Roberta Aguirre
Singapore Changi Airport is a major hub for transit flights, serving as a transfer point for travellers flying with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Airlines. Transit passengers at Changi Airport are subject to certain requirements and restrictions, including health and safety measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible transit travellers from specific countries, such as India and China, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, allowing a brief stay in Singapore without a visa. The airport utilises innovative technology to enhance the traveller experience, and transit passengers can explore various amenities and services within the airport during their layover.
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What You'll Learn
Visa-free transit for up to 96 hours
If you are a transit traveller from an eligible country, you may qualify for a 96-hour Visa-Free Transit, which permits a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Eligible countries include India and the People's Republic of China (PRC). To qualify, you must hold a valid onward air ticket and meet all necessary public health and entry criteria.
Upon arriving at Singapore 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 their onward flight.
It is important to note that transit measures and eligibility will be assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Additionally, certain transit measures may not apply to transit passengers from countries/regions which Singapore has unilaterally lifted border restrictions.
For example, one passenger described their experience transiting from Bangkok, Thailand, which is deemed a high-risk country. Transit passengers were asked to remain onboard, and only about 40 people were on the flight. They were given green bracelets and escorted by airport staff to a remote gate area, where they were told to wait until it was time to board their next flight.
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Boarding procedures and security screening
When departing from Singapore Changi Airport, passengers can check in at the counters up to 48 hours in advance. The check-in counters close 40 minutes before flight departure, but it is recommended that passengers arrive three hours early, especially if they have baggage to check in.
Upon arriving at Changi Airport, passengers should follow the directional signs to get to the designated transfer desk area to obtain the boarding pass for their onward flight and then proceed to the boarding gates.
Passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of their onward flight. The security process at Singapore Changi Airport is unique, with security checks conducted outside the boarding gates, allowing passengers to enjoy the airport's amenities until their flight's boarding time. The airport employs state-of-the-art security screening equipment, including 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide detailed images of luggage contents and reduce the need for manual bag checks.
Passengers must adhere to Singapore's customs regulations and security and baggage restrictions. Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in containers exceeding 100ml will not be accepted, even if partially filled. These items must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed and presented separately for examination. Exemptions are made for baby food and breast milk, and other items may be exempted with a doctor's letter. Powder-like substances heavier than 350g or 350ml are prohibited in hand-carried bags and must be placed in checked baggage. Duty-free purchases are exempt if packed in Security Tamper Evident Bags (STEB).
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Public health and entry requirements
To be considered a transit traveller in Singapore, one must not clear immigration. If you intend to clear arrival immigration or collect tickets/baggage and check-in again for your connecting flight, you are not considered a transit traveller and must fulfil all public health and entry requirements for entering Singapore.
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 is assessed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
All travellers, including Singapore residents, who have recently travelled to countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, must produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to the ICA officer upon arrival in Singapore. This requirement also applies to travellers who spent more than 12 hours in airport transit in these countries.
Some medications, including those for ADHD and prescription pain medication, need prior approval from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority before being brought into the country. Medicinal marijuana is not permitted. If you take prescribed medicinal cannabis, you should contact the Singapore Health Sciences Authority.
It is illegal to possess or import vapes, even in transit or for personal use. It is also illegal to drink within a Liquor Control Zone or in public between 10:30 pm and 7 am.
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Airlines and departure cities for transit
Travellers intending to transit through Singapore Changi Airport should be aware of the country's border requirements and restrictions. Those who need to enter Singapore during their layover to collect tickets or baggage and check in again for their connecting flight must meet all necessary public health and entry criteria.
Upon arrival at Changi Airport, passengers should follow the directional signs to the designated transfer desk area to obtain the boarding pass for their onward flight and proceed to the designated boarding gates. All passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate of their onward flight.
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 (VFTF), which permits a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore. Entry eligibility is determined by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry.
It is important to note that pre-departure COVID-19 testing services are not available in the transit area of Changi Airport. Travellers are advised to check with the appropriate authorities of their destination country or region to understand the specific requirements for transiting through Singapore.
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Transit facilities and amenities
Singapore Changi Airport is a major gateway to the wider Asia region and a much-favoured layover point for long-haul flights between Europe and Australia and New Zealand. The airport has been named the world's best airport several times and is regarded as one of the world's best international transit hubs.
The airport has numerous business centres, internet and games facilities, prayer rooms, showers, spas, a gym, swimming pool, hotel, and plenty of free seating areas. There are also dedicated snooze lounges with reclined seating and power outlets. For a quieter atmosphere, passengers can pay to access the airport's lounges.
Changi Airport also has plenty of shopping and dining outlets, including the largest Nike store in Asia. The airport's terminals also have significant areas of garden. Terminal 3 features a butterfly garden with 1,000 tropical butterflies from 40 species, while Terminal 2 features the Enchanted Garden. The airport also has a nature trail with six themed garden reserves.
For entertainment, the airport features two movie theatres showing films from various genres free of charge, a play area for children, and the Changi Experience Studio, which includes displays and interactive games detailing the history of the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Singapore Changi Airport allows transit passengers from eligible countries, including India, China, and Thailand. However, transit measures may differ based on the country of origin.
Travellers must hold valid onward air tickets and meet all necessary public health and entry criteria. Some countries, such as the UK, require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for transit unless you hold a specific visa or citizenship.
Yes, it is recommended that your transit time in Singapore should not exceed 48 hours. Transit travellers from eligible countries may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit.
Upon arrival, follow the directional signs to the designated transfer desk to obtain your boarding pass for your onward flight. Passengers are required to go through security screening before proceeding to the boarding gate.
Yes, transit travellers with a valid visa or those eligible for the Visa Free Transit can leave the airport and explore Singapore during their layover. However, ensure you fulfil all public health and entry requirements for a smooth entry into the country.
