About
Visas
Visitors of many nationalities do not require a visa to enter Singapore, and will be given a visa (referred to as a social visit pass) for 30 days upon arrival by air or 14 days if they enter overland from Malaysia. These countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, most EU countries, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA. For a list of countries that do require either a business or social visit visa, see the column on the left. Visas for these nationalities cannot be obtained at any immigration checkpoint in Singapore, application and approval must be processed prior to arrival. If you are in any doubt, check with an embassy or a travel agent before travelling, or visit the website of the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (app.ica.gov.sg) for further details.
Because of the discrepancy between visas issued at the airport and at the causeway, visitors sometimes get caught out and inadvertently overstay which can have very unpleasant consequences in Singapore. For example, if you fly in and get a 30 day pass and two days later drive across to Malaysia for a short trip your 30 day pass becomes void the moment you cross the causeway. When you return to Singapore (via the causeway) you will only have a 14 day pass. Check the date that is stamped in your passport to be on the safe side, as one of the punishments open to the authorities for overstay of visas is caning. Visitors can apply for a longer pass, say 90 days, and applications are considered on the merits of the case.
Because of the discrepancy between visas issued at the airport and at the causeway, visitors sometimes get caught out and inadvertently overstay which can have very unpleasant consequences in Singapore. For example, if you fly in and get a 30 day pass and two days later drive across to Malaysia for a short trip your 30 day pass becomes void the moment you cross the causeway. When you return to Singapore (via the causeway) you will only have a 14 day pass. Check the date that is stamped in your passport to be on the safe side, as one of the punishments open to the authorities for overstay of visas is caning. Visitors can apply for a longer pass, say 90 days, and applications are considered on the merits of the case.
Visa Run
The social visit pass can be easily renewed by a quick trip across into Johore, Malaysia. People often combine it with a shopping trip or a seafood dinner, which is delicious and cheap. There is no guideline as to how many times you can renew: some people have managed 10 months of renewals, others a couple of times. You can also renew at the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority office; but for this you will require a local sponsor who is a citizen or permanent resident. The social visit pass is free, renewable subject to approval and must be done before it expires. Again, authorities are strict about overstaying and, depending on the charge, an offender may be fined, or jailed or even caned. So cover your ass and don’t overstay your welcome!
