Singapore Transit Visa for Indians: VFTF, Eligibility & Requirements

If you're an Indian traveler planning a stopover in Singapore, it's important to understand the visa requirements for transiting through the country. In this blog, I’ll explore the conditions under which Indians can transit through Singapore without a visa, what the VFTF entails, and the requirements you’ll need to meet for a hassle-free journey. Stay informed and ensure your transit through Singapore is smooth and stress-free.

If you're transiting through Singapore, you won't require a transit visa as long as you stay within the transit area of Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4) and do not pass through Singapore Immigration. However, if your airline lacks the necessary transfer facilities, you may need to clear immigration. In such cases, it's advisable to obtain a visa beforehand to avoid any issues. If you're from a visa-required country and plan to enter Singapore during your transit, applying for a Singapore visa before your trip is recommended to prevent disruptions.

Indian nationals travelling to or from a third country through Singapore by air may qualify for the 96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility (Singapore VFTF) and do not require a transit visa only if they meet the following requirements:

If an Indian traveler does not have a valid Singapore visa and does not meet the VFTF criteria, they will not be permitted to enter Singapore.

Here are the conditions for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF):

Following are the Singapore visa requirements for Indian citizens:

To apply for a Singapore transit visa, follow these steps:

Make sure to apply well in advance to avoid any travel disruptions.

The processing time for a Singapore transit visa typically takes around 3 to 5 working days once all the required documents have been submitted. However, this can vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, specific circumstances, and whether additional documentation or verification is needed. It's advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any potential delays in your travel plans.

For Indian nationals, there is no specific Singapore transit visa, but if you are required to apply for a regular Singapore entry visa for transit purposes, the application fee is typically SGD 30 (approximately INR 1,800). This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected. Additional service fees may apply if the visa is processed through authorized agents or online platforms.

The Singapore transit visa (or a regular entry visa used for transit) typically has a validity of 30 days from the date of issue. However, the duration of stay allowed in Singapore is usually up to 14 or 30 days, depending on the visa type. For those using the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), the stay is limited to 96 hours (4 days) for eligible travelers. The specific visa validity and stay duration will be mentioned on the visa document issued.

In conclusion, whether or not Indians need a transit visa for Singapore depends on their eligibility for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). For eligible travelers, this option allows a seamless transit experience without the need for a visa. However, it's essential to meet the specific VFTF requirements and be aware of any updated regulations before traveling. Proper planning and understanding of the transit rules will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey through Singapore.