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Singapore's Changi Airport is a destination in itself, with gardens, art installations, movie theatres, restaurants, a giant slide, a rooftop pool, spas, and an indoor waterfall. However, if you have a long layover, you may want to explore the city outside the airport. You can leave the airport during a layover, even during international layovers, as long as your passport allows visa-free entry to Singapore and you have enough time between flights. Singapore Changi Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre, making it easy to go out and explore. The airport also offers free tours of Singapore for those with at least a 5.5-hour layover. However, due to immigration guidelines, transit passengers can only exit and enter Singapore once during a layover, so it is only possible to do one tour. If you plan to leave the airport, it is recommended to leave your luggage in storage and ensure you have valid travel documents and visas, if required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, provided you have the necessary travel documents and visas, and enough time between flights. |
| Visa requirements | Visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship and the agreements with the country you are having a layover in. Some countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival. |
| Travel documents | For international travel, you may need a passport valid for at least a month from the date of entry and proof of onward travel. |
| Luggage | It is recommended to leave your luggage at the airport, especially if you plan to explore the city during your layover. Most airports offer luggage storage services. |
| Recommended layover duration | It is recommended to have at least 5-6 hours for a layover if you plan to leave the airport, with 8 hours or more being ideal. |
| Airport activities | Changi Airport offers various attractions, including gardens, art installations, movie theatres, restaurants, and spas. |
| Free tours | Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines sponsor free tours of Singapore for transit passengers with at least a 5.5-hour layover. There are two tour routes: the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. |
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What You'll Learn
Changi Airport's free tour of Singapore
Changi Airport offers free tours of Singapore for transit and transfer passengers with a layover of between 5.5 and 24 hours. The tours are conducted in English and last for 2.5 hours. There are four unique tour itineraries, each featuring curated sightseeing routes with two brief photo stops at iconic landmarks.
The Heritage Tour includes visits to historical monuments such as City Hall, a stop at the famous Merlion statue, and walks through the neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. The City Sights Tour includes stops at major sites, including the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion.
It is important to note that transit passengers can only exit and enter Singapore once during a layover, so it is only possible to do one of the tours. To join the tour, you must have a valid visa to exit the Singapore Changi Airport and clear immigration. You will also need to present your passport, boarding pass, and valid entry visa (if required) at the Free Singapore Tour booths. Seats are subject to availability, and there may be a balance of seats for walk-in passengers.
If you decide to leave the tour midway, you will need to arrange your own transport back to the airport at your own expense. Changi Airport is not responsible for any missed connecting flights.
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Visa requirements for leaving the airport
If you are planning to leave Changi Airport during a layover, you will need to go through immigration and will therefore need a valid visa to enter Singapore.
The visa requirements for entering Singapore depend on your nationality and the length of your layover. For example, 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. Additionally, those with booked flights that require them to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight must also meet all necessary public health and entry criteria.
One of the visa application requirements for Singapore is that all passports need to have a minimum of six months' validity from the date of arrival in Singapore. If your passport does not meet this requirement, it is recommended that you renew or extend it before travelling.
If you are travelling to Singapore for work or employment, you will need to contact the Ministry of Manpower office in Singapore for advice on which visa or work pass to apply for.
It is important to note that as a transit passenger, you are only allowed to enter and exit Singapore once during your layover period. Therefore, if you plan to leave the airport, you should ensure that you have enough time to clear immigration and return to the airport for your connecting flight.
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Bag storage options
If you're looking to leave Singapore Changi Airport during a layover, you'll want to travel light. Fortunately, the airport offers several bag storage options.
Changi Airport offers 24/7 baggage storage services across all four terminals, so you can store your luggage at any time of day. These services are primarily designed for travellers on layovers, those checking into transit hotels, or those awaiting hotel check-ins elsewhere in Singapore. You can store your luggage at any Smarte Carte Left Baggage counter, and you won't usually need to book in advance. However, for large groups or special requests, it's advisable to contact the service provider directly to ensure availability.
Smarte Carte offers luggage storage lockers and also provides additional services such as laundry and stroller rentals. You can also take advantage of their baggage delivery service, which will deliver your luggage to your hotel or another chosen destination.
Bag storage rates are charged per 24 hours, and there may be additional fees for oversized or irregularly shaped baggage. One source states that the rate is $16 per case over 10kg per day per bag, with oversize items costing $20 and hand luggage under 10kg costing $11 per day.
Remember, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you'll need a valid visa to exit and re-enter, and you'll need to provide proof of onward travel.
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How to spend a layover in Singapore
If you're wondering how to make the most of your layover in Singapore, you're in luck! Changi Airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, making it an ideal location to explore during your layover. Here are some tips on how to spend your time:
Exploring the City
If you have at least 5.5 hours to spare, you can join a free Singapore City Tour offered by the airport. These tours are conducted in English and will take you to major city highlights, ensuring you make the most of your time. Alternatively, if you prefer to explore independently, it's recommended that you have at least 6 to 8 hours between flights to account for traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times. Remember to bring lightweight, breathable clothing, as Singapore's weather is typically hot and humid.
Changi Airport Attractions
If you're short on time or simply prefer to stay within the airport, Changi Airport has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. The airport boasts multiple gardens, art installations, movie theatres, restaurants, a giant slide, a rooftop pool, spas, and even an indoor waterfall! You can also take advantage of the various bag storage options available at the airport to move around comfortably during your layover.
Visa and Travel Document Considerations
Before leaving the airport, ensure you have a valid visa (if required) and necessary travel documents. Some countries, like Italy, have visa-free entry to Singapore, while others may need to obtain a transit visa for short-term stays. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a flight ticket to your next destination.
Overnight Layovers
If you're fortunate enough to have an overnight or multi-day layover, you can explore beyond the major attractions and experience Singapore's nightlife and shopping scenes. You can even visit Universal Studios or indulge in a meal at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants.
Remember to evaluate your layover time and choose an option that suits your preferences and time constraints. Whether you explore the city or stay within the airport, a layover in Singapore can be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
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Changi Airport's attractions
If you have a long layover in Singapore, you may be able to leave Changi Airport and go into the city centre. The airport is located very close to the heart of Singapore, about a 20-minute drive, so it is easy to go out and explore. However, it is important to note that as a transit passenger, you are only allowed to enter and exit Singapore once during your layover period. You will also need a valid visa to exit the airport and clear immigration.
Changi Airport offers a free 2.5-hour tour of Singapore for any traveller transitioning at Changi Airport with at least a 5.5-hour layover. There are two tour routes available: the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. The Heritage Tour includes visits to historical monuments such as city hall, a stop at the famous Merlion statue, and walks through the neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. The City Sights Tour includes stops at major sites including the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to have at least 6 hours between your flights, with 8 hours being the safest option, to account for traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times. It is also best to leave your luggage, including carry-on bags and any other heavy backpacks, at the airport, as they will be cumbersome to carry while exploring the city. Additionally, it is preferable to have all your flights booked with the same airline or airline partners so that your checked luggage can go straight to your final destination.
Changi Airport has been voted the best airport in the world for several years, and it is an attraction in itself. The airport has multiple gardens (including a butterfly garden, sunflower garden, cactus garden, and orchid garden), art installations, movie theatres, restaurants, a giant slide, a rooftop pool, multiple spas, and an indoor waterfall. There is also a free tour available of the airport's newest development, Jewel. With so many options, the airport's website lists several different airport itineraries to help you plan your time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, provided your passport allows you visa-free entry to Singapore, and you have enough time between flights. It is recommended to have at least 6 hours between flights (8 hours being the safest) to account for traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times.
Before leaving, it is recommended to leave your luggage at the airport, especially any heavy backpacks or carry-ons. You can find luggage storage in any transit terminal, and they are open 24 hours a day. It is also best to have all your flights under the same airline so that you can have your checked luggage go straight to your destination.
Changi Airport offers free tours of Singapore for transit passengers with at least a 5.5-hour layover. The tours are conducted in English and are 2.5 hours long, with two routes available: the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. If you have more time, you can explore Singapore on your own, visiting places like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion.
