Immigration

Visitors entering Singapore must have passports valid for six months from the time of their arrival. Visas are not required for stays of up to 14 days for Commonwealth citizens, British passport holders, and citizens of the Republic of Ireland. For inquiries about visa requirements, call:

If you lose your passport, the first thing to do is to make a police report, then head to the Singapore Immigration office to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your embassy so you can be issued a new passport.

Entry Requirements

The granting of social visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:

• A passport with at least 6 months validity;
• Valid Singapore visa, if applicable;
• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore;
• Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable); and
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.

The period of your stay granted is shown on the social visit pass endorsement given on your passport. Visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.

All visitors on social visit passes are not permitted to engage in any form of business, profession, occupation or paid employment while in Singapore. Depending on the country your are coming will determine the total days you will be granted so be sure to check your pass so you know the date you need to depart.

Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Singapore beyond the number of days given. If you need to stay beyond the period granted, visitors may apply for an extension of stay online via e-XTEND or at the Visitors Services Centre, 4th storey, ICA Building, before the social visit pass expires. Application for extension of stay is subjected to approval.

Baggage Clearance

Visitors are required to present their baggage for checks at the Red and Green Channels operational at all entry checkpoints.

Proceed to the Red Channel if you carry:

• Prohibited item;
• Controlled or restricted items;
• Taxable or dutiable items exceeding your GST Relief or Duty-Free concession; or
• Items for which no GST Relief or duty -free concession is granted.

At the Red Channel, declare orally to the ICA officers that you have with you any of the above-stated item(s), show the item(s) to the officer and produce the import permit, if any.

Proceed to the Green Channel if you do not carry any of the above-stated 4 types of items. At the Green Channel, ICA officers may still conduct selective checks on visitors' baggage.

Red and Green Channels

To expedite clearance of arriving travelers, the Red and Green Channel system is operated at all entry checkpoints.

If you are arriving by car, you will see the Red and Green Channel directional signs located along the route after Immigration clearance.

Air, sea, bus/coach or rail passengers will see the Red and Green Channel signs above the Examination Counters in the Arrival Hall at the respective checkpoint. Examination Counters are manned by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers.

When to use the Red Channel



Proceed to the Red Channel if you carry:

1. Prohibited items

2. Controlled or restricted items

3. Taxable or dutiable items exceeding your GST Relief or duty-free concession

4.  Items for which no GST Relief or duty-free concession is granted

Prohibited Goods

The following items are NOT allowed to be imported into Singapore:

1. Chewing gum (except dental or nicotine gum)

2. Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products

3. Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape

4. Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances

5.  Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products

6. Firecrackers

7. Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software

8. Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes

9. Seditious and treasonable materials

10. It is an offence if you attempt to bring any of the items listed above into Singapore

 At the Red Channel, please:

Declare verbally to the ICA officers any of the above items that you are carrying

Produce the prohibited or controlled items together with the import permit, if any

When to use the Green Channel



Proceed to the Green Channel if you do not carry any of the items stated above. However, the officers may still conduct selective checks at the Green Channel. If in doubt, always seek clearance at the Red Channel.

Duty-Free Concessions

If you are above 18 years of age, traveled from countries other than Malaysia and have spent 48 hours or more outside Singapore immediately before your arrival, you are granted the following duty-free concessions for liquors:

1. 1 liter spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka etc);
2. 1 liter wine; and
3. 1 liter beer or stout or ale or porter.

There is no duty-free concession for Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars. Such dutiable goods should be declared.

Airline Crew

Duty-free Concession

If you are a crew member, you will be given Duty-free and GST Relief allowances on:

1. pirits not exceeding one quarter liter; and

2. Table wines OR beer not exceeding one liter.

provided that:

1. he liquors are for your personal consumption;

2. the liquors must not be of a category the import of which is absolutely prohibited by law;

3.  you have spent not less than 48 hours outside Singapore immediately before your arrival; and

4. you are arriving from countries other than Malaysia.

And that if you import a greater quantity than the eligibility, you shall pay duty and GST on the excess.


No Duty-free Concession on Tobacco Products
There is no duty-free concession on tobacco products in Singapore.

GST Relief

Please note that there is no GST Relief on new items brought in by crew members.

GST Refund

You are not eligible to claim for GST refund if you are a crew member of the aircraft on which you are departing.

Ship Crew

Crew members arriving by sea and who wish to land in Singapore must disembark at the Singapore Cruise Centre for ICA clearance if they have luggage and/or parcels in their possession.

A crew member is granted Duty-free and GST Relief allowances on:

• Spirits not exceeding one quarter liter; and

• Table wines OR beer not exceeding one liter.

provided that:

• the liquors are for his personal consumption;

• the liquors must not be of a category the import of which is absolutely prohibited by law;

• he has spent not less than 48 hours outside Singapore immediately before your arrival; and

• the is arriving from countries other than Malaysia.

and that if he imports a greater quantity than the eligibility, he shall pay duty and GST on the excess.

There is no duty-free concession on tobacco products in Singapore.

Please note that there is no GST Relief on new items brought in by crew members.

Commercial Goods

A Customs permit is required for the import of trade goods into Singapore. Trade goods should be manifested in the vessel's manifest.

Duty and or GST have to be paid for goods imported into Singapore. The goods and permit shall be produced at the Checkpoint for ICA clearance.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Entry and Exit:

Can I apply for a visa upon arrival at the checkpoint?
No, application for a Singapore visa must be submitted and be approved prior to arrival in Singapore.

I have an onward connecting flight from Changi Airport. Do I need to go through immigration clearance on arrival?
Visitors who have arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2) or Terminal 3 (T3) and have confirmed air tickets for connecting flights out of T1, T2 or T3 can remain in the transit area shared by the three terminals without seeking immigration clearance, unless directed to do so by the authorities in Changi Airport.

However, if you need to enter into Singapore, you will have to seek immigration clearance and satisfy the prevailing entry requirements, which include possessing an entry visa where applicable. This also apply to visitors taking connecting flights between Budget Terminal (BT) and T1/T2/T3 as BT does not share a common transit area with the other terminals.

Singapore Citizens:

Can National Service registrants or National Service liable male citizens renew their expired Singapore International Passports at the checkpoints?
No, NS registrants or NS liable males should renew their passports before leaving the country.

Singapore Permanent Residents:

I am a Singapore permanent resident, I have applied for a new passport, but my re-entry permit is still endorsed on my expired/cancelled passport. Will I be allowed in as a permanent resident?
As long as the re-entry permit is still valid, you will be cleared as a Singapore permanent resident. You should then bring both your old and new passports to the Permanent Resident Services Centre, 5th Storey, ICA Building, to transfer the re-entry permit endorsement from the old passport to the new one. Otherwise, you will be inconvenienced every time you travel in and out of Singapore.

I am a Singapore permanent resident. My re-entry permit has expired. Can I still enter Singapore as a permanent resident?
You will be treated as a normal social visitor if your re-entry permit has expired. You will be granted a social visit pass if you meet the entry requirements.

Land Checkpoints:

Why must a motorcyclist remove his helmet before the ICA officer as this will slow down clearance?
Removing the helmet helps to facilitate a proper face-to-face check by the ICA officer. To speed up the clearance process, motorcyclists are advised to remove their helmets when they are next in line. This will cut down the time spent on clearance.

Can I enter Tuas Checkpoint by foot?
No, Tuas Checkpoint is designated as a vehicular checkpoint, hence entry by foot is not allowed.

Can I walk out of Tuas Checkpoint to the bus stop nearby to catch the public transport?
No, Tuas Checkpoint is gazetted as a Protected Area under the Protected Areas & Protected Places Act. Travelers arriving at the checkpoint by a specific mode of transport are expected to leave with that mode of transport after clearance.

Seamen:

If I am a sign-off seaman, can I proceed to Singapore Cruise Centre for clearance?
Only sign-off crew from Outside Port Limit may proceed to Singapore Cruise Centre for clearance. Sign-off crew from anchorages should proceed to Clifford Pier or West Coast Pier for clearance.

Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road
(Next to Lavender MRT station)
Singapore 208718

Controlled and restricted Items

Entry for any of the items listed in the table below will only be allowed on production of import permit or other authorization from the relevant authority.

Travelers with medicine that may only be obtained through prescription under Singapore law—especially sleeping pills, depressants and stimulants—must possess a prescription from a physician confirming that the medicine is used solely for the traveler's physical well-being.

The list of dutiable, non-dutiable, controlled and restricted goods is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. For clarification or further information, contact:

The Customs Duty Officer
Duty Office Terminal 1
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 542-7058 or 545-9122

If you lose your passport, the first thing to do is to make a police report, then head to the Singapore Immigration office to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your embassy so you can be issued a new passport.

Air Port

Singapore is a major air hub in the Asia-Pacific region. It is linked to 151 cities in 51 countries by 65 airlines operating more than 3,100 scheduled flights each week. Singapore's skies are among the most open in the world: Singapore has air service agreements with 90 countries around the world and open skies agreements with the United States, Brunei Darussalam, and New Zealand.

Changi Airport - about 20 km. from the Central Business District--remains a favorite among air travelers. It was voted Best Airport in the World for the 11^th consecutive year since; World's Favorite Airport for the 6^th year running; Best International Airport for the 8^th consecutive time; and Best Airport (Asia Pacific) for the 10^th year running.

The airport is linked by two expressways the East Coast Parkway and Pan Island Expressway to other parts of Singapore, providing easy access by taxi, public bus, or car. The MRT has been extended to the Terminal 2 for those on a limited budget making travel even easier for visitors. Travel time to the city is about 25 minutes by car, taxi or MRT, 45 minutes by bus.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), a statutory board of the Ministry of Communications, is committed to continually improve Changi Airport's facilities and services to ensure that moving around the airport is fast, efficient, convenient, and comfortable. It constantly reviews its development master plan for the airport to enable capacity to keep ahead of demand. While Changi was able to handle 23.8 million passengers last year 5.4 percent lower than 1997, development projects are still being carried out in anticipation of future air traffic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

At Terminal 1 operates with seven aerobridge gates. Construction of a similar extension to another finger building in Terminal 1 is also on schedule. Its completion would improve Changi Airport's capacity to handle more traffic and bigger aircraft. Meanwhile, there are plans on the drawing-board for a third terminal to be built at a cost of S$1.5 billion.

After touchdown at Changi, aerobridges will take you directly from your plane to either Terminal 1 (T1) or Terminal 2 (T2). In the rare instance that your plane parks at a remote bay, a bus will ferry you to the terminal entrance. You'll first need to proceed to the Immigration & Health checkpoint, which is clearly signposted.

Changi aims to have passengers off their planes and out into the arrival hall as quickly as possible. If you are being met, that person/s will know from outside monitor screens confirming landings the right door to await you. All-glass partition walls also help such identification. As a fallback, there is an eye-catching Meeting Point at the center of the arrival hall.

In 2004 budget airline have lowered the price of traveling out of Singapore to regional location. A new terminal handles these flights for the budget carriers with plans to expand the service in the airport to handle these new flyiers.

Terminal tax

All departing passengers need to pay a S$15 Passenger Service Charge (PSC). From 01 March 1997, the PSC has been incorporated into air tickets.

Airport travel

From the Airport

Following are your transport options:

Limousine Service

Limousines are available to take you to your hotel upon arrival or take you back to the airport when it's time for you to leave the country. A flat fee of S$35 is charged for one-way travel to or from the airport. There are no surcharges.

Airport Shuttle

The MaxiCab airport shuttle offers a scheduled service with flexible routing to almost all hotels within the city (excluding hotels on Sentosa and Le Meridien Changi). Alighting points are flexible and any destination within the Central Business District is served, including MRT stations. The 6-seater MaxiCab can take in luggage and a wheelchair.

Operating hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 30-minute intervals during off-peak hours (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and at 15-minute intervals during peak hours (6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
Fares: S$7 for adults; S$5 for children
Booking: Get your ticket at airport shuttle counters; payment is made to the MaxiCab driver.
Tel: +65 553-3880

Taxi

Over 15,000 air-conditioned cabs provide comfortable, hassle-free travel. They are available 24 hours a day and can be flagged down on most roads. Well-marked taxi stands are located outside most major shopping centers and hotels.

Taxis are carefully regulated in Singapore, so you can expect to pay the metered price. Standard rates: S$2.40 for first 1 km. or part thereof (flagdown fare); S$0.10 for every 240 meters thereafter (up to 10 km.); S$0.10 for every 225m thereafter (from 10 km. onwards); S$0.10 for every 30 seconds of waiting time. Taxi drivers in Singapore provide receipts upon request.

Bus

You can purchase a TransitLink farecard from all TransitLink ticket sales offices, located at all MRT stations for use on buses and the MRT. These tickets cost S$15 and can be revalued. SBS bus No. 36 runs between Orchard Road and Changi Airport.

Public bus stations are located on Basement 2 of Terminal 1, and on the Basement level of Terminal 2. Details of bus routes and bus fares are displayed at the station. Singapore Bus Service (SBS) route numbers 16 and 16E are the fastest services into town, while SBS routes 24 and 34 make the nearest connection with a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station (Tanah Merah). Most buses are air-conditioned, for which you add a little extra to the fare.

Air-conditioned, 37-seater Airbus coaches operate daily from 6:20 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., leaving approximately every 20 minutes. Their drop-off and pick-up points are at or near most major hotels in town. They charge a flat fare of S$5 for adults and S$3 for children under 12 years old. You can pay the exact fare on board or get tickets in advance from Airbus counters located at the Arrival Hall.

MRT Line

Located in Terminal 1 it the East-West line will connect you with 2 Interchange stations where you can connect to the North-South line which will take you to the Orchard Road area where many of the main hotels are located. Cost will be S$15.00 for the MRT card and S$1.80 travel fare.

Private Car

A pick-up point at the Arrival level is where greeters with private cars can pick up arriving passengers. Strictly no waiting is allowed.

Lost your Singapore Passport with in the USA

Consular Matters – Loss of Singapore International Passport

If you have lost your passport while traveling in USA, you should first report the loss to the local Police Department as soon as possible.

You should then contact us and provide the following information to the Consular Officer:-

1. Your Name, NRIC No., local contact number and address;
2. Your intended departure date from USA and the city which you will be departing from;
3. Next-of-kin or Employer in Singapore who can verify your identity. Please provide the address and contact number of your next-of-kin or employer in Singapore;
4. Please provide any documents which can prove your identity such as photocopy of your lost passport, driving license, photo credit card, NRIC, etc.

Once your identity has been verified, the Consular Officer will issue you with a Document of Identity (DOI), in lieu of passport, to facilitate your return to Singapore only. However, you must, at the time of collecting your DOI, provide two copies of passport size photographs and US$9.00 (cash or money order) for the DOI. For DOI to be collected in San Francisco, please pay in cash, or issue Cheque / Money Order / Cashier’s Cheque to the "Singapore Consulate General". For collection in New York or Washington DC, please issue a cheque in favor of the "Singapore Consulate" or "Singapore Embassy" respectively.

Usually, the Consular Officer will require 2 to 3 days, especially during weekends/public holidays or after Singapore office hours, to verify your identity. Hence, you may wish to re-schedule your departure date out of USA, if necessary. For your information, you may arrange to collect your DOI from one of the following Missions in USA.

Singapore Embassy in Washington DC
3501 International Place, NW, Washington DC 20008
Tel: (202) 537-3100
Fax: (202) 537-7086

Singapore Consulate General in San Francisco
595 Market Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: (415) 543-0474
Fax: (415) 543-4788

Singapore Consulate in New York
231 East 51^st Street, New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 223-3331
Fax: (212) 826-5028