Singapore Visa for US citizens

US citizens who hold normal, official, or diplomatic passports are not subject to visa requirements when visiting Singapore. They are visa exempt for 90 days for business or social visits (meeting friends and family). However, they will need a Singapore Arrival Card, which is a mandatory entry requirement.

Please note for trips longer than 90 days or for work, study, or residence, Americans need a visa. They should reach out to a Singaporean consulate in the US or the embassy in Washington, DC, to obtain a visa.

Do Americans Need a Singapore Tourist Visa

American citizens do not require a Singapore tourist visa. However, they will need an appropriate visa to live and work in the city-state. It means they need a visa if they plan to stay for the long term (more than 90 days). Please note a visa is referred to as "Pass" in Singapore.

The country offers various work passes (visas) for skilled workers and professionals. The families of visa holders can also obtain these passes. In time, expatriates can seek permanent residence if they wish to settle permanently in Singapore.

Traveling to Singapore for U.S. Passport Holders (for less than 90 days)

U.S. international passport holders do not need a pre-entry visa to enter Singapore for stays under 90 days. American travelers in Singapore can extend their stay by applying for an extension of their social visit pass.

Singapore Immigration Visas for American Citizens

Singapore offers immigration visas for American investors, workers, students, and certain family members. Future spouses of Singapore citizens (if they happen to be Americans) may receive Pre-marriage Long-Term Passes. So if a US national is married to a Singaporean, they are eligible for long-term passes.

Work Visas

Singapore employers issue work visas following a quota system. Most firms have a limit on hiring foreigners. The majority of hires are usually Singaporeans or Permanent Residents. If a US citizen wants a work visa, they should get an Employment Pass sponsored by their employer.

Read on to learn the different types of Singapore work passes (visas) available for American nationals below:

Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

It is available for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. American citizens interested in acquiring the Employment pass must meet the salary requirement of at least SGD 5,000 (USD 3703) monthly. Singaporean employers are bound to consider all job applicants fairly.

Personalized Employment Pass

The Personalized Employment Pass is available for top earners and overseas professionals. However, it is not tied to any employer and offers more flexibility to interested American applicants.

Singapore S-Pass

S-Pass is available for mid-level skilled workers. American applicants must meet the salary requirement of at least SGD 3,000 (USD 2222) monthly to apply for this pass. They can find out more about S-Pass from the nearest Singaporean Embassy.

Singapore Dependent Pass (DP)

This is for families of Employment Pass or S Pass holders. Spouses and children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders can come to Singapore with them using the Dependant’s Pass. Americans can also apply for a Dependant’s Pass if they have an Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.

Long-Term Visit Pass

Long-Term Visit Pass can be obtained by common-law spouses, step-children, or handicapped children of Employment Pass or S Pass holders. American passport holders earning over SGD12,000 (USD 8889) can also apply for parents if they hold Long-Term Visit Pass.

Singapore Investor Pass

Singapore Investor Pass is also available to American citizens under the Global Investor Programme (GIP). It offers Singapore Permanent Resident status for eligible global investors. However, to apply for it, an American national would require significant business and entrepreneurial experience.

Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)

American entrepreneurs, innovators, or experienced investors with innovative businesses or technologies are eligible to apply for Singapore’s EntrePass. It is open to all nationalities, including Americans.

Issuing Authority

All work passes are granted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), a wing of the Government of Singapore. US citizens should contact the nearest Singapore Embassy to find out about the documents required, the arrival card application process, and the processing fee for each pass.

Singapore Visa Application Process through the Singapore Embassy in Washington, D.C.

There are three ways US citizens can submit a Singapore Visa Application. They are as follows:

1. Online: Applications can be submitted via SAVE if sponsored by a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident above 21 with a SingPass account. Additionally, they can apply for Singapore eVisa.
2. In-Person: American applicants applying for a regular embassy visa must adhere to the following conditions:
   • Singapore visa can be obtained only by appointment.
   • No walk-ins are allowed.
   • Operational hours: Monday-Friday, 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM. To get an appointment, US applicants can email [email protected].
3. By Mail: If a US applicant chooses to apply for a visa to Singapore via mail. They must follow the below-mentioned guidelines:
   • Address: 3501 International Place North West, Washington, District of Colombia 20008.
   • He/she must address the package to "Singapore Embassy."
   • He/She is advised to use a trackable courier service.

Required Documents

To obtain a Singaporean visa, US nationals will have to provide the following details:

• Flight and hotel itineraries.
• Valid visa for next destination (if needed).
• Valid US Resident Alien/PR Card or proof of legal US entry if returning to the USA.
• Recent passport-sized color photo against a white, matt, or semi-matt background.
• Separate contact details, including a daytime number and a valid email address.

Fees

Currently, American nationals need to pay USD 22.00 per visa application. It is non-refundable and subject to change without further notice. The embassy accepts money orders or cashier’s checks only, payable to "Singapore Embassy." However, the Singapore visa fee cannot be paid in cash.

Visa Processing

In most cases, Singapore visa processing takes 3-8 business days ( excluding the day of submission and holidays). However, delays are possible. Therefore, US applicants are advised to submit well before their intended travel.

Please note there is no expedited service. Additionally, incomplete applications can be rejected or delayed.

Checking eVisa Application Status

American nationals can also apply for Singapore eVisa. To retrieve or print an eVisa, they must follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Visit the ICA website
2. On the homepage, click on "Visa(SAVE)" under "Frequently Accessed eServices."
3. Select "Status Enquiry."
4. Enter the "Application Reference Number" and "Travel Document Number."
5. If approved, click "Proceed" for an eVisa copy.

Traveling to Singapore for Americans

The Arrival Card for United States Citizens allows for quick entry into Singapore for those traveling from the United States. Authorized ports of entry include:

• Singapore Changi Airport – SIN
• Woodlands checkpoint
• Tuas checkpoint
• Singapore Cruise Centre
• Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
• Changi Point Ferry Terminal
• Changi Ferry Terminal

Upon arrival in Singapore, border officials will ask travelers to present their passports valid for at least 6 months, and the SG Arrival Card. Thereon, the Singaporean immigration authorities will permit the American traveler to enter the country.

Conclusion

To summarize, a Singapore visa for US citizens is only required if they wish to stay for more than 90 days. However, for short trips (stays less than 90 days), US nationals are visa exempt and can happily stay in Singapore for a short vacation.