Looking for a Singapore Tourist Visa from India?

Singapore Tourist Visa from India: A Complete Guide

Singapore, often referred to as “The Lion City,” continues to charm Indian travellers with its breathtaking architecture, cultural diversity, and delectable cuisine. Before embarking on your journey to this enchanting island city-state, it is crucial to acquire a Singapore tourist visa from India and understand the application process. In this blog, let us take you through all the necessary information for a hassle-free trip to Singapore.

A. Singapore visa for Indians: How can you apply?

If you want to visit Lion City and explore its variety of cuisines and cultures, you need to apply for a visa. Applying for a Singapore tourist visa Singapore visa requirements India is an easy step-by-step process that includes filling out the application form, gathering the necessary documents required for a Singapore visa and submitting the Singapore visa application to the appropriate authorities. Here is a detailed guide to applying for a Singapore tourist visa from India:

1. Obtain the application form

The form for a Singapore visa for Indians can be obtained from two sources:
Online: Visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore or the website of the nearest Singapore embassy or consulate. Download the application form in PDF format.
Offline: Visit the nearest Singapore embassy or consulate in India and collect a physical copy of the Singapore visa application form. Visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore or the website of the nearest Singapore embassy or consulate.

2. Fill out the application form

When filling out the application form, providing accurate and complete information is essential. Follow these guidelines to ensure accuracy:

• Use capital letters and black ink to fill out the form
• Fill out all the required fields
• Review the form carefully

3. Prepare the required Singapore visa documents

You will need to gather the necessary supporting documents along with the completed application form. The specific documents required for a Singapore visa may vary based on your visa type and individual circumstances. Here are some commonly required documents for a Singapore tourist visa:

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and has two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Visa application form: Complete the application accurately, providing all necessary details as sought by Singaporean authorities.
• Singapore visa photo size: Submit recent photos meeting specified format requirements, showing your full face clearly.
• Flight itinerary: Include a copy of your flight itinerary or confirmed return ticket indicating your intention to leave Singapore after the trip.
• Accommodation proof: Provide evidence of your stay, like hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a Singaporean citizen.
• Travel insurance: Although optional, having travel insurance for your Singapore stay is advisable.

• Financial documents: Submit proof of sufficient funds: bank statements and income tax returns indicating financial stability.
• Employment documents: Include employment letter, leave approval, and payslips to confirm employment status, stability and permission to travel.
• Previous travel history: Provide previous visa stamps and entry/exit records from your passport to showcase past travel and visa compliance. This is optional and boosts the chances of approval.
• Additional requirements: If visiting family or friends, supply a host invitation letter and their identification documents as needed.

4. Biometric data collection (if required)

In some instances, applicants may be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints or digital photographs. Check the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore or consult the embassy/consulate to determine if biometric data collection is necessary for your application.

5. Pay the Singapore visa application fees

Singapore visa requirements, like fees, are applicable and must be paid when applying. The Singapore visa fees for Indians may vary based on the visa type and processing time. Check the official website or contact the embassy/consulate for the updated structure of Singapore visa fees for Indians and the payment methods. However, it is easiest to check the Singapore visa fees when you visit the authorised agent, as explained below.

Note: It is very important to submit only truthful and genuine documents when applying for a visa. False or fraudulent documentation can lead to severe consequences, including future permanent disqualification or bans from entering a particular country.

6. Submit the application

After completing the Singapore visa application form and acquiring all required papers, you must send your application to the relevant authorities. This can be done only through an authorised agency in India. You can either contact them over the phone or visit their office in person to submit the passport, fees and relevant supporting documents. Refer to the list of authorised agents here: list of authorised agents.

7. Track the application

After submitting your application, you can follow its status using the authority’s online tracking system or by contacting the authorised agent. This will keep you up to date on the status of your visa application.

8. Collect the visa If your visa application is approved, you will be notified to collect your visa either from the embassy/consulate or through a designated visa application centre, depending on the application process followed.

Following these steps and providing accurate information and the documents required for a Singapore visa will help ensure a smooth and successful visa application process for your Singapore tourist visa from India. If you are searching for an on-arrival visa for an Indian passport in Singapore, please note that Indians are not eligible for the visa-on-arrival option in Singapore. As a result, Indian passport holders must have a previously authorised visa to enter the nation.

B. Applying for the Singapore tourist visa from a third country

It is possible to apply for a Singapore visa with an Indian passport if you travel to a third country. The process is similar to applying in India, except for who it is submitted to:

1. Write an email to the Singapore embassy or consulate in the country where you are, describing your plan to visit Singapore and why you are seeking to apply from the Singapore embassy/consulate in that country and not your home country- India (either because you are a resident of this third country, or because you are a visitor/tourist there). Also, request for
   • List of documents required for visa application>
   • Fees to be paid (and appropriate currency)
   • Appointment time and date (if submitting directly to the Singapore embassy/consulate).

Based on your circumstances, the Singapore embassy consulate may agree to consider your visa application. Note that walk-ins are not entertained in these offices.

1. Prepare all supporting documentation as mentioned in the response from the Singapore embassy/consulate.
2. Visit the Embassy/consulate for the appointment and submit the application form and supporting documents along with fees and passport. The officers issue an acknowledgement of the visa fees paid, and now you have to wait for their updates (typically three working days). The acknowledgement also indicates the date of passport collection when you must return to the office.>

C. VFTF visa for transit in Singapore

Singapore has established an arrangement with specific countries requiring visas, enabling certain transit passengers to enter the country for up to 96 hours. Known as the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), it is open to Indian nationals who accordingly do not need to apply for a separate visa for entering Singapore. However there are a few conditions:

1. Departure from Singapore must be via air or sea, regardless of the mode of arrival. This requires a valid ticket for a departing flight, ship, or cruise within 96 hours.
2. You must hold a valid visa for any of the following countries:
   • Australia
   • Canada
   • Germany
   • Japan
   • New Zealand
   • Switzerland
   • United Kingdom
   • United States of America
3. The above mentioned visa should be valid for at least one month from the commencement of the VFTF.>
4. For those with an expired Single Journey Visa (indicating prior travel to the issuing country), the VFTF can still be utilised on the return flight. In such instances, the following criteria apply:

• Travel directly from the country that issued the visa.
• Make a stop in Singapore for transit.
• Travel directly back to your home country.

As you prepare to leave India and head to Singapore, you’ll first encounter Indian immigration officers who will ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for leaving the country. They may ask you various questions, including:

• Purpose of your trip: Officers might inquire about the reason for your visit to Singapore. Be clear and truthful about your intentions, whether it’s for tourism, business, or any other purpose.
• Valid visa: They will check that you have the appropriate visa for Singapore. Ensure your visa is up-to-date and corresponds to your travel plans.

The waiting game: Visa processing time for Singapore tourist visa from India

The Singapore visa processing time from India could vary depending on several factors. While the exact processing time is subject to change based on individual circumstances, here is a general overview of the visa processing timeline:

• Submitting Application
• Document Verification
• Security Clearance
• Visa Processing
• Decision and Approval

What affects the process duration?

Have you ever planned a spontaneous last-minute trip, booked your flights and hotels and even submitted the visa application only for it to get delayed and disrupt your plans? Delays in visa processing are common and can happen for a number of reasons. The best precaution you can take is to put in your visa application several months in advance, but let’s understand the several factors that can impact the processing time for a Singapore visa application:

Application volume

Singapore is a popular tourist destination. The number of visa applications the authorities receive can affect the processing time. During peak travel seasons or when there is a high volume of applications, the processing time may be longer.

Application completeness

Submitting a complete and error-free application is crucial. Incomplete applications or inaccuracies in the provided information can lead to delays as the authorities may request additional documents or clarification.

Additional document requirements

Sometimes, additional information may be requested to support your application. This could extend the processing time as you gather and submit the required documents.

Individual circumstances

Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Your previous travel history, security clearance requirements, or specific visa conditions could also impact the processing duration.

Tips for submitting a complete and error-free application

To minimise delays and ensure a smooth visa processing experience, consider the following tips:

• Review the requirements
• Provide accurate information
• Complete supporting documents
• Plan ahead
• Seek professional assistance if needed

At destination immigration (Arrival in Singapore)

Upon arriving in Singapore, you will go through immigration procedures at the Singaporean airport. Immigration officers at Changi Airport, for example, will ensure that travelers meet Singapore’s entry requirements. Here are sample questions they may ask:

• Visa and travel plans: Officers will want to see your visa for Singapore and inquire about your intended activities in the country. Ensure you have the necessary visa documents.
• Hotel accommodations: You may be asked for proof of hotel reservations or the address where you plan to stay during your visit to Singapore.
• Return or onward travel: Officers will likely ask about your return flight or onward travel plans. Make sure you have a clear itinerary to share with them.
• Financial means: Be ready to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, which can be in the form of cash, credit cards, or bank statements.

Expert tip: Answer all these questions honestly and provide the necessary documents for verification. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Singapore.