Everything You Need To Know About A Singapore Visa

singapore-visa-image British nationals holding valid ordinary British passports normally do not need a visa to enter Singapore if they are traveling for tourism, business activities, or social visits.

You can stay in Singapore for up to a maximum period of 90 days without a visa. However, the final granted stay period is determined by the immigration authorities after your arrival -- once they evaluate your purpose of stay.

In order to gain a visa exemption in Singapore, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from your date of arrival in the country. Additionally, it must contain at least 2 unused visa pages.

Next, ensure that you carry proof of sufficient funds in the form of cash or bank statements. Immigration authorities may ask you to show evidence that you can sustain your stay for the specified period.

You should also carry all the required documents that grant you entry to the next destination or home country.

Before traveling, don’t forget to check with your airlines if they allow boarding without a visa. Additionally, check if your itinerary has overseas connecting flights that may need an individual transit visa.

When should British nationals apply for a visa to Singapore?

If you possess non-regular travel documents such as British Travel Document or UK Certificate of Travel, you might have to apply for a visa prior to your travel through the High Commission for the Republic of Singapore in London. You also need to obtain a visa if you are traveling for purposes other than tourism or business -- which include:

Visa for film or media personal
Visa for official travel

The documents required for the above categories of visa are as follows:

A completed and signed visa application form
1 recent passport-sized color photograph not older than three months
An original passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank visa pages
A photocopy of the biodata pages of the passport
A photocopy of your valid UK visa or residence permit in the UK
A copy of your hotel reservations
A copy of your flight itinerary
A letter of introduction from a local contact in Singapore or a Singapore Permanent Resident, accompanied by your sponsor’s ID
Your contact details
A cover letter from your company in the UK, specifying your status in the organization and purpose of visit
Additional supporting documents as required by the relevant visa category

Once your documents are ready, submit the complete package in person at the consular section of the embassy, which remains open from 9.30 am to 12:30 pm from Monday to Friday. It is closed on UK public holidays and Singapore National Day on August 9th.

You can also make a postal application by enclosing a self-addressed, pre-paid Royal Mail "special delivery" envelope, which will also return your documents.

Once you make your application, it may take 5 to 10 working days for your visa to be approved. Visa fees are accepted only in cash or British Postal Order made payable to Singapore High Commission. Once the visa is approved, you will be emailed an e-visa in PDF format. You need to present this at the immigration counter and the actual visa will be stamped on your passport.

Working in Singapore

If you wish to enter Singapore for work, undergo training, or a short-term work assignment, you must apply for a relevant work pass. Work passes are available in multiple categories -- for professionals, workers and semi-skilled workers, students and trainees, and dependants.

Under the professional category, you can get an Employment Pass, EntrePass, or a Personalised Employment Pass. In the category for skilled and semi-skilled workers, you get an S Pass and Work Permits. Trainees and students are applicable for Training Employment Pass, Work Holiday Pass, and Training Work Permits. Family members may obtain a Dependant's Pass or a Long Term Visit Pass.

You should be aware of the required pass type before you apply for a work pass to enter Singapore. All the details for work passes can be found here. Similarly, for UK residents wishing to study in Singapore, you need a student pass, the information which can be found on this website.

Customs regulations

Singaporean authorities do not allow the import of certain controlled drugs and pirated copyright materials. You cannot enter the nation with items such as replica guns, radio communications equipment, and weapons and ammunition, including even empty cartridge cases and air guns.

Health requirements

Some over the counter medicines available in the UK are branded as controlled substances in Singapore. Hence, before entering the nation, obtain prior authorization and a permit from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority. You need to make this application at least 10 days before your planned travel dates.

The allowable quantity for unapproved medicines that do not contain a controlled substance is an amount that can last up to 3 months. However, you must present valid supporting documents like a doctor’s prescription.

Additionally, if you are traveling via the Middle East, you may be subjected to a screening test for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

UK Emergency Travel Documents

The Singaporean authorities accept UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) at points of entry, airside transit, and exit. This document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months. You don't need a visa on your ETD if you are entering or transiting through Singapore.