Lois Larson
Singapore is a great place for a layover, with plenty to do both inside and outside the airport. Changi International Airport is a destination in itself, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, a botanical garden-like space with nature trails, a butterfly garden, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall. If you're considering leaving the airport during your layover, it's important to keep in mind the time required for deplaning, customs, and security. It is generally recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours during your layover if you plan to leave the airport, as it takes around 30 minutes each way to travel between the airport and downtown Singapore. As of February 13, 2023, it is no longer required to present any COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR tests to do a Singapore layover. However, if you are exiting the airport during the layover, you will have to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR tests | Not required for a Singapore layover as of February 13, 2023 |
| SG Arrival Card (SGAC) | Required if exiting the airport during the layover, unless you have a Singaporean residency card |
| Transit travellers | Travellers are not required to be vaccinated or take a pre-departure COVID-19 test to transit in Singapore |
| Visa requirements | May need a visa depending on nationality and length of layover |
| Minimum layover time | Recommended minimum of 6 hours between flights to leave the airport during layover |
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What You'll Learn
- You will need to apply for an SG Arrival Card with an electronic health declaration if leaving the airport
- Travellers are advised to check with the destination's entry requirements
- Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit
- Changi Airport houses a unique Butterfly Garden with over 1,000 butterflies
- It is recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport
You will need to apply for an SG Arrival Card with an electronic health declaration if leaving the airport
If you're planning to leave Singapore Changi Airport during your layover, you will need to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration. This is a requirement for all nationalities exiting the airport during a layover, regardless of whether they are a Singaporean resident. The SG Arrival Card is not a visa, but it is necessary for disease control and to protect the health of Singapore residents. Those who make false declarations may be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.
To apply for the SGAC, you can use the SGAC e-Service website or download the MyICA Mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. You will need to provide a valid passport, contact information, flight information, and details of your accommodation in Singapore. If you are only in transit, you can leave the accommodation section blank. It is recommended that you submit your SGAC before arriving in Singapore, and you must present your travel documents to the ICA officer at the immigration counter.
The SG Arrival Card is free of charge and can be submitted within three days of your arrival in Singapore, including the day of arrival. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays during immigration clearance. For example, if you are arriving in Singapore on June 30, 2023, you can submit your declaration from June 28, 2023, onwards.
It is important to note that if you exit the airport during your layover, you will no longer be considered a transit passenger but a regular traveller. This means that you will need to fulfil all public health and entry requirements, such as vaccination or testing, as advised by the destination country.
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Travellers are advised to check with the destination's entry requirements
As of February 13, 2023, COVID-19 vaccination cards and PCR tests are no longer required for a Singapore layover. However, if you plan to exit the airport during your layover, you will need to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration. This is a straightforward process and can be done via the SGAC e-Service website or by downloading the MyICA Mobile app. You will need a valid passport, contact information, flight information, and details of your accommodation in Singapore. If you are only in Singapore for a layover, you can leave the accommodation section blank.
It is important to note that if you exit the airport during your layover, you will be considered a regular traveller, not a transit passenger. This means you will need to fulfil all the public health and entry requirements necessary for a smooth journey into Singapore. These requirements vary depending on your destination and nationality, so it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for your destination before your trip.
For example, if you are a US citizen flying to Australia, you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry. On the other hand, if you are travelling to Brazil, you will need an Electronic Visa (eVisa) for stays of up to 90 days. Similarly, most travellers to Canada need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
To ensure a seamless travel experience, it is recommended to make two copies of all your travel documents and keep them safe. Leave one copy with a trusted contact and carry the other with you during your trip. Additionally, always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport when booking and filling out any travel documents. By following these guidelines and staying informed about your destination's entry requirements, you can confidently embark on your journey and make the most of your Singapore layover.
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Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit
As of February 13, 2023, COVID-19 vaccination cards and PCR tests are no longer required for a layover in Singapore. However, if you plan to exit the airport during your layover, you will need to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration, regardless of your nationality. This does not apply if you have a Singaporean residency card.
In terms of the 96-hour Visa Free Transit, this is available to eligible transit travellers from specific countries. Nationals of the following countries may qualify for the 96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) or Visa Free Transit (VFT):
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Georgia
- India
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- People's Republic of China (PRC) — holders of PRC Travel Documents, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Document of Identity (DOI), and Macau SAR Travel Permit are eligible, but holders of ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, and service PRC passports are excluded
Nationals of the above countries must meet the following additional criteria to qualify for the 96-hour VFTF or VFT:
- Hold a valid visa or long-term pass (with a validity of at least one month from the date of entry into Singapore under the VFTF) issued by and/or good for entry into the following countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America
- Hold a valid onward air/ferry/cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours
- Travel directly from the country that issued the SJV, en route through Singapore, back to your home country
- Not have returned to your home country since you last used the SJV
It is important to note that assessment for entry is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry, and extension of stay for transit travellers under the VFTF is strictly prohibited.
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Changi Airport houses a unique Butterfly Garden with over 1,000 butterflies
As of February 13, 2023, it is no longer required to present any COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR tests to do a Singapore layover. If you are exiting the airport during your layover, you will have to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration. This applies regardless of your nationality, and you can obtain one for free via the SGAC e-Service website or by downloading the MyICA Mobile app. If you are only in Singapore for a layover, you can leave the accommodation section of the application blank.
The Butterfly Garden is accessible from other terminals via the Skytrain or a free shuttle service. If you are travelling from Terminal 4, you will need to catch a bus to Terminal 2 first and then transfer to the Skytrain. Keep in mind that you should have at least an hour and a half before your flight boards to travel over to Terminal 3.
Changi Airport offers a range of other amenities and activities for transit passengers, including the fastest airport wifi in the world, free 24-hour cinemas in Terminals 2 and 3, and exclusive shopping and dining outlets.
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It is recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport
If you're considering leaving Singapore Changi Airport during your layover, it's important to keep in mind the time required for deplaning, customs, security, and travelling to and from the airport. Deplaning typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, and it takes around 30 minutes each way to travel between the airport and downtown Singapore. You'll also need to allow time to pass through immigration and customs, and to fulfil Singapore's regular immigration requirements. All passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate for their onward flight, and this process can vary in duration depending on the efficiency of the airport staff and the number of passengers in line.
Considering these time constraints, it is generally recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you plan to leave the airport during your layover in Singapore. This will leave you about two hours to explore. If you have a shorter layover, there are still plenty of things to do inside the airport, including visiting the world's first airport butterfly garden, watching a movie at the free 24-hour cinema, or exploring the airport's $1.3 billion addition, Jewel Changi, which houses a movie theatre, rooftop Sunflower Garden, Mirror Maze, tube slide, indoor nature trails, orchid gardens, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
If you do decide to exit the airport during your layover, you will no longer be considered a transit passenger but a regular traveller. You will need to go through immigration and may need a visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your layover. To enter Singapore, you may need to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination, so be sure to check the latest requirements before you travel. You will also need to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration, which you can do online or by downloading the MyICA Mobile app.
If you have a longer layover, consider a Changi Stopovers package, which includes a one-night hotel stay, a complimentary SIM card, and a free one-way airport transfer.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of February 13, 2023, it is no longer required to present any COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR tests to do a Singapore layover.
Deplaning typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes. It is recommended to have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport during your layover.
If you want to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to go through immigration and may need a visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your layover. You will also need to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration.
