Singapore permits qualified international visitors to enter the nation for up to 96 hours without a visa, under its Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), as per the official site. This program is intended for people who are passing through Singapore on their way to or from a third location. As long as they fulfil the particular eligibility and admission restrictions, visitors are free to tour the city during their layover. For more details and clarity, visit this official site.The VFTF might b accessible to certain categories of nationals, e.g., to nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Georgia, India, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine, as well as to specific categories of nationals from the People’s Republic of China who are outside China on ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, and service passports issued by China. The final assessment for entry into Singapore under the VFTF is done by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers at the place of entry.It is important to note that extensions of stay under the VFTF are strictly not allowed, and all travellers must meet Singapore’s prevailing entry requirements to be granted entry.
Eligible nationalities under the VFTF
The CIS countries covered under the scheme include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition, nationals of Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine may also qualify.Selected PRC nationals eligible under the scheme include holders of the PRC Travel Document, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Document of Identity, and Macau SAR Travel Permit. Holders of ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs, and service PRC passports are excluded from the VFTF.Read more: 10 best places to visit in February and March in India
Requirements for Indian nationals and selected PRC nationals
Nationals of India and selected PRC nationals transiting through Singapore may be eligible for the 96-hour VFTF if they are travelling to or from a third country and meet the following conditions:Travellers must depart by air or water, although they can enter Singapore by any means. They ought to have a valid ticket for a flight, boat, or cruise that leaves Singapore within ninety-six hours. Additionally, they must have a valid visa or long-term pass that is valid for admission into Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America and has at least one month left on the date of arrival.Those having Single Journey Visas (SJV) may also be granted the VFTF on the return of their journey, provided they are travelling directly from the country that issued the visa, transiting through Singapore back to their home country, and have not returned home since the visa was last used.Requirements for CIS, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine NationalsIf they have a valid further plane ticket leaving within 96 hours and are travelling to or from a third country, citizens of the CIS, Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine may be eligible for the VFTF. These visitors must depart by air, but they can enter Singapore by any kind of transportation.Read more: Rail connectivity boost for Kerala as 3 Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off; routes, stops, and all details
Who qualifies as a transit traveller
Travellers who pass through Singapore without clearing arrival immigration are referred to as transit travellers. Transit travellers are not those who have to go through immigration in order to pick up their bags, get boarding permits, or double-check their belongings. Before making further connections, travellers on a number of low-cost airlines must pass immigration. These travellers must fulfil all public health and entrance requirements in order to enter Singapore.Travellers unsure about their transit status are advised to consult their airline before travel.
Additional entry and visa notes
Travellers must make sure they fulfil the country’s admission requirements. Changi Airport’s transit area does not offer pre-departure COVID-19 testing services.Having a valid Singapore entry visa does not ensure entrance; it is not an immigration pass. The electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) issued at immigration, not the validity of the visa, determines the length of stay. An additional Short-Term Visit Pass application is needed for extensions.From 11 March 2022, Visit Passes are issued digitally via email, with no passport endorsement. Travellers must provide a valid email address when submitting the SG Arrival Card.
