Country hub
Singapore visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Singapore depends on your nationality — only nationals of certain listed countries need an entry visa, and many nationalities are visa-free. Singapore’s immigration is run by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It is important to understand that the entry visa is only pre-entry permission to travel and seek entry; the immigration pass granted by an officer at the checkpoint is what actually sets your period of stay. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
- Official informationFrom government sources
- Clear guidanceStep-by-step explanations
- Regularly reviewedKept up to date
Important information
A Singapore entry visa (where required) is only pre-entry permission — it is not a guarantee of entry, and it is separate from the immigration pass granted at the checkpoint that sets your period of stay. A Short-Term Visit Pass does not permit work. Always confirm what you need with the official ICA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance before you travel or apply.
Find the right Singapore visa for you
Choose the category that matches your plans. Each route explains who it is for, what it covers and how to apply.
Visit
Singapore Short-Term Visit PassTourism, seeing family or friends, and short business trips.View visitor visasWork
Singapore Work PassesEmployment, skilled work and business routes.View work visasStudy
Singapore Student’s PassCourses, degrees and student exchanges.View study visasSettle
Singapore Long-Term Visit PassLonger-term residence and settlement routes.View settlement visasOther routes
Singapore Entry VisaTransit and other visa routes.View other visasSingapore visa overview
How to apply – in 3 simple steps
- Check eligibilityUse the quick checker to confirm which visa you need for your trip.
- Prepare documentsGather your passport, photos and supporting paperwork using our guides.
- Submit & trackSubmit your application and track its progress.
Apply for a Singapore visa
Start an application online and follow the guided steps.
Explore Singapore visa types
Every Singapore route we cover, with a short summary of who it is for.
Singapore Short-Term Visit Pass
The immigration pass granted digitally at the checkpoint for short visits such as tourism or seeing family. The period of stay is set by the officer at entry and no work is permitted.
Singapore Work Passes
The passes that authorise foreign nationals to work in Singapore. A work pass is separate from an entry visa and from a visit pass, which do not permit work.
Singapore Student’s Pass
The immigration pass for people accepted to study full-time at an approved institution in Singapore, administered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
Singapore Long-Term Visit Pass
An immigration pass for eligible people to stay in Singapore for a longer period, issued, managed and renewed by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
Singapore Entry Visa
Pre-entry permission to travel to and seek entry into Singapore, required only for nationals of listed countries. It is not the same as the immigration pass granted at the checkpoint.
Popular Singapore guides
People also asked
Do I need a visa to enter Singapore?
Only nationals of certain listed countries need a Singapore entry visa — many nationalities are visa-free. Use the official ICA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance to check whether an entry visa applies to you.
Is the entry visa the same as my visit pass?
No. An entry visa is pre-entry permission to travel to and seek entry at a Singapore checkpoint. The immigration pass — usually a Short-Term Visit Pass — is granted by an officer at the checkpoint and is what sets your period of stay. The two are separate.
Can I work on a Short-Term Visit Pass?
No. A Short-Term Visit Pass is for social and tourist visits and does not permit business, professional or paid work. Working in Singapore requires the appropriate work pass.