Singapore Hold the World’s Most Powerful Passport but Singaporeans Still Need a Visa/Travel Permit for These Countries
If you haven't already heard, our Singapore passport remains the most powerful passport in the world, granting the holder visa-free entry to 195 countries. Singapore shared the top spot with five other nations previously but according to the latest data published by the Henley Passport Index on July 23, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain have dropped to second place, with visa-free entry to 192 destinations.
However, despite having the world's most powerful passport, Singaporeans still have to apply for certain travel permits and e-Visas for popular destinations like Australia. But don't panic! We’ve compiled a list of popular destinations that Singaporeans will need a visa or travel permit for and how you can apply for one.
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1. Australia
Want to ride a hot air balloon in Australia, spot a Koala in Sydney or explore the most scenic sights on a road trip?
Singaporeans will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), an instant travel visa before heading over. This allows you a short-term visit (maximum 3 months) to enter Australia and is electronically linked to your passport.
How to apply:
- Head over to the ETA website to apply
- You can also apply via Australia's ETA app - here is the step by step guide
- This will cost you AU$20 (~S$17.80)
- You are advised to apply as early as possible and this enables you to enter Australia as many times as you like for 12 months
Australia Inspo
2. New Zealand
Fancy yourself a trip down to ‘Middle Earth’ where the Lord of the Rings series was filmed? Boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, let nature take you into its arms and experience Mother Earth like you’ve never done before!
Singaporeans travelling to New Zealand would have to apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Electronically linked to your passport, this would allow you entry into New Zealand multiple times over two years.
How to apply:
- The NZeTA costs NZ$17 (~S$14.11) through the mobile app (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android) and NZ$23 (~S$19.10) through the website
- You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA, this costs NZ$35 (~S$29.10)
- Do allow up to 72 hours for the NZeTA processing
New Zealand Inspo
3. South Korea (No Need for K-ETA Until December 2024)
Seoul in love with Korea's romantic Nami Island, want to scale the UNSECO Heritage-listed Seongsan Sunrise Peak, and tuck into delicious korean delicacies like Jjajangmyeon, Korean BBQ, and Tteokbokki all day every day? While it is not a visa, you will still need to apply for the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) before you can embark on your Korea adventure!
How to apply:
- Apply online on the K-ETA website
- Once approved, your visa is available for two years
- It costs 10,000KRW (~S$10.10)
South Korea Inspo
4. Canada
If you’re a fan of the Great Outdoors, adrenaline-pumping winter activities, or plan to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or iconic Niagara Falls, Canada is the place to be! With nature literally at your doorstep, expect day trips with magnificent views at every turn.
To visit Canada, you’ll need to apply for a Canada eTA. Electronically linked to your passport, the eTA when approved will be valid for 5 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. You will be able to travel to Canada as many times as you wish within this period (up to six months each time).
How to apply:
- Head over to the Canada eTA website
- This will cost you CA$7 (~S$6.96)
- The processing time is usually done within minutes, but it can take up to several days. We would advise applying for your eTA before your trip
- You may need to submit documents before the approval of your application. If this happens to you, an email with instructions will be sent within 72 hours
5. India
Want to explore India and see the Taj Mahal for yourself? You will first need to apply for an e-Visa before heading over. There are various visa types - do select the one that is most suitable for you.
The e-Visa will grant you entry into India through 24 designated airports and 3 designated seaports. Upon arrival, you will need to proceed to the “Visa on arrival” counter to get a stamp on your passport.
How to apply:
- Head over to the Indian Visa website to apply
- This will cost you about US$25 (~S$33.26) (Different visas have different fees)
- Please apply as early as possible
6. USA
Home to the original Disneyland in Los Angeles, the first-ever Universal Studios theme park in Orlando and the iconic Hollywood sign, USA is full of amazing sights and sounds for sure! Make sure to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you can check those experiences off your bucket list.
How to apply:
- Head on over to the ESTA website and apply online at least 72 hours prior to departure.
- The ESTA travel authorisation is valid for up to two years or passport expiration date, whichever is earlier and you can stay up to a period of 90 days with each entry.
- This application will cost you US$21 (~S$27.94)
7. Bhutan
Singapore passport holders require a valid Visa before travelling to Bhutan. Getting a travel visa used to be slightly tricky because you must book your holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners who will make the necessary visa arrangements for you. However, today you can also apply for a visa on their website.
Note: Passports should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in Bhutan.
How to apply:
- Head on over to the Visit Bhutan website and apply online (takes at least 5 working days to process but we suggest applying as early as possible)
- You will also be required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is a contribution to Bhutan’s economic, social, and cultural development. It costs US$200 per person, per night
- Effective 1 September 2023, a 50% discount on the SDF has been announced for US Dollar paying tourists. Under this incentive, the SDF is US$100 per person per night. This is a timelimited incentive valid until 31 August 2027.
- Your Bhutan visa is valid for as many days as your SDF is paid. If you wish, you can extend your stay via the same visa web portal - you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires
- This application will cost you US$40 (~S$53.22)
8. Nepal
Eager to uncover the gems of Nepal aka Land of the mighty Mount Everest? If you’re an adventurous soul planning to make the pilgrimage up this mountain, you will first need to get a visa upon arrival or Online Tourist Visa.
Singaporeans may stay up to 90 days in Nepal with a visa issued on arrival, which can be obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kodari on the Nepal-China border.
How to apply:
- A 15-Day Visa costs US$15 (~S$19.96)
9. Bolivia
The Bolivia salt flats are another one on the bucket list! The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and also the largest mirror in the world. Want to capture that iconic mirror photo on the salt flats? Gotta first get a visa.
How to apply:
There is no Bolivian Embassy or consulate office in Singapore hence you will need to apply for your Bolivian visa upon arrival at their immigration counter. You will need to have the following:
- Fill out the Visa Affidavit form
- A 2 "x 2" passport-size photograph
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Evidence of tour/accommodation in Bolivia and flight out of Bolivia
- Processing time is about 10 days
10. Egypt
Heading to Egypt to traverse the sprawling deserts in search of secret tombs, towering pyramids, and more? Singaporeans will need to get an e-Visa that will be valid for travel for up to 30 days.
Alternatively, you may also get your visa upon arrival for US$25 (~S$33.26) from the bank counter in the passport control area at the airport.
How to apply:
- You can apply online on the Egypt Immigration website
- You must pay US$25 (~S$33.26) for Egypt e-Visa fees (single entry tourism)
There are many other cities where you may require a visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) for. For the full list of visa requirements for Singapore passport holders, check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the Henley Global Passport Index.
✈️ Travel Essentials for Your Next Holiday ✈️
Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
- Accommodation (Hotels, Villas, Resorts, and more)
- Transport Passes (Train passes like the JR Pass for Japan or Swiss Travel Pass for Switzerland, and more)
- Private Airport Transfers (Fuss-free travel between the airport to where you need to go)
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