Sachin Walls
Singapore is open to all transit travellers with no specific regulations or requirements, however, travellers are advised to check with the appropriate authorities of their destination country/region on any requirements imposed on travellers transiting through Singapore. Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Singapore without clearing Singapore arrival immigration. Travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore are not considered transit travellers and will need to obtain a visa prior to travel. However, 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit travellers | Those travelling to another country via Singapore, without clearing Singapore arrival immigration |
| Requirements | No specific regulations or requirements |
| Visa | Not required if travellers remain within the transit area of Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4) and do not pass through Singapore Immigration |
| Visa-free access | Available for travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China (PRC), holding valid onward air tickets |
| Visa-free transit duration | Up to 96 hours |
| Visa requirement | Depends on the passport. Required if travellers intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore or have booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight |
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What You'll Learn
- Foreign visitors may need to pass through immigration if their airline doesn't have transfer facilities
- Transit travellers from eligible countries may get a 96-hour Visa Free Transit
- Travellers who clear arrival immigration or collect baggage are not considered transit travellers
- Travellers must fulfil public health and entry requirements when collecting connecting tickets
- Foreigners transiting in Singapore won't need a visa if they remain in the airport
Foreign visitors may need to pass through immigration if their airline doesn't have transfer facilities
Singapore is open to all transit travellers with no specific regulations or requirements. However, transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Singapore without clearing Singapore arrival immigration. Travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore or who have booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight are not considered transit travellers.
Several low-cost carriers require travellers to clear immigration to collect their onward connecting tickets in the Departure Check-In hall. Such travellers should ensure that they fulfil all public health and entry requirements. Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), 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.
It is quite common for travellers to have to pass through customs and immigration when connecting flights, and it depends on multiple factors. For example, it is always the case when travelling through the US or Canada, and sometimes when connecting to or from a discount airline, even if the airport has sterile transfer for other flights. Even in some countries that have international-to-international transfer facilities, travellers may still have to go through immigration when changing terminals if there is no internal connection between the two.
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Transit travellers from eligible countries may get a 96-hour Visa Free Transit
Singapore is open to all transit travellers with no specific regulations or requirements. However, travellers intending to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore is not considered a transit traveller.
Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India, China, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore.
To be eligible for the 96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) in Singapore, travellers must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid passport or international travel document valid for at least three months from the arrival date.
- Possess a valid onward air/ferry/cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours.
- Have a valid visa or long-term pass (valid for at least one month from the date of entry into Singapore under the VFTF) issued by Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
It is important to note that the assessment for entry is determined by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry, and an extension of stay for transit travellers under VFTF is strictly not allowed.
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Travellers who clear arrival immigration or collect baggage are not considered transit travellers
Foreigners transiting in Singapore do not require visas as long as they remain within the transit area of Changi Airport and do not pass through Singapore Immigration. However, foreign visitors may be required to pass through Singapore Immigration if their airlines do not have the necessary transfer facilities. In such cases, travellers are advised to obtain a visa prior to travelling to avoid any inconvenience or disruption to their travel plans.
Transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Singapore without clearing Singapore arrival immigration. Travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore or have booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight are not considered transit travellers. Such travellers are subject to the usual public health and entry requirements for entering Singapore.
Several low-cost carriers require travellers to clear immigration to collect their onward connecting tickets in the Departure Check-In hall. These travellers should ensure they fulfil all necessary public health and entry criteria. They should also check with their airline or the Changi Airport website for information on transfer facilities and whether they are required to clear immigration.
It is important to note that the definition of a transit traveller does not include those who clear arrival immigration or collect baggage. These individuals are subject to the same entry requirements as any other visitor to Singapore and must ensure they meet all necessary criteria before arriving at Changi Airport.
While transiting through Changi Airport, travellers can take advantage of various amenities and services within the airport, including shopping and dining options. Additionally, transit travellers from eligible countries holding valid onward air tickets may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing them to explore Singapore during their layover.
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Travellers must fulfil public health and entry requirements when collecting connecting tickets
Travellers who need to enter Singapore to collect onward connecting tickets must fulfil all public health and entry requirements. This is because such travellers are not considered transit travellers.
To be considered a transit traveller, you must be travelling to another country via Singapore without clearing Singapore arrival immigration. If you need to clear immigration to collect your onward ticket, you are not a transit traveller.
To fulfil the public health requirements, travellers must submit the SG Arrival Card within three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore. This can be done via the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app. Travellers who fail to submit the SGAC may be denied entry into Singapore.
To fulfil the entry requirements, travellers from certain countries or regions must apply for a Visa. Visa-required travellers may be eligible to use the Visa-Free Transit Facility for a stay of less than 96 hours in Singapore. Travellers from eligible countries, including India and China, holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for this. Entry eligibility will be assessed by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
If travellers are unsure about whether they need to go through immigration, they should consult their airline.
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Foreigners transiting in Singapore won't need a visa if they remain in the airport
Foreigners transiting in Singapore will not require a visa if they remain within the transit area of Changi Airport and do not pass through Singapore Immigration. This applies to Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. However, foreign visitors may be required to pass through Singapore Immigration if their airlines do not have the necessary transfer facilities. In such cases, a visa is needed before travel to avoid any inconvenience or disruption.
It is important to note that transit travellers are defined as those travelling to another country via Singapore without clearing Singapore arrival immigration. Travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore or have separate tickets that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight are not considered transit travellers. Such travellers should meet all necessary public health and entry criteria.
For those who qualify as transit travellers and wish to remain in the airport, Changi Airport has been ranked as one of the best airports globally, offering various amenities and experiences within its premises. Passengers can enjoy shopping and dining options, as well as exclusive benefits and privileges with the Changi Rewards card.
Additionally, transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China (PRC), holding valid onward air tickets, may be eligible for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing a short stay in Singapore without a visa. Entry eligibility is assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers upon arrival.
In summary, foreigners transiting in Singapore can indeed remain within the airport during their layover and will not require a visa as long as they do not pass through Singapore Immigration. However, for those wishing to explore Singapore briefly, it is essential to check eligibility requirements and have the necessary documentation, such as a valid visa or visa-free entry, depending on their passport and the regulations of the destination country.
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Frequently asked questions
Transit passengers can leave Singapore Changi Airport if they are from a country that offers visa-free access. Otherwise, they will need to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing them to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours.
Yes, all passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of their onward flight.
