Getting a Visa in Singapore: How to Do It

Who wouldn't want to go to the tiger of Southeast Asia that is Singapore? It's a bustling metropolis and first-class cosmopolitan city that's unlike any other in this side of the world. Here, you get to see, hear, smell, and even taste the real Asia. An amalgamation of different cultures, cuisines, and influences from the biggest continent in the world. But are you even allowed to go here? In the sense that do you need a visa to be able to visit Singapore? If you do, here's all of what you need to know about applying for one!

 

Which Countries Need a Visa to Go to Singapore?

First thing's first, you have to determine if you're a citizen of a country that requires getting a visa to go to Singapore. Such countries are divided into two groups, assessment level I countries and assessment level II countries. The former includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, The People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia. Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The latter, on the other hand, includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia. and Yemen. 

 

Can You Apply for a Singapore Visa Online?

Generally speaking, you can apply for a Singapore visa online provided that the online platform you're using is legitimate. You can tell if it has strong connections to the Singaporean embassy in your country. More often than not, such sites already will just let you fill-up the application form on their platform, let you upload the needed documents, and submit the requirements on your behalf. But if you don't trust such websites at all, you can still fill up the application form online and submit the requirements to the Singaporean embassy in your country yourself. Both are legitimate ways of applying for a visa. 

 

 

What's the Process for Visa Application Like?

As already mentioned, the application process for a Singaporean visa is simple. All you have to do is to go online, preferably to your country's Singaporean embassy's website, and fill up the application process. If you choose to visit another site, make sure it's connected to your country's embassy to ensure that it's a legitimate online platform. Once you've filled up all your details, scan your required documents and upload them on the site. Or, if you choose to submit the requirements yourself, a good pro-tip is to photocopy all the documents to ensure you have copies of all for when you go and submit them to the embassy. 

 

What Documents do You Need to Apply? 

So, which documents do you need in order to apply? It varies for the type of visa you're going for. But generally, the most common are your valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, a return ticket, passport photo, and proof of accommodation if you can. For the proof of sufficient funds, these are often your bank statements or your income tax returns. While proof of accommodation isn't always required, it's better to have it as further proof that you intend to return to your home country (the end date of your booking should match your return flight date). 

 

 

How Long will Processing Your Visa Application Take?

Did you know that you can actually determine how long your visa application would be processed? During your online application, you get to choose how long the processing should take, though it comes with corresponding fees. Standard processing will only take 24 hours and will cost you $20.00 USD. A rushed processing, on the other hand, will take 4 hours and will cost you $35.00 USD. Now, if you really don't want to wait, the super rushed option will only take 30 minutes but will cost you $70.00 USD. Do note that after processing doesn't guarantee your visa will be granted. 

 

How Long will Your Singapore Visa be Valid?

When you've finally gotten your Singapore visa, how long does it stay valid? Generally, if you went for a single entry short-term visa, you'll only get to stay in the country for a maximum of 14 days. Some valid visas, on the other hand, granted to certain countries, can let you stay for a whole month. And if you want to extend your stay, you'll need to renew your visa before it expires or ask for an extension in your country's embassy in Singapore. If not, the moment your 14 days are through, you have to return to your home country. 

 

 

If your country required you to apply for a visa to go to Singapore, don't you worry! The process is actually easy, simple, and surprisingly quick. It's one of the fastest visa application processes in the world, thereby making it one of the least stressful as well. 

Once you've gotten your visa, you can then choose your accommodation here. A great option is a luxurious Singaporean apartment!