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Travelling to and From Singapore: A How-To Guide
Do I need a visa for entry into Singapore?
Most visitors to Singapore do not require a visa for entry.
For a list of countries that require a valid Visa for entry into
Singapore, you can check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
(ICA)’s website, or enquire at the Singapore Overseas Mission
closest to you.
Are there any documents that I need to fill in prior to
arrival?
Prior to arrival, you should fill in your SG Arrival Card to
submit your arrival information. This can be done up to three
days (including the date of arrival) before your visit. You can
submit your arrival information via Singapore Immigration &
Checkpoints Authority website, or via the MyICA Mobile
application.
Departing from Singapore
Are there any convenient services I can use when departing from
Singapore?
First-time foreign visitors arriving to Singapore will enroll
and clear immigration with iris, facial and fingerprints
biometrics at the manual counters or designated lanes at Airport
terminals or land checkpoints. They can then enjoy automated
clearance with iris and facial biometrics during departure.
Clearing Customs
What to Declare?
All arriving travellers are required to declare and pay the
duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) to bring in dutiable and
taxable goods exceeding their duty-free concession and GST
import relief.
There is no duty-free concession and GST import relief for
cigarettes and tobacco products and motor fuel including motor
spirits, diesel products and compressed natural gas (CNG) in
containers in Singapore.
Please refer to Singapore Customs website here for more
information on duty-free concession and GST import relief.
How to Declare?
Prior to your arrival, you can use the Customs@SG web
application to declare and pay the duty and/or GST for your
goods. An advance customs declaration and payment can be made up
to 3 days from the date of arrival.
You can find out more about the Customs@SG web application here.
How do I check for period of stay granted?
After clearing immigration, an electronic Pass ("e-Pass") will
be sent to the email address registered in your SGAC submission.
The e-Pass will contain the period of stay granted and last day
of stay in Singapore. You may also retrieve the e-Pass via ICA's
e-Pass Enquiry Portal to find information on the period of stay
granted for your visit. Keep the e-pass on hand for a smoother
hotel check-in or tax refund process!
By Public Transport
An incoming Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train on the rail track
Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems have an
extensive network of routes that will help you zip around the
city.
Most of our popular attractions are just a short walk away from
an MRT station, making our trains a great way to get around.
Our bus routes are also some of the most scenic, allowing you to
indulge in the lush greenery and beautiful architecture of our
‘city in a garden’. All public buses are wheelchair accessible
and open strollers are allowed. Please approach our friendly bus
captains if you need assistance. Do take note that you may be
required to fold your stroller if the bus has too many
passengers. You can refer to the the SBS Transit, SMRT, Go-Ahead
Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore websites for more
information and guidelines.
By taxi or ride-hailing apps
Cross junction at Chinatown neighbourhood
Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to
places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs here are metered,
but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which
company’s taxi you board.
To get a rough idea of the final fare, check with the driver on
the surcharges and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip. You
can also check out this website for a quick and easy comparison.
You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by
queuing for one at a taxi stand, which you’ll find at most
malls, hotels and attractions.
Alternatively, you may use one of the ride-hailing applications
available in Singapore to book a ride from your preferred
pick-up point to your desired destination. Some options
available include Grab, Gojek, Ryde and TADA.
Taxi Touting & Overcharging
Touting and overcharging is illegal in Singapore. Tourists are
advised to book point-to-point trips via licenced ride-hail or
street hail operators. Should you encounter incidents of
touting, overcharging or drivers refusing to use the taximeter
(for taxis that are flagged on the road), you may report them to
the Land Transport Authority (LTA) through
feedback@LTA.gov.sg.
By Bicycle
A man with a bicycle on the cycling path
Cycling around our sunny island is a great way to get your dose
of Vitamin D and enjoy the green spaces that dot our city.
Singapore boasts a well-connected network of cycling paths, and
you can rent shared bicycles from licensed operators.
Feel free to bring your foldable bike onboard our trains and
buses, but check if they’re too bulky.