Singapore visa processing time

Before you submit a visa application, you need to know the Singapore visa processing time; otherwise, you may apply too late and ruin your travel plans. The average processing time for a Singaporean visa is 5 working days, excluding weekends, public holidays, and the day of submission. Furthermore, on special days when there is a backlog of applications, the embassy or visa center may require a few more days to process your application.

The Singapore Visa

Singapore visas are simply travel documents that grant legal access to the island. Visas are not issued to citizens as they don’t need one but to foreigners who may want to visit for one reason or the other.

Not all foreigners need a visa, though, as some countries are on the visa-exempt list, so their citizens enjoy visa waivers once they arrive in Singapore. However, travelers not from such countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Singapore. The government operates a very strict immigration law to control the local population, so any visitor who arrives at the airport without a visa will be sent back to their country.

To avoid embarrassment, check if your country is on the visa-free list; if not, apply for a visa as early as possible.

Is There Visa On Arrival?

Citizens of selected nations that don’t enjoy visa waivers qualify for a visa on arrival. All they need do is present their passports at the arrival lounge, and an application form will be made available to them to fill out and submit for approval. Just like the visa waiver list, only a select few countries qualify for a visa on arrival.

Types of Singapore Visa

The government of Singapore issues different visas to visitors based on the purpose of their visit. 

Here are the common visas.

Tourist Visa: The Singapore Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism purposes, including for visits to family and friends or those who want to spend their vacation on the Island.

Work Visa: It is illegal to work in Singapore as a tourist; only a Singaporean passport holder may work there. Work visas are issued to foreign nationals employed by companies and brands in Singapore and are valid for 1 year or more.

Transit Visa: Anyone traveling to any part of Eastern Asia that needs to change flights in Singapore may apply for a transit visa. Holders with transit visas can make a brief exit from the airport to see the city before returning to board their flight. This Singapore transit visa is not required if you don’t intend to leave the airport.

Multiple Entry Visa: As the name implies, this visa allows the holder to visit Singapore multiple times before it expires. It is best for frequent visitors and has a longer validity.

Business Visa: The business visa is for short business trips to attend conferences, meetings, and any business-related engagement.

Student Visa: International students admitted into tertiary institutions in Singapore require a Singapore student visa.

Golden Visa: This visa is a permanent resident visa program designed to attract affluent investors into the country. It is classified under the Singapore Global Investor Program but only selected applicants that meet the financial requirements will be issued one.

Dependent Visa: Foreign expatriates can have their family members join them in Singapore on a Dependent visa. However, they must prove their familial relationship with civil documents.

Singapore Visa Requirements

Find below the documents required for this visa from visa applicants.

Application Form: A duly filled and signed application form containing valid details.

Passport: The applicant must present a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity. Owners of old passports should present the same also.

Flight itinerary: A return ticket to the country of origin after the visit.

Photograph: A colored passport-sized photograph showing the applicant’s face clearly.

Cover Letter: A letter of introduction explaining the reasons behind the trip.

Card: A credit or debit card to pay the visa processing fee.

Bank Statement: A bank statement for three months with sufficient funds to cover all expenses.

How To Apply For a Singapore e visa

Nationals form visa-free countries still have to obtain an e-visa online, which they must show to the immigration officers when they arrive in Singapore. The process is easy in just a few steps.

  • Log onto VisaHQ

  • Choose Singapore as your destination

  • Choose your country

  • Select the visa you want

  • Fill out the application form

  • Attach the necessary travel documents

  • Pay the visa fees

  • Submit for processing

If the online application process is open to citizens of your country, you don’t have to wait for 5 working days now that you know the Singapore visa processing time. Simply visit the VisaHQ website to fill out and submit the online application form.

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    This article was published by VisaHQ, a world leader in visa processing. Since 2003, VisaHQ has 20 offices in 6 countries and has helped countless tourist, business travellers, diplomats, workers, and students obtain their visa. With a 4.41 star rating on Reviews.io, VisaHQ is committed to innovation, service, security, and simplicity in the visa application process.
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