Some travelers are scared when facing immigration especially because Singapore is a strict country, here are the things you should know about Singapore’s Immigration
Most visitors to Singapore do not require a visa for entry. For more information on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility, you can check with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the Singapore Overseas Mission closest to you. The period of stay granted will be shown on the visit pass endorsement in your passport.
On immigration clearance, the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service1 should be completed before you leave your departure point. You can visit the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website to submit your arrival information. You can submit the information up to three days before your visit.
From 27 March 2020, 0900 hours onwards, all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long Term Pass holders returning to Singapore, including work pass holders and their dependents working in sectors that provide essential services such as healthcare and transport, will be required to submit a health declaration through the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before proceeding with immigration clearance. This health declaration should be submitted up to three days before arrival in Singapore. Those who make false declarations will be liable for prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. For more information on the travel declaration requirements, please refer to the MOH website (www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19).
Upon departure, you may use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS), which offers you express self-clearance immigration.
Entry Requirements
Planning your Singapore itinerary will be fun as there are many exciting places to see and exciting things to do. However, before you do that, you need to know whether you need a visa to enter the country. So before you book your tickets and apply for a Singapore visa, here are some things you need to know.
People with passports in the European Union, United States of America, South Korea, Australia, Switzerland, and Norway can enter Singapore and stay there for 90 days without a visa.
On the other hand, passport holders of countries like India, Armenia, North Korea, Georgia, China, Russia, etc. can visit Singapore with an e-visa while citizens of Libya, Afghanistan, Mali, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Bangladesh, Somalia, Iraq, etc. need to have a visa vignette in their passport if they want to enter the city-state of Singapore.
An E-visa can be obtained within a day through a visa agent, the nearest Singaporean diplomatic mission (embassy), a strategic partner of Singapore, or perhaps through a local contact in the city. A vignette visa can also be applied through the same means, but it would take around three working days to get the same.
Cost
The city-state of Singapore is an expensive city and home to a large number of millionaires. You can find all the luxury and comfort in the world in Singapore, but you will have to pay the price for it. From the hotels and restaurants to the malls and popular tourist spots, get ready to spend money to enjoy the Singapore experience. If you are on a budget, then booking a package that includes accommodation, transportation, and tours may help you save money.
Public Transportation
When traveling to a new city, most of us are worried about transportation. But this should be the last thing on your mind while visiting Singapore. The city-state has a sound transportation system, is well connected, and you can easily take the bus, train, or taxi to go from one place to another. While the bus and metro are quite comfortable, taxis are also popular modes of transport as they are quite economical. However, you may have to pay a surcharge during peak hours. In short, moving around the city is not at all problematic.
Climate
It would help if you remembered that the city has a warm and humid climate throughout the year. So, always pack light and breathable clothes, especially when going on a city tour or maybe to one of the nature parks. There is also a chance of thunderstorms during the day, so it would be best to carry an umbrella when going out.
Safety
The rules and regulations against crimes are very stringent; hence Singapore is an extremely safe city. Man, woman, solo or group traveler, you do not have to worry when walking around the city and its alleys, even in the dead of night. Many travelers have said that they have traveled alone in the town at 3 or 4 AM without issue. The city is almost 100% crime-free
Local Food
There are ample restaurants in Singapore that offer both local and international food. However, if you want to enjoy delicious food without spending too much, you must hit the city’s hawker streets. Just a few Singaporean dollars would reward you with the right amount of delicious local as well as international food. While you would have various dishes to try every day, some of the dishes you must not miss include Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and carrot cake. Moreover, if you want to meet and interact with the locals, this is the perfect place, as most Singaporeans dine at the hawker streets.
Smoking Restrictions
Singapore has designated smoking areas or zones around the city. Public places are out of bounds for smoking, and if you are caught while smoking a cigarette, you will have to pay a hefty fine of $1000. So always look for a designated smoking area before you light up a cigarette.