There’s something about Singapore that keeps pulling me back. Maybe it’s the futuristic skyline, the unbeatable food scene, or the way it seamlessly blends cultures from across Asia. Whatever your reason for visiting, one thing is certain: if you’re an Indian passport holder, you’ll need to sort out your Singapore visa first.
The good news? The process is smooth, if you know what you’re doing. In this article, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the Singapore visa for Indians, based on my personal experience and reliable best practices. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, this guide will help you get your visa with confidence.
Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Singapore?
Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Singapore unless they qualify for transit without visa privileges (more on that later).
Singapore doesn’t issue visas on arrival for Indians, so you must apply in advance and receive an e-visa before boarding your flight.
What Type of Singapore Visa Should You Apply For?
Most Indian tourists and short-term visitors apply for the Singapore Short-Term Visit Pass (also referred to as a Tourist Visa). This visa allows you to:
- Visit Singapore for tourism, leisure, or short business meetings
- Stay for up to 30 days
- Make single or multiple entries, depending on the visa type granted
If you’re visiting friends or family, attending a business conference, or simply exploring the city-state, this is the visa you’ll want.
Singapore Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Here’s the full checklist of documents I submitted for my application:
- Valid Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Should have at least 2 blank pages
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form 14A)
- Accurately filled and signed
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- White background, 35mm x 45mm, taken within the last 3 months
- Confirmed Air Tickets
- Round-trip or onward journey itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a friend/relative in Singapore
- Cover Letter
- Stating the purpose of your visit, intended duration of stay, and travel dates
- Bank Statements or Proof of Funds
- Last 3–6 months showing you can fund your stay
- Travel Itinerary (optional but useful)
- Daily activity plans show preparedness and purpose
How to Apply for a Singapore Visa in India
Unlike some countries, you can’t apply for a Singapore visa directly through an embassy if you’re an Indian citizen. Instead, you need to go through a Strategic Partner (Authorized Visa Agent) or get help from a reliable visa service provider.
My Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Prepared My Documents
I printed everything neatly and double-checked for accuracy—especially my name, passport number, and photo specs. - Applied Through a Trusted Partner
Since direct embassy submission wasn’t possible, I applied through a verified agency that submitted it to the Singapore High Commission. - Paid the Visa Fee
The visa fee was SGD 30 (approx. ₹1,800), and the service charge was around ₹500–1,000 depending on the partner. - Received My E-Visa by Email
After 3–5 working days, I got a PDF version of my e-visa with a barcode. I printed this out and carried a copy with me to the airport.
Singapore Visa Processing Time
Typically, the Singapore visa for Indians is processed in 3 to 5 working days, not including the day of application, weekends, or public holidays. However, I recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your travel date, just to be safe.
Validity and Duration of Stay
- Visa Validity: Usually 30 days to 2 years, depending on your profile and travel history
- Duration of Stay: Up to 30 consecutive days per entry (granted at the discretion of ICA—Immigration & Checkpoints Authority)
Note: The validity of your visa doesn’t guarantee entry or exact stay duration. The immigration officer at the Singapore border decides your final length of stay based on your passport and documents.
Can You Get a Singapore Visa on Arrival?
No, Indian citizens are not eligible for a Singapore visa on arrival.
However, if you’re transiting through Singapore to a third country and meet certain conditions (like holding a visa for the USA, UK, Schengen, or Australia), you may be eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). But this only applies to very specific cases and is not a reliable way to enter Singapore for tourism.
My Experience at Singapore Immigration
When I landed at Changi Airport, immigration was smooth—but not passive. The officer asked to see:
- My e-visa printout
- My return flight ticket
- My hotel booking
He asked about the purpose of my visit and how long I’d stay. After a brief, polite interaction, I was stamped in with a 30-day stay and off I went to explore.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Singapore is a year-round destination, but here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:
- February to April: Best weather, less rain and pleasant heat
- June to August: Great for shopping festivals and food events
- November to January: Rainy but festive, think Christmas lights and Chinese New Year
Avoid September if you dislike haze or humidity, but even then, Singapore has so many indoor attractions that it won’t hold you back.
What to See and Do in Singapore
If it’s your first time visiting, these are my must-dos:
- Gardens by the Bay – Stunning nature-meets-tech oasis
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Iconic views of the city skyline
- Little India – Culture, food, temples, and home-away-from-home vibes
- Sentosa Island – Beaches, Universal Studios, and more
- Hawker Centres – Michelin-star meals for ₹300 or less!
Final Thoughts: Singapore Is Closer Than You Think
Singapore is not just another city, it’s a perfect blend of cultures, cuisines, and urban innovation. And as an Indian traveler, once you’ve secured your visa, the rest is incredibly smooth.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork or worried about missing a requirement, I highly recommend working with OneVasco. Their team knows the process inside-out and helps Indian travelers like us get our Singapore visa without stress or surprises. They helped me navigate every step, and within a week, I had my e-visa in hand.
So go ahead and book the ticket, build your itinerary, and get ready to fall in love with Singapore. It all begins with that visa.