonable materials
- Reproduction of copyright materials (pirated goods)
- Endangered wildlife and their products - strict CITES enforcement
- Firecrackers and fireworks
- Electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and related products - completely banned
- Shisha/hookah tobacco
- Toy coins and currency notes
- Cigarette lighters in the shape of pistols or revolvers
Restricted Items
- Medications - Controlled medications require approval from Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Bring prescriptions and only amounts needed for your stay
- Weapons and arms - Require permits from Singapore Police Force
- Explosives and fireworks - Require licenses
- Telecommunication equipment - Certain items require dealer's license
- Live animals, birds, and insects - Require AVA permits and health certificates
- Plants and plant products - Require phytosanitary certificates
- Meat and meat products - Require import permits and health certificates
- Bulletproof clothing and body armor - Require permits
- Toy guns and replica weapons - May be prohibited or require permits
Health Requirements
Singapore maintains high health and safety standards. While there are minimal mandatory health requirements for most travelers, it's important to stay informed about current health regulations and recommendations.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries (must have vaccination certificate). Travelers aged 1 year and above coming from affected countries must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio) - Ensure up to date
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas in the region
- Japanese Encephalitis - Consider if staying for extended periods or visiting rural areas in Southeast Asia
- Dengue - No vaccine widely available, but take precautions against mosquito bites
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Singapore has world-class medical facilities but healthcare costs are high for visitors. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Some visa categories may require proof of insurance.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (including infants). If traveling with only one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian. This may be requested by immigration. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and must have proper documentation including contact information for guardians in Singapore.
Singapore has strict pet import regulations managed by the National Parks Board (NParks). Pets must have an import license obtained before arrival. Requirements include microchipping, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before arrival), blood tests, and health certificates. Pets from approved countries may enter with shorter quarantine periods (minimum 10 days) while others face 30 days quarantine. Certain breeds of dogs are prohibited. Apply for import license at least 8 weeks before travel. Costs are significant including license fees, quarantine fees, and veterinary inspections.
Tourist visas/visa-free entry cannot be converted to long-term passes while in Singapore. For extended stays beyond tourist allowances, you must apply for appropriate passes: Employment Pass (professionals), S Pass (mid-skilled workers), Student Pass (students), Long-Term Visit Pass (family members), or Dependent's Pass. These require sponsorship from Singapore employers, educational institutions, or family members who are Singapore citizens/PRs. Apply before your tourist stay expires or from your home country. Working on a tourist pass is strictly prohibited.
Most visa-free nationalities can conduct business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) on tourist entry. However, you cannot be employed or receive payment from Singapore sources. For longer business stays or work, obtain an appropriate work pass. Carry documents proving business purpose (invitation letters, conference registrations) as immigration may ask. Business travelers may be eligible for automated clearance gates at Changi Airport.
Transit passengers not leaving the airport generally don't need a visa regardless of nationality, provided they have confirmed onward tickets within a reasonable time frame. If you wish to leave the airport during transit, normal entry requirements apply based on your nationality. Singapore offers the free Singapore Transit Programme (STP) allowing 96-hour visa-free transit for eligible nationalities arriving by air with onward tickets to third countries. Check ICA website for eligibility.
If you've previously overstayed, violated visa conditions, or been deported from Singapore, you may be denied entry or face additional scrutiny. Immigration maintains comprehensive records. Overstaying incurs fines and potential bans from re-entering Singapore. Be honest with immigration officers and provide any requested documentation regarding previous visits. Serious violations can result in permanent bans.