Visa vs SGAC
Singapore visa requirements
A visa and the Singapore Arrival Card are two different things. Many short-term visitors are visa-exempt. Here's how to tell which applies to you.
Last updated: 2026-04-26
Visa-free entry
Most Western nations
30 to 90 days typical
SGAC required
Almost everyone
Visa-free or not
Visa fee
Varies by nationality
Set by Singapore ICA
This page is about the Singapore visa, not the SGAC. The SGAC is a separate arrival declaration that's mandatory for everyone, even visa-exempt travellers. See SGAC vs visa if you're unsure which you need.
The basic rule
Singapore divides visitors into three groups:
- Visa-exempt travellers can enter for tourism or short business with no visa, just a valid passport
- Visa-required travellers must apply for a visa before they travel
- Long-term visitors (work, study, family reunification) need a separate pass, regardless of nationality
For groups 1 and 2, the SGAC is still required. The visa rule is independent of the SGAC rule.
Who's visa-exempt for Singapore
Citizens of these countries can typically enter Singapore for 30 to 90 days without a visa for tourism or short business:
Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam
Europe: All EU member states, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
Americas: USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and most other South American and Caribbean countries
Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Israel
Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, and several others
This isn't an exhaustive list, and rules change. Check Singapore's official ICA visa page or ask the nearest Singapore embassy for current information.
Who needs a Singapore visa
These nationalities typically need a visa for entry into Singapore:
- China (mainland), India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan
- Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
- Most African nations not on the visa-exempt list
- Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen
- Cuba, North Korea
Again, this list isn't complete. The official source is Singapore's ICA. Some travellers from these countries may qualify for the e-visa scheme, which is faster than a traditional embassy visa.
How to apply for a Singapore visa
Two routes:
- Through the Singapore embassy in your country. Standard route, usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.
- Through an authorized e-visa agent. Faster, often a few business days.
We don't process visa applications. Two of our partner sites do:
- Singapore Visa Online for standard tourist and business visa applications
- Singapore eVisa for expedited e-visa processing
Both are independent companies. Mention is for your convenience, not a paid endorsement.
What we handle (and don't)
SGAC Online handles the arrival card only. We file your SGAC with ICA inside the 72-hour pre-arrival window for USD 30 per traveller, with group discounts for 2 or more.
We don't process visas. If you need both a visa and an SGAC (the common case for visa-required nationalities), apply for the visa first through the embassy or one of our partner sites, then file your SGAC closer to your arrival.
Visa categories you might encounter
For reference if you're researching:
- Tourist visa (single or multiple entry, 30 to 90 days)
- Business visa (similar duration, for meetings, conferences, short work trips)
- Transit visa (some nationalities qualify for visa-free transit even when full entry would require a visa)
- Student's Pass, Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant's Pass (long-term, separate process)
For long-term passes, the application is usually started by your Singapore employer or educational institution, not by you directly.