SINGAPORE: Singapore just unseated Japan for the pole position on the list of strongest visas in the world, which means that Singaporean passport holders can just up and buy a ticket and go anywhere around the globe they want to. Well, as it turns out, it also depends on where exactly you want to go.
And the good news is that for many travel destinations that don’t automatically open their doors and roll out the red carpet to citizens of the Little Red Dot, you don’t have to personally hand in papers and wait for approval as e-visas may be obtained digitally.
For some places that don’t give out electronic visas, you can still get visas on arrival (such as in the Maldives or Jordan), usually for around 30 days.
Let’s look at what we need for where we want to go:
United States—for the good ol’ US of A, while Singaporeans fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing relatively hassle-free travel of up to 90 days, travellers’ eligibility still needs to be determined through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). On the plus side, this is valid for two years. On the downside, well, when you arrive, you will still be determined whether you get admitted into the US by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Australia—short-term visitors from Singapore need to get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor, allowing them to stay 90 days per year. Also, Singaporeans can use the SmartGate when they get to Australia, an automated self-service border control system that allows them to zip through immigration.
India—Singaporeans travelling to India are required to get an eVisa, which is good for 60 days. There are 26 designated airports and three designated seaports where e-Visa holders are allowed to enter the country. But the good news for holders of valid Person of Indian Origin or Overseas Citizens of India cards is that they are exempt from getting a visa requirement and are allowed to travel to India unlimited times.
Canada—If you want to see beautiful Canada and you’re arriving via land or sea, have no fear; no visas are required. But Singaporeans arriving by plane need an Electronic Travel Authority valid for six months.
Fortunately, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, which are pretty much the favourite destinations of Singaporeans, are ALL visa-free. Enjoy and safe travels!!! /TISG
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