Reviewed by: Professional Visa Consultants team of BTW Visas (Singapore Visa Experts)
Yes, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a Singapore visa before traveling to Singapore. However, holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports are exempt from this requirement. Indian travelers can also benefit from the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) under specific conditions when transiting through Singapore to a third country.
Key Facts at a Glance:
Note: The visa requirement changes depending on the country embassy, applicant location, profession, special cases and specific requirements. So it is recommended to consult with a Visa expert to avoid visa rejection or delay.
Singapore remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian travelers, with approximately 1.25 million Indian visitors expected in 2026, making India one of the top three source markets for Singapore tourism. According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Indian arrivals have shown consistent growth, jumping from 1.11 million in 2019 to a projected record high in 2026.
Visa Required:
Visa Exempt:
The visa requirements are governed by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which is the sole authority responsible for visa matters. As per the latest regulations updated in November 2025, all visa applications from Indian nationals must be submitted through authorized channels, and each application is assessed on its individual merits.
Critical Understanding: A Singapore visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission that allows you to travel to Singapore and seek entry. The actual grant of an immigration pass and the duration of stay are determined by ICA officers at the point of entry, regardless of your visa validity period.

Singapore offers several visa categories based on the purpose of your visit. Understanding which visa type suits your needs is crucial for a successful application.
Purpose: Leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting attractions
Key Features:
Ideal For:
Purpose: Visiting friends or relatives residing in Singapore
Key Features:
Requirements:
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade exhibitions
Key Features:
Required Additional Documents:
Purpose: Working in Singapore for an extended period
Key Features:
Eligibility Criteria:
Purpose: Pursuing education at Singapore institutions
Key Features:
Required Documents:
Purpose: Family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders
Key Features:
Proper documentation is the cornerstone of a successful visa application. According to recent data, approximately 12% of Indian visa applications are rejected, with incomplete or incorrect documentation being the primary reason.
Format Requirements:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget accurately for your Singapore visa application.
Fee Component | Amount (INR) | Amount (SGD) | Description |
Visa Processing Fee | ₹1,900 | - | Non-refundable government fee |
Agent Service Charge | ₹1,000 | - | Authorized agent's service fee |
Total Cost | ₹2,900 | - | Total payable amount |
Fee Component | Amount (SGD) | Description |
Visa Processing Fee | SGD 30 | Paid online by sponsor |
Through Authorized Agents:
Through Local Contact:
Non-Refundable Policy:
Additional Costs to Consider:
Visa Type | Processing Fee | Service Charge | Total Cost |
Tourist Visa | ₹1,900 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,900 |
Business Visa | ₹1,900 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,900 |
Social Visit | ₹1,900 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,900 |
Note: Employment Pass, Student Pass, and Dependent Pass have different fee structures and are processed directly through respective sponsors.
Understanding processing timelines and approval statistics helps you plan your application better.
Official Timeline:
Calculation Example:
May Take Longer If:
Singapore Public Holidays 2025:
Current Approval Statistics (2024-2025):
Rejection Reasons Breakdown:
Indian Visitors to Singapore:
What This Means for Applicants:
Important Note: Singapore does not offer official "expedited" or "urgent" visa processing for tourist visas. Be wary of agents claiming to offer rush processing for extra fees.
What You Can Do:
Through Authorized Agent:
Through Local Contact:
The Visa-Free Transit Facility is an excellent option for Indian travelers transiting through Singapore to a third country. This facility allows you to explore Singapore for up to 96 hours without a visa.
To qualify for the 96-hour VFTF, you must meet ALL of the following conditions:
You must hold a valid visa or long-term residence permit (with at least 1 month validity from date of entry into Singapore) issued by one of these countries:
Step 1: Arrival in Singapore
Step 2: Immigration Assessment
Step 3: Enjoy Singapore
Step 4: Departure
Critical Limitations:
Overstaying Consequences:
Aspect | VFTF | Regular Visa |
Cost | Free | ₹2,900 |
Duration | 96 hours (4 days) | Up to 30 days |
Eligibility | Requires valid visa from eligible country | All Indian passport holders |
Flexibility | Must transit to third country | Can visit Singapore directly |
Extension | Not possible | May be possible |
Application | No advance application | Apply 2-4 weeks before |
When to Use VFTF:
When to Get Regular Visa:
Example 1: Eligible
Example 2: Not Eligible
Example 3: Eligible
Example 4: Not Eligible
Understanding why visa applications get rejected helps you avoid common pitfalls and increase your approval chances.
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Recommended Financial Profile:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Common Issues:
How to Avoid:
Immigration officers pay special attention to:
Immediate Steps:
Important Notes:
Based on insights from immigration experts and successful applicants, here are proven strategies to maximize your approval chances.
Don't:
Do:
Obtaining a Singapore visa for Indians in 2026 is a straightforward process when you understand the requirements and follow the proper procedures. With India being one of the top three source markets for Singapore tourism and over 1.25 million Indian visitors expected in 2026, the bilateral relationship continues to strengthen.
Singapore offers Indian travelers a unique blend of cultures, world-class attractions, excellent infrastructure, and warm hospitality. With proper preparation and the right documentation, your Singapore visa application can be a smooth and successful experience.
Sources: This comprehensive guide is based on official information from:
Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official Singapore government sources before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Content Accuracy: This comprehensive guide has been compiled based on extensive research of official Singapore Government sources (including the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), verified information from authorized visa application centres, and aggregated real experiences of Indian travelers who have successfully obtained Singapore visas in 2026.
Expert Contributors: BTW Visas experts team with 15+ years of industry experience, with a 99% visa success rate, and have processed more than 4 lakh+ Visas.
Depending on the circumstances, an Indian citizen may be eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) or may need to apply for a transit visa.
Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Apply for an extension at least 7 days before your pass expires.
As a Singapore citizen/PR, you can sponsor their application through the ICA website, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, Indians generally need a visa to visit Singapore for tourism, business, education, or work purposes.
Indian citizens can obtain a Singapore tourist visa by applying through the official website, submitting necessary documents, and following the application process.
Most Indian travellers transiting through Singapore do not require a separate transit visa if staying within the airport's transit area.
To get a Singapore work visa, secure a job offer from a Singaporean employer, and have the employer apply for the Employment Pass on your behalf.
No, Singapore is not visa-free for Indians. Indian citizens need a visa for various purposes like tourism, business, education, or work.
No, Singapore does not generally offer a visa on arrival. Visitors must obtain a visa before arriving.
Apply for a Singapore work visa by securing a job offer, and then have the employer apply for the Employment Pass.
Check your Singapore visa status through the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or consult with authorized visa agents.
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for Singapore, and the type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit.
Apply for a Singapore visa online by visiting the official website or using authorized visa agents, completing the online application, and submitting required documents.
Indian citizens can obtain a Singapore work visa by securing a job offer and having the employer apply for the Employment Pass.
IELTS is not mandatory for a Singapore work visa, but language proficiency may be assessed during the application process.
The cost of a Singapore visa from India varies based on the type of visa, ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 10,000 or more.
The cost of a Singapore visa from India varies based on the type of visa, ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 10,000 or more.
Apply for a tourist visa to Singapore from India by visiting the official website, completing the application, and submitting required documents.
Indian travellers usually don't need a separate transit visa for Singapore if staying within the airport's transit area.
Once approved, the e-visa for Singapore is typically sent electronically, and you can download it from the official website.
The type of visa determines whether it is single or multiple entry. Check the specifics for the visa you apply for.
Yes, you can apply for a Singapore visa online through the official website or authorized visa agents.
No, there is no visa on arrival facility for Indian citizens holding ordinary passports. You must obtain a visa before traveling to Singapore. Only diplomatic, official, and service passport holders are exempt.
The standard processing time is 3-5 working days, excluding the day of submission, weekends, and public holidays. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is required.
The visa validity is at the discretion of Singapore authorities, typically ranging from 30 days to 2 years. However, the most common validity for first-time applicants is 30 days single entry.
Visa extensions are generally not granted for tourist visas. You must leave Singapore before your visa expires. The duration of stay is determined by the immigration officer at entry, not by your visa validity.
Visa Applications Made Simple
Fast, Reliable, and Expert-Reviewed.
Our expert visa consultants are ready to help you succeed!