Singapore is a sovereign city-state and island country in Southeast Asia, renowned as a global financial hub and one of the world’s busiest ports. The country has a sophisticated immigration system with two assessment levels for short-term visitor entry. Singapore uses an Arrival Card system (SG Arrival Card), mandatory for all visitors, and has implemented Automated Clearance Inspection (ACI) at its borders. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) oversees all entry procedures.

2. Visa-Free Access

Singapore grants visa-free access to two broad groups depending on nationality. The first tier allows up to 90 days, while the second tier allows up to 30 days. Visitors must hold a valid passport, sufficient funds, a confirmed onward/return ticket, and meet health requirements (including mandatory yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from endemic countries).

2.1 Visa-Free — Up to 90 Days

Countries Receiving 90-Day Visa-Free Access (~35 countries) • All European Union member states • Australia, New Zealand • United States, Canada • United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein • Japan, South Korea, Israel • Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru • And other select partner states

2.2 Visa-Free — Up to 30 Days

Countries Receiving 30-Day Visa-Free Access (~126 countries) • All ASEAN member states (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei) • All Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states • China, India (with prior approval under certain conditions) • Many Commonwealth nations and bilateral partners • Most African Union member states • Latin American nations not included in the 90-day list

3. Assessment Level System

Singapore categorises nationalities into two assessment levels for those who do not qualify for straightforward visa-free or standard visa access. These levels determine the level of scrutiny and the process required to obtain entry permission.

3.1 Assessment Level I Countries

Nationals from Assessment Level I countries require a local contact (a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or approved organisation) to apply for an e-Visa on their behalf. The application is submitted online through ICA’s e-Service portal.

Assessment Level I Countries (examples) • CIS countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan • India (certain passport types) • North Korea • Select other nationals as determined by ICA

3.2 Assessment Level II Countries

Nationals from Assessment Level II countries face a higher level of scrutiny. They must obtain an introduction letter from a Singapore-based sponsor or approved organisation before applying for a visa. The visa application must typically be submitted at a Singapore diplomatic mission.

Assessment Level II Countries (examples) • Afghanistan • Algeria • Iran • Iraq • And other countries designated at this level by ICA

4. Special Entry Programmes

4.1 Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF)

Singapore operates a Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for nationals of China and India who hold a valid visa or residence permit from specific third countries. The facility allows a stay of up to 96 hours during a transit stopover at Changi Airport.

VFTF Eligibility Conditions • Applicable to Chinese and Indian passport holders • Must hold a valid visa or residence permit from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, or another approved country • Stay limited to 96 hours • Must transit through Singapore Changi Airport • Onward travel ticket required

4.2 APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) may enter Singapore visa-free for up to 60 days for business purposes. The ABTC is issued to eligible business travellers within APEC member economies.

4.3 SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

All visitors to Singapore — regardless of nationality or visa status — must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) before arrival. The SGAC replaced the old disembarkation/embarkation (DE) card and must be submitted electronically within 3 days before arrival. Failure to submit may result in delayed entry or denial of boarding.

4.4 Automated Clearance Inspection (ACI)

Singapore uses an Automated Clearance Inspection (ACI) system at Changi Airport and other entry points. Eligible travellers with biometric passports can clear immigration through automated lanes, speeding up processing. This does not replace the SGAC requirement.

5. Health Requirements

All travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk must present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Vaccination certificates are checked at entry. Singapore also maintains ongoing health surveillance protocols at its borders.

Health Entry Requirements • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers from endemic countries • International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP / Yellow Card) must be valid • ICA may conduct additional health screening during disease outbreaks • Travellers should check the latest health advisories before travel

6. Tourism Statistics

Singapore is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting over 13 million international visitor arrivals in recent years. The following table shows the top source countries by visitor numbers.

Country of Origin	Annual Visitors (approx.)
China	3.1 million
Indonesia	2.44 million
Malaysia	1.28 million
India	1.0 million
Australia	0.85 million
Japan	0.55 million

7. Entry Requirements Summary

General Entry Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay • Completed SG Arrival Card (SGAC) submitted within 3 days before arrival • Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay • Confirmed onward or return travel ticket • Accommodation address in Singapore • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country) • Visa or e-Visa (if applicable based on nationality)

8. Refused Entry and Restrictions

Singapore reserves the right to refuse entry to any traveller at its discretion. Common grounds for refusal include: invalid or expired travel documents, inability to demonstrate sufficient funds, prior deportation or criminal convictions, failure to meet health requirements, or possession of prohibited substances. Travellers with a history of drug offences are typically denied entry.