Do Indians require a visa for a Singapore layover?

Many people question, 'If I'm going for a layover in Singapore do I need a visa?' The answer is no; Indian passport holders don't need a Singapore visa for a layover. They can enjoy transiting in Singapore for 96 hours visa-free, often known as a visa-free transit facility (VFTF). Hence, Indian nationals can stay within the airport's transit area during this time.

However, those planning to stay longer or leave the transit area must obtain the standard Singapore tourist visa. In this blog, we discuss more about the Singapore layover visa.

Is there a Singapore transit visa-on-arrival for Indians?

No, Singapore does not offer a transit visa on arrival to Indian passport holders. Thus, travellers who have to enter Singapore for transit must apply for a Singapore visa from India.

However, Singapore has a visa-free transit facility (VFTF) for certain eligible Indian nationals. This means travellers who qualify for the VFTF can transit via Singapore without a visa.

The provisions under a VFTF  include the following:

• Indian citizens are only eligible for the Singapore layover visa-free transit facility for up to 96 hours.
• They should be transiting from or to a third-world country via air through Changi International Airport.
• Suppose you plan to go back to India through a single journey visa from any third country. In this case, you can only get a Singapore VFTF visa if you've not travelled to your home country since you last used your single journey visa.
• The Indian nationals can get into Singapore using any transport mode but must leave by air or sea after a maximum of 96 hours.
• Anytime you request entry into Singapore through the VFTF, you must have the necessary documents to present to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers.

Do Indians need a visa for a Singapore layover?

The need for a Singapore visa during a layover depends on the following factors:

1. Layover duration

• If your layover is less than 24 hours and you remain in the airport’s transit area, you typically do not need a visa.
• However, if your layover exceeds 24 hours or you wish to exit the transit area to explore Singapore, you will require a valid visa.

2. Flight connections

• For layovers involving a single ticket (connecting flights booked under the same PNR), you usually won’t need a visa as long as you stay within the transit area.
• If you have separate tickets for your connecting flights, you may need to clear immigration to check in for your next flight. In this case, a visa is required.

3. Transit without visa (TWOV) eligibility

Indian nationals may qualify for TWOV if they meet specific criteria:

• You must hold a valid visa for one of the following countries:
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to the destination requiring the aforementioned visa.

For example, if you’re traveling from India to the USA via Singapore, holding a valid US visa makes you eligible for TWOV.

4. Leaving the airport

• If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you must apply for a Singapore visa in advance unless eligible for TWOV.

5. Final destination

• If Singapore is your final destination, you’ll need a valid tourist visa to enter the country.

When is the Singapore transit visa for Indian passport holders not required?

Under specific circumstances, Indian travellers do not require a Singapore transit visa. Let’s explore these scenarios:

1. Short layovers without leaving the transit area: If your layover in Singapore is under 24 hours and you remain within the airport’s transit area, you do not need a transit visa. Changi Airport has facilities like lounges, shopping centres, and tourist-friendly structures that make it a comfortable space for a short duration.
2. Eligibility for transit without visa (TWOV):  Indian passport holders who meet the TWOV criteria do not need a visa. This is useful mainly for tourists visiting the USA, Canada, and Australia without valid visas to these countries. 
3. Single-ticket connections: If your connecting flights are booked under a single ticket or PNR, your baggage is checked for your final destination, and you do not need to clear immigration, then it is possible to travel without a transit visa. 
4. Airline-specific rules: Some airlines have agreements with Singaporean authorities to facilitate visa-free transits for eligible passengers. Check with your airline to confirm whether this applies to your itinerary.
5. Exploring the airport without immigration clearance: Airports in Singapore offer numerous attractions and facilities within the transit area, including gardens, movie theatres, and relaxation zones. You can make the most of your layover without clearing immigration or requiring a visa.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Indian passport holders can now benefit from the visa-free transit facility in Singapore for a maximum of 96 hours. However, to ensure a smooth experience, it's wise to have Travel Insurance for Singapore in place. You’ll still need an entry visa to Singapore for the transit or layover tour if you don't meet the eligibility criteria for a layover in Singapore. Also, if you wish to leave the airport during the layover or plan to stay longer, you must obtain the standard tourist visa for Singapore. Also, regardless of your destination, always consider investing in a travel insurance policy for your international travels. Such coverage safeguards you from a range of risks, including flight cancellations, medical expenses, lost baggage, trip interruptions, and more.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.