Ruth Haines
Changi Airport in Singapore is a major hub for travellers, processing over 68 million people a year. It has four terminals, with Terminals 1, 2 and 3 physically linked, and Terminal 4 connected by a shuttle bus service. A minimum transit time of two hours is recommended to ensure a smooth transfer between flights. Transit travellers are not required to be vaccinated or take a pre-departure Covid-19 test, but they should check the entry requirements of their destination country. Those who need to enter Singapore to collect tickets or check-in again for a connecting flight must meet all necessary public health and entry criteria. Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing a short stay in Singapore without clearing immigration. Changi Airport offers various facilities for transiting passengers, including seating areas, stores, snooze lounges, and the Jewel, a mall and entertainment complex. Some airlines also offer city tours for transit passengers with longer layovers.
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements
If you are transiting at Changi Airport, you do not need to clear arrival immigration or check in again for your connecting flight, so you do not need a visa to enter Singapore. However, if you intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore during your layover, or if you have booked flights that require you to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for your connecting flight, you will need to meet all public health and entry requirements to enter Singapore. This includes having a valid visa, depending on your passport.
Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China, holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa-Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Entry eligibility will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
If you are transiting in Singapore on your way to New Zealand, you can check in at Transfer Desk B in Terminal 3 without having to clear immigration and customs. However, if you arrived in Singapore on a low-cost carrier or third-party airline, you will need to clear immigration.
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Check-in and transfer processes
Changi Airport in Singapore is open to all transit travellers with no specific regulations or requirements. However, travellers are advised to check the destination's entry requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
Passengers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore during their layover or have booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight will need to fulfil all public health and entry requirements. Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and China, holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour visa-free transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Entry eligibility will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the entry point.
Upon arriving at Changi Airport, follow the signs to get to the designated boarding gates for your next flight. Passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of their onward flight. It is recommended that travellers maintain a minimum transit time of two hours at Changi Airport to ensure they can pass through security and reach their departure gate on time.
If you are checking in at Changi Airport, the check-in counter is open three hours before your flight and will close one hour before the scheduled departure time. After checking in, it usually takes less than an hour to clear immigration and security. However, if you are transiting in Singapore and did not arrive on a low-cost carrier or third-party airline, you can check in at Transfer Desk B in Terminal 3 without clearing immigration and customs.
Changi Airport has four terminals, and it takes at least ten minutes to travel between them. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are physically connected, allowing passengers to walk or use the people mover monorail system. Terminal 4 is accessible via a complimentary shuttle bus service from the other terminals.
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Immigration and customs
If you are a transit traveller, you do not need to clear arrival immigration or check in again for your connecting flight, so you won't need a visa to enter Singapore. However, if you intend to enter Singapore during your layover, you will need to pass through arrival immigration with a valid visa (depending on your passport). You will not be able to board your connecting flight without the necessary documents.
Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China, holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Entry eligibility will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
If you are connecting to other airlines, note that Changi Airport has four terminals, and it takes at least 10 minutes to travel between them. If you are transferring within Terminal 3, you can check in at Transfer Desk B without having to clear immigration and customs. However, if you arrived on a low-cost carrier or third-party airline, you will need to clear immigration and customs. If you have booked your connecting Scoot flight on the same booking itinerary or with eligible partner airlines, you will not need to pass through arrival immigration. Otherwise, you will still have to collect any baggage and undergo the entire check-in and customs process again to receive your onward boarding pass.
Upon arriving at Changi Airport, follow the directional signs to get to the designated transfer desk area to obtain the boarding pass for your onward flight. Note that passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of the onward flight.
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Facilities and entertainment
Changi Airport in Singapore is known for its wide range of facilities and entertainment options for passengers in transit. If you're looking for a quick rest, the airport offers sleeping pods, snooze lounges with reclining chairs, and transit hotels with flexible booking hours. The Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Ambassador Transit Hotel, and JetQuay Suite provide short-term and overnight accommodations, with the latter offering a package that includes a shower, meal, and lounge access.
For those seeking a more active layover experience, Changi Airport offers a variety of attractions and tours. The airport is home to the HSBC Rain Vortex, one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world, which is especially mesmerizing at night with its light display. Nearby, you'll find the Forest Valley and
Changi Airport also provides a selection of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Each airport terminal offers a variety of dining venues, ranging from quick snacks to leisurely meals. The transit hotels also have their own dining establishments, allowing you to rejuvenate before your next flight.
For passengers seeking a more exclusive experience, Changi Airport offers access to airline lounges. While some lounges cater to premium passengers or those with elite status, others, such as the DBS Private Access Lounges and Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge, offer paid access or accept eligible credit cards. These lounges provide a quiet space to rest or work and may include additional amenities like culinary offerings and family-friendly facilities.
Additionally, Changi Airport provides essential facilities to enhance your comfort and convenience. You'll find changing rooms, playgrounds, meeting rooms, charging ports, and printing services. Complimentary use of wheelchairs is also available. Clinics and paramedics are on hand 24/7 to ensure your well-being during your transit.
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City tours
Changi Airport offers free city tours for transit and transfer passengers. These tours are a great opportunity to explore the city and are offered by the Changi Airport Group, Singapore Airlines, and Singapore Tourism Board. The tours are designed to showcase the best of Singapore, from its rich history and diverse culture to its iconic landmarks and local life.
There are six daily free transit tours available, each offering a unique perspective on the city. The City Sights Tour is one of the most popular options, taking in some of Singapore's main attractions, including the Merlion statue, Gardens by the Bay, City Hall, Civic District, and Jubilee Bridge. This tour offers a breathtaking overview of Singapore's impressive city skyline and its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling global metropolis.
The Heritage Tour is another option that provides a cultural experience, including visits to two of Singapore's most culturally rich districts and a famous Hawker Centre, where you can sample delicious Singaporean cuisine. If you're interested in the eastern side of Singapore, the Changi Precinct Tour offers a unique perspective on the city, showcasing areas beyond the typical tourist attractions.
To join these tours, you must have a layover of at least 5.5 hours and up to 24 hours. You can pre-book the tour on the Changi Airport website or visit the tour counters in the transit halls of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Remember to bring your passport, boarding passes, valid entry visa (if required), and tour booking confirmation for registration.
In addition to the city tours, Changi Airport also offers a free 2.5-hour Jewel Tour, providing an in-depth exploration of the airport's architectural wonders, combining stunning visuals, innovative design, and diverse attractions.
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Frequently asked questions
A minimum of two hours is recommended to transit at Changi Airport. This allows passengers to pass through security and arrive at the departure gate of their connecting flight on time.
Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and China, holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour visa-free transit. However, entry eligibility will be assessed by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
Transit travellers do not need to clear arrival immigration or check-in again for their connecting flight, so a visa is not required to enter Singapore. However, travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore during their layover, or those who booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check-in again for their connecting flight, will need to pass through arrival immigration.
Changi Airport has plenty of free seating areas and stores where you can grab a bite to eat or purchase last-minute essentials. Each terminal has dedicated snooze lounges with reclined seating and power outlets. For a quieter atmosphere, you can pay to access lounges with additional amenities such as gyms and showers. Changi Airport is also known for the Jewel, a mall and entertainment complex with attractions such as the five-floor-high Shiseido Forest Valley and the Rain Vortex, the world's biggest indoor waterfall.
Yes, it is possible to leave the airport during your layover at Changi Airport, with some airlines offering Singapore city tours for transit passengers. However, travellers must ensure they fulfil all public health and entry requirements for entering Singapore.
