Ruth Haines
Singapore's Changi Airport is frequently ranked as one of the best airports in the world, and it's not hard to see why. The airport is home to an array of shopping and dining outlets, as well as unique experiences and attractions. But what if you have a long layover and want to explore beyond the airport? The good news is that, depending on your passport and visa status, you may be able to leave the airport during your transit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | 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. |
| Immigration | Travellers connecting through Singapore should consult their airline on whether they need to go through immigration. Travellers intending to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore during their layover will need to fulfil all public health and entry requirements. |
| Checked luggage | Travellers can leave their luggage checked-in, and it will be transferred to their connecting flight. |
| Airport facilities | Changi Airport includes a shopping district and tourist attraction, "Jewel Changi Airport", which passengers with long layovers are encouraged to visit. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for entering Singapore during transit
If you are transiting in Singapore, you may not need to go through immigration and can remain in the transit area. In this case, you do not need a visa to enter Singapore.
However, if you are from a country that requires a visa for entry into Singapore, you will need to obtain one in advance, even if you are only transiting and will not meet immigration. This is because, in some cases, travellers may need to pass through immigration if their airline does not have the necessary transfer facilities.
Nationals of certain countries, including India, Georgia, and Ukraine, may be eligible for a 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) when transiting in Singapore. To qualify for the VFTF, travellers must have a valid onward ticket departing from Singapore within 96 hours and a valid visa or long-term pass issued by specific countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States. The eligibility criteria for the VFTF are determined by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
All travellers to Singapore, including those transiting, are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within three days of arrival, except for those who are not seeking immigration clearance. Additionally, travellers should ensure they comply with all public health requirements and are advised to have sufficient cash and proof of onward travel. They should also be aware of other requirements, such as customs declarations and restrictions on certain activities.
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Immigration procedures for re-entering Singapore
If you are transiting in Changi Airport, you may be able to leave the airport and enter Singapore during your layover. 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 point of entry.
If you are eligible to enter Singapore during your layover, you must satisfy all health and immigration requirements before you can be considered for entry. Here are the immigration procedures for re-entering Singapore:
- All travellers must submit their SG Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days before arrival. Submission of the SGAC is free of charge and should be done via ICA's official channels (ICA's SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app).
- All passengers (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-term Pass Holders and Foreign Visitors) who would like to enter Singapore are required to submit the electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before clearing immigration.
- Long-term Pass Holders and Foreign Visitors are required to have their passports and Permits/Entry Visas (if applicable) ready.
- If you are arriving within six days of passing through areas endemic for Yellow Fever, you may need to present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
- Make a Customs declaration and tax payment using the Customs@SG web application before arrival if you are entering Singapore with goods exceeding your Goods and Service Tax (GST) import relief and/or Duty-free concession.
- Make a Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) declaration if you are entering Singapore carrying a total value of CBNI exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency).
- You may retrieve your e-Pass after arrival using the e-Pass Enquiry Portal or check your Visit Pass validity using the Visit Pass validity tool.
- You are required to present your biometrics (e.g. fingerprints, facial and iris) during immigration clearance.
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Changi Airport's shopping and dining options
Changi Airport in Singapore is frequently ranked as one of the best airports in the world, not least for the things you can do in transit. Eligible travellers may qualify for a 96-hour visa-free transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. During this time, travellers can explore the shopping and dining options across the airport's terminals and Jewel.
Changi Airport offers a wide range of dining options, from casual bites to exquisite dining experiences. Travellers can discover global cuisines that will make their travel experience memorable. There are also pre-purchase options available for travellers who want to avoid hunger during their flight.
The airport also features a variety of shopping options, from quick retail therapy to indulgent splurges. Exclusive retail options are available to elevate the travel experience. In addition, Changi Airport offers exclusive deals and benefits to shoppers who use the Changi Rewards card. These deals include GST-absorbed purchases and special privileges.
To plan for your transit, you can check out Changi Airport's interactive map, which provides information on the airport's dining and shopping options. The airport also uses cookies and other innovative technologies to deliver a more personalised experience. These technologies help the airport improve its services and advertise them more effectively. However, travellers who prefer a more basic experience can choose to opt out of these cookies and still have access to the airport's essential functions.
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Exploring Singapore during a layover
Changi Airport in Singapore is frequently ranked as one of the best airports in the world, and for good reason. The airport is clean, comfortable, and efficient, with plenty of things to do. However, if you have a long layover, you may be wondering if you can leave the airport and explore Singapore. The answer is yes! Here are some tips for exploring Singapore during a layover:
Check Layover Requirements
Before planning your exploration of Singapore, it's important to check the requirements for layovers in Singapore. 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. However, entry eligibility will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. It's also important to note that pre-departure COVID-19 testing services may not be available in the transit area of Changi Airport.
Recommended Layover Length
If you're considering leaving the airport during your layover, it's recommended to have at least 5.5 hours to spare. This will allow you to take advantage of Changi's free 2.5-hour guided tours or explore the city on your own. If you have a shorter layover, it may be more practical to stay within the airport and take advantage of the facilities and attractions there.
Transportation
If you decide to leave the airport, the best-value option for transportation is the metro (MRT). It's affordable, costing roughly $1.50 each way, and convenient, taking about 30 to 45 minutes to reach downtown Singapore. Taxis are also an option, with a 20- to 30-minute ride costing about $17-$30.
Baggage Storage
If you plan to explore Singapore, you can leave your baggage at a storage facility within the airport. All terminals have 24/7 baggage storage facilities, making it easy to drop off your luggage and head into the city.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do and see in Singapore during your layover. You can choose to join an organized tour or explore the city independently.
Organized Tours
Changi Airport offers various free guided tours, such as the Heritage Tour and the City Sights tour. These tours typically last 2.5 hours and take you to different attractions around the city, including cultural districts like Chinatown and iconic sites such as Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay.
Independent Exploration
If you prefer to explore on your own, there are plenty of places to visit in Singapore. Some popular destinations include St. Andrews Cathedral, East Coast Road for food, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. You can also visit Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic biodomes, Supertrees, and skywalks.
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Transport options for leaving the airport
Travellers connecting through Singapore should consult their airline on whether they need to go through immigration or can remain in the transit area to connect to their next flight. 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.
Taxi
Taxis are available for hire at the taxi stands in the arrival areas of Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. A ride to the city centre takes about 30 minutes and costs between S$25 and S$45. All fares are metered, and there is an additional airport surcharge for all trips originating from the airport. Midnight and peak-hour surcharges also apply to taxi hires country-wide.
Private hire car
Passengers can also book private hire cars from Grab, Gojek, Zig, Tada Mobility, or Ryde for a ride out of the airport. Make a booking via the respective transport providers' mobile applications and head to the arrival and ride-hailing pick-up points at Terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Metro
The metro provides connections to several parts of the city, but it requires some research upfront to find the nearest metro station to your destination. MRT stations can be very crowded, so take out the card or mobile device you intend to use before you reach the reader. Tap in and tap out using the same payment card or device to ensure that you are charged the correct fare.
Public bus
Public buses provide connections to several parts of the city, but it requires some research upfront to find the nearest bus stop to your destination. You can take public bus line 36 or 36A to Singapore city centre. Children below 0.9m in height travel for free on buses.
Shuttle bus
The shuttle bus combines door-to-door services with low fares, making it a good alternative if you're travelling on a budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover at Changi Airport. If you are a transit traveller from an eligible country, such as India or the People's Republic of China, and have a valid onward ticket, you may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing you to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours.
To leave the airport, you will need to go through immigration. Fill out a form stating that you will only be in Singapore for a few hours, so you will not need to provide a hotel address. You can then take the metro into the city, but make sure to give yourself enough time to clear security again before your flight.
It is recommended that you allow at least two hours to travel back to the airport and get through security. You will also need to consider traffic congestion if you decide to visit the western side of the country.
Singapore Airlines offers free tourist tours of the city for passengers with long layovers. You can also visit the shopping district and tourist attraction, Jewel Changi Airport, which is located landside and requires you to pass through immigration.
