Jazmin Li
Singapore's Changi Airport is a major gateway to the wider Asia region and a favoured layover point for long-haul flights between Europe and Australasia. It has been named the world's best airport on numerous occasions and is regarded as one of the world's best international transit hubs. Travellers with a valid onward ticket can transit through Changi without a visa, although those wishing to enter Singapore during their layover will need to fulfil all public health and immigration requirements. For those with shorter layovers, the airport offers plenty of seating, shops, and dining options. Travellers with longer layovers can take advantage of dedicated snooze lounges, and even explore Singapore with a free tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 4 |
| Terminal connection | Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are physically linked. Terminal 4 is connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service. |
| Minimum transit time | 2 hours |
| Visa requirements | Depends on the traveller's passport. 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. |
| Immigration requirements | Travellers who intend to enter Singapore during their layover will need to fulfil all public health and entry requirements. |
| Security requirements | Security screening is required before heading to the boarding gate of the onward flight. |
| Other facilities | Free seating areas, stores, snooze lounges, pay-per-use lounges. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for transiting through Singapore
If you are transiting through Singapore and do not need to go through immigration, you will still need permission from your airline to board the plane. However, if you do need to go through immigration, you are strongly advised to renew your passport before travelling, as it is one of the visa application requirements for Singapore that all passports need to have a minimum of six months' validity from the date of arrival in the country.
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. If the Ministry of Manpower informs you that you do not need a work pass, you will need to check with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to make sure you can enter Singapore on a tourist entry.
If you are in transit to or from any third country via Singapore, you may be eligible for the 96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) if you meet the following requirements:
- You may enter Singapore by any mode of transport but must depart only by air or sea.
- You must have a valid onward air ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours.
- You must have 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.
The 96-hour VFTF may be available to nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Georgia, India, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and selected nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) who are not holding ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, or service PRC passports.
The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival at Singapore Changi Airport. It is normally between 14 to 30 days. Regardless of the length of stay granted, visitors may request a stay extension by applying in person at the ICA before the expiry of the visa granted.
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What to do during a layover at Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the largest transport hubs in Asia, the third busiest airport in Asia, and the 18th busiest in the world. It is regularly voted the best airport in the world, with four main terminals and the Jewel Changi Airport entertainment/retail complex.
If you have a long layover at Singapore Changi Airport, there is plenty to do within the airport terminals to keep you entertained. The airport has a wide range of restaurants, eateries, bars, and cafes, offering classic Singapore and Chinese fare, as well as other cuisines like Indian and Malay. There are also hundreds of shops for purchasing gifts, souvenirs, or clothes.
For those who want to relax, the airport has comfortable chairs, couches, and benches throughout the terminals, as well as free WiFi. There are also airport lounges that offer food, drinks, WiFi, and TVs in a comfortable space. Some lounges offer shower facilities and nap rooms at an additional cost.
If you'd prefer a hotel, there are several transit hotels within the airport where you can sleep, eat, and shower without having to go through security. Many of these hotels offer bookings in hourly slots, so you don't have to book an overnight stay.
Outside of the airport, Singapore offers many unique, public green spaces for fresh air between long flights. You can visit the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay (known for its Supertree Grove), or the Singapore Botanic Gardens. You can also shop along Orchard Road or stroll through Chinatown for affordable snacks, meals, and souvenirs.
It's important to note that if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you may need to fulfill all public health and entry requirements for Singapore, and you should check if you require a visa. Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore.
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How long can you transit for in Singapore?
If you are transiting through Singapore Changi Airport, you do not need a visa if you remain within the transit area of the airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4) and do not pass through Singapore Immigration. However, if you are a passport holder from a country that requires a visa, you will need to obtain one before travelling, even if you are just transiting through the airport.
If you are a transit traveller from an eligible country, including India and the People's Republic of China, and you hold 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 without a visa. The eligibility for this scheme will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
If you are travelling to Singapore for work or employment, you will need to contact the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore for advice on which visa or work pass to apply for. If you do not need a work pass, you will need to check with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority to ensure you can enter on a tourist visa.
The period of stay permitted in Singapore is typically at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the airport and is usually between 14 and 30 days. Visitors can request an extension of their stay by applying in person at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority before the expiry of their visa.
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Where to get your boarding pass for your onward flight
Yes, you can still transit through Singapore Changi Airport. 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.
If you are simply transiting, you do not need to go through immigration or have a visa, though you will still need permission from your airline to board the plane. However, if you do need to go through immigration, you are strongly advised to renew your passport before travelling. The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival and is normally between 14 and 30 days.
Now, to answer your question about where to get your boarding pass for your onward flight:
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. You can refer to the airport map to locate the transfer desk area. After you have collected your boarding pass, follow the directional signs to get to the designated boarding gates for your next flight. Note that passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of their onward flight.
If you have booked your connecting flight on the same booking itinerary or have seamless transfers with eligible partner airlines, you will not need to collect your baggage or check-in again for your connecting flight. However, if you have not booked your connecting flight on the same itinerary, you will need to collect your baggage and check-in again to receive your onward boarding pass.
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Do you need to pass through immigration when transiting?
Yes, you may need to pass through immigration when transiting in Singapore. This depends on the traveller's country of origin and whether their airline has the necessary transfer facilities.
Foreigners transiting in Singapore do not need visas if they remain within the transit area of Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4) and do not pass through immigration. However, if their airline does not have the necessary transfer facilities, they may be required to pass through immigration. In this case, they will need to obtain a visa before travelling.
Travellers who intend to clear arrival immigration to enter Singapore during their layover will need to fulfil all public health and entry requirements. They must also meet the necessary criteria if they need to enter Singapore to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight.
Those from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China, holding valid onward tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour visa-free transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Entry eligibility is assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
If in doubt, travellers 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Transit travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China, holding valid onward tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. If you are not from one of these eligible countries, you will need to check with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
It is recommended that travellers have a minimum of two hours for their layover at Singapore Changi Airport. This ensures passengers can pass through security and get to the departure gate of their connecting flight in good time.
Changi Airport has been named the world's best airport numerous times and is regarded as one of the world's best international transit hubs. The airport has plenty of free seating areas, stores, and restaurants. Each terminal has dedicated snooze lounges with reclined seating and power outlets. You can also explore Singapore during your layover with the Free Singapore Tour jointly organised by Singapore Airlines, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group.
