Singapore
Singapore isn’t just malls, luxe hotels and skyline views—it’s hawker culture, multicultural neighborhoods, super-efficient transport, and city-within-a-garden vibes. Expect smooth arrivals, walkable districts, and family-friendly fun across the island.
Visa & entry rules
Do you need a visa?
Many nationalities are visa-exempt; others (including India) need a visa in advance.
For Indian passport holders (tourist/social visit):
- How to apply: Through a Local Contact in Singapore (who files online) or via Authorised Visa Agents in India. Applicants don’t apply directly to immigration.
- Official fee: S$30 government processing fee (non-refundable). Agents add their own service fee.
- Processing time: Typically about 3 working days (not counting the day of submission, weekends or public holidays). Apply early.
- Validity & stay: A visa isn’t an entry pass. Your actual period of stay is decided on arrival and appears on your Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) emailed to you.
96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF):
Indian nationals transiting Singapore may be eligible for up to 96 hours visa-free if specific conditions are met (including confirmed onward travel within 96 hours and a valid visa/long-term pass for certain third countries). It’s for transit only and can’t be extended.
SG Arrival Card (mandatory, not a visa):
Submit your declaration within 3 days before arrival. After clearing immigration, your e-Pass is emailed to you – no passport stamp is issued.
Automated immigration lanes:
All foreign visitors aged 6+ can typically use automated lanes without prior enrolment. Provide a valid email in your SG Arrival Card to receive the e-Pass.
Health notes: Yellow-fever vaccination is required only if your recent travel history triggers it. Always check current rules before you fly.
Top 5 things to see & do
- Gardens by the Bay – Bay East Garden
A quiet, waterfront green expanse with postcard views of Marina Bay. Open 24/7 and free—perfect for evening strolls or picnics. - Jewel Changi Airport – Rain Vortex
The 40-metre indoor waterfall anchors a lush forest under a glass roof. Even non-flyers visit for dining, sky bridges and photo ops. - Cloud Forest @ Gardens by the Bay
Mist-shrouded walkways around a 35-metre indoor waterfall, rotating floral displays, and cool-climate plants—great year-round. - Singapore Zoo (Mandai Wildlife Reserve)
Loved for naturalistic habitats and close-up primate viewing. Look out for the Komodo dragon, mousedeer, and excellent keeper talks. - Singapore Flyer & Merlion Park
The Flyer is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels with sweeping bay views; the Merlion (8.6 m, ~70 tonnes) remains the classic city snapshot.
Getting around (fares & passes)
- MRT & Buses: Fast, clean, and cashless.
- EZ-Link/NETS stored-value cards: About S$10 to start (card cost plus starter value). Tap in/out on trains and buses.
- Singapore Tourist Pass (STP): Unlimited rides for S$12 (1-day), S$19 (2-day), S$24 (3-day); S$10 refundable deposit when returned within the stated window.
- Ride-hailing: Grab, Gojek and taxis cover late nights, airport transfers, and family travel.
- Walking: Sidewalks are excellent; most sights cluster around Marina Bay, Civic District, and cultural quarters.
Trip budget (mid-range, per person)
- Stay: S$135–S$340/night for good mid-range hotels/guesthouses.
- Eat: S$5–S$10 at hawker centres; S$20–S$70+ at restaurants.
- Move: STP/EZ-Link + occasional ride-hail keeps costs lean.
- Sightsee: Major attractions typically S$25–S$60; bundles/seasonal promos vary.
- Rule of thumb: S$200–S$400/day (≈ US$150–300) covers mid-range travel excluding international flights. Prices change—verify before booking.
When to visit
Equatorial climate year-round (warm, humid; rain in short bursts).
- Dec–Feb: Drier/cooler; peak season.
- Mar–May & Sep–Nov: Comfortable shoulder months with thinner crowds.
- Jun–Aug: Wetter but manageable; often better accommodation value.
Festivals like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas add color and events.