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The Singapore passport, holds the #1 spot in World’s Most Powerful Passports 2023 according to Forbes India
It now holds the highest authority in the world, allowing its bearer to enter 192 countries without the need for a visa. But what most Singaporeans don’t know is that for some popular countries, like Australia, they might still need to apply for specific travel permits and e-Visas.
However, remain calm! We’ve put together a list of well-liked locations for which Singaporeans require a visa or travel authorization, along with information on how to apply.
Australia
Before travelling to Australia, Singaporeans who wish to take a hot air balloon ride or see a koala in Sydney must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a quick travel visa. This is electronically connected to your passport and grants you entry into Australia for a visit lasting no more than three months.
How to apply:
- Visit the ETA website to submit an application.
- Here is a guide for using Australia’s ETA app to apply.
- You’ll pay $20 AUD (around S$18.40) for this.
- It is recommended that you apply as soon as possible, as this will allow you to enter Australia as frequently as you choose.
New Zealand
Do you think going to New Zealand would be interesting? Experience Mother Earth like never before as you embrace nature and take in some of the most stunning sights on the globe!
Singaporean travellers would have to apply for a NZeTA, or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. With an electronic connection to your passport, this would allow you to enter several times over the course of two years.
How to complete an application:
- The website offers the NZeTA for NZ$17 (~S$14.35), while the mobile app (which is accessible at the App Store on iOS & Google Play on Android) costs NZ$23 (~S$19.40).
- Fill out the declaration form completely.
- In addition to NZeTA, you will also need to pay $35 NZD (~S$29.53) for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
- Do allow over 48 hours for processing of the NZeTA
South Korea (No Need for K-ETA Until December 2024)
All day, every day, jjajangmyeon, Korean BBQ, and tteokbokki? Even though it’s not a visa, you still have to apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, or K-ETA, before you can leave for your trip!
How to fill out an application:
- You can apply online at the K-ETA website
- After your application is accepted, you would then be given a two-year visa.
- It costs roughly S$10.70, or 10,000KRW.
India
Do you want to travel to India and experience the Taj Mahal firsthand? Before travelling, you must first apply for an e-Visa. Choose the type of visa that best fits your needs among the many available. The e-visa for India is divided into 6 subcategories:
- Visa for e-tourism (for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years)
- Visas for online business and conferences
- Visa for e-Medication
- e-Medical Attendance Visa
- Visa for e-Emergency X-Misc
You can enter India through five authorised seaports and 29 designated airports using an e-Visa. You must go to the “Visa on arrival” counter when you arrive in order to have your passport stamped.
How to apply:
- Visit the Indian visa website to submit an application.
- You’ll pay roughly USD $25 ($33.10) for this. (Differing fees apply to various visas.)
- If possible, apply early.
Bolivia
Make sure to add the Bolivian salt flats to your bucket list! The Salar de Uyuni is home to the largest mirror and salt flat in the world. If you’re eager to capture that iconic mirror photo on the salt flats, the first step is to obtain a visa.
Here’s what you need to do to apply for a visa:
Since there is no Bolivian embassy or consulate in Singapore, you’ll have to submit your application at the immigration counter upon arrival. Make sure to prepare the following essential documents:
– Complete the Visa Affidavit.
– Provide a 2-by-2-inch passport-sized photo.
– Make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months.
– Present evidence of your entry, accommodation arrangements, and departure from Bolivia.
The visa processing time typically takes around ten days.
Egypt
If you are planning to explore the pyramids, secret tombs, and other landmarks in Egypt’s vast deserts, Singaporeans must obtain an electronic travel visa, which is valid for a maximum of 30 days. Another option is to pay USD 25 (~S$33) at the bank counter at the airport’s passport check section upon arrival to obtain the visa
To apply, you can:
- Submit your application online through the Egypt Immigration Website.
- The cost for an Egypt e-visa (tourist with single entry) is USD 25 (approximately S$33).
Canada
Canada is the ideal travel destination if you enjoy the outdoors, exciting winter activities, and seeing the Northern Lights or Niagara Falls! You must apply for an Electronic go Authorization (eTA), which is electronically connected to your passport, in order to go to Canada. Once authorised, it can be used for up to five years, or until the expiration of your passport. During this time, you can visit Canada up to six months at a time.
- Visit the official website to apply, then send in a $7 (~S$6.92) payment.
- It is better to apply ahead of time for processing, as it can take several days even though it is normally quick.
Bhutan
Holders of Singaporean passports must have a current visa before visiting Bhutan. Obtaining a travel visa used to be a little difficult because you had to make trip reservations through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their foreign partners, and they would take care of the visa paperwork.
On the other hand,
- You can now apply online at Bhutan website
- Applying as soon as possible is advised because the processing period requires at least five working days.
It’s also crucial to remember that passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Bhutan. You will be asked to make a payment of (contribution name) when submitting your visa application; this payment supports the cultural, social, and economic advancement of Bhutan.
While Singaporean passport holders enjoy the privilege of visa-free access to numerous countries worldwide, it is crucial to remain informed about the specific visa requirements when planning international travel. It is also important to note that further destinations, such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, Pakistan, São Tomé and Príncipe, North Korea, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen, also require visas for entry.
As travel restrictions and regulations may change over time, it is advisable for Singaporean citizens to consult embassy websites for the most up-to-date visa information before embarking on their journeys. For a comprehensive list of visa requirements for Singaporean passport holders, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and refer to their provided information.
By staying informed and prepared, Singaporean travelers can ensure smooth and hassle-free experiences while exploring the wonders of our vast and diverse world.