Singapore Visa For Indians: Requirements, Fees, Processing Time, And How To Apply

Indian passport holders need a valid Singapore entry visa before travelling to Singapore for tourism, social visits, or business visits. Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority lists India as a visa-required country, which means Indian travellers must apply for a visa before they travel to and seek entry into Singapore.

But a Singapore visa is not the same as permission to stay. The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi explains that a Singapore visa is only pre-entry permission to travel to Singapore and seek entry. The final decision on entry and the duration of stay is made by ICA officers at the checkpoint.

This guide explains the Singapore visa process for Indian citizens, including documents, fees, processing time, SG Arrival Card, transit rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

If you are preparing your travel documents, you can also use Outbound Visa’s Free Visa Tools to organize your passport, visa, arrival card, and travel checklist before departure.

Do Indians Need A Visa For Singapore?

Yes. Indian citizens generally need a Singapore visa before travelling to Singapore.

This applies to short trips such as:

• Tourism

• Visiting Family Or Friends

• Business Meetings

• Short Social Visits

• Attending Events Or Conferences

A visa lets you travel to Singapore and seek entry. It does not automatically decide how many days you can stay. The High Commission states that the visa validity refers to the period where the holder may seek entry into Singapore, while the actual duration of stay is determined by ICA officers at the checkpoint.

The important thing to remember: having a Singapore visa does not guarantee entry. You still need to meet Singapore’s entry requirements, including passport validity, sufficient funds, and onward or return travel if applicable.

Singapore Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens

To apply for a Singapore visa for a business or social visit, ICA lists key documents such as Form 14A, a recent passport-sized colour photograph, and a photocopy of the passport biodata page. The passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Singapore.

For Indian applicants applying through the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi’s process, the listed documents include:

• Duly Completed Form 14A

• Valid Passport With At Least 6 Months Validity On The Date Of Entry

• 2 Passport-Sized Colour Photographs Taken Within The Last 3 Months

• Additional Supporting Documents, If Requested

• Form V39A / Letter Of Introduction, If Required Case By Case

The High Commission also notes that all documents in Hindi, including official notes, should be translated into English.

What Is Form 14A?

Form 14A is the official Singapore entry visa application form. Indian passport holders usually need this form when applying for a Singapore visa for tourism, social visits, or business visits.

ICA lists duly completed Form 14A, signed by the applicant, as one of the required documents for Indian citizens applying for a Singapore visa. The form is officially available on ICA’s website and is issued free of charge.

You can download it from ICA here:

ICA — Form 14A, Application For Entry Visa
https://www.ica.gov.sg/docs/default-source/ica/forms/form14a.pdf

You can also find it from ICA’s downloadable forms page:

ICA — View All Downloadable Forms
https://www.ica.gov.sg/eservicesandforms/all-forms

When completing Form 14A, make sure your details match your passport and travel documents exactly, including:

• Full Name

• Passport Number

• Nationality

• Date Of Birth

• Travel Dates

• Address In Singapore

• Purpose Of Visit

• Signature

A small mistake in Form 14A, such as a wrong passport number or inconsistent travel date, can delay the application. If you apply through an authorised visa agent, they may also give you instructions on how to sign, attach your photo, or submit the form.

What Is Form V39A?

Form V39A is the Letter of Introduction for Visa Application. ICA says this may be requested as an additional supporting document on a case-by-case basis.

You can download it here:

ICA — Form V39A, Letter Of Introduction For Visa Application
https://www.ica.gov.sg/docs/default-source/ica/forms/formv39a.pdf

For Indian applicants applying through the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi’s process, the local contact for Form V39A should generally be a Singapore citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident aged at least 21. For business visits, the local contact should act on behalf of a Singapore-registered business entity.

Not every applicant will need Form V39A, but if your visa agent or Singapore mission asks for it, do not ignore it.

Do Indians Need A Letter Of Introduction For Singapore Visa?

Sometimes.

ICA says additional supporting documents such as Form V39A, also known as the Letter of Introduction for Visa Application, may be required on a case-by-case basis.

For applications handled through the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, the local contact for Form V39A should be either a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident who is at least 21 years old. For a business visit, the local contact must act on behalf of a Singapore-registered business entity. The High Commission also notes that LOIs issued by the applicant’s Embassy or High Commission may be accepted if the applicant cannot secure an LOI from a local contact.

If you do not have a Singapore local contact, check the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi visa page or the official list of authorised visa agents before submitting. They will guide whether Form V39A is needed and what alternative documents may be accepted.

How To Apply For A Singapore Visa From India

Indian applicants generally apply through authorised visa agents listed by the Singapore Overseas Mission, not by walking directly into ICA in Singapore.

ICA says applications can be submitted online through a strategic partner or local contact in Singapore, or at the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or through its authorised visa agent. ICA also advises applicants to apply within 30 days before arrival in Singapore.

A typical process looks like this:

1. Prepare your passport and documents.

2. Complete and sign Form 14A.

3. Prepare your visa photo according to ICA photo rules.

4. Submit the application through an authorised visa agent or eligible local contact.

5. Pay the visa processing fee and agent service fee, if applicable.

6. Wait for processing.

7. Check the result or print your e-Visa if approved.

8. Submit SG Arrival Card before travelling.

9. Carry supporting documents for immigration clearance.

Do not apply through random WhatsApp agents or unofficial websites. Use the official Singapore mission information and authorised visa agent route.

Singapore Visa Fee For Indians

For applications through the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi’s process, the visa processing fee is listed as INR 2,100 per application. The High Commission also says the visa processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or if the applicant withdraws the application after submission.

Authorised visa agents are permitted to charge a service fee of Rs. 1,000 on top of the visa processing fee. All fees are paid when applying for the visa.

Fees can change, so always confirm the latest visa fee and authorised agent service fee before applying.

Singapore Visa Processing Time For Indians

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi states that visa processing generally takes 3 to 5 working days, excluding the date of submission, weekends, and public holidays. Some applications may take longer.

The High Commission also warns that applicants are not required to buy a flight ticket before applying. If an applicant chooses to buy a flight ticket, they bear the risk of loss if the visa is unsuccessful or if the approved visa duration does not match the intended travel date.

A safer approach is to apply early, avoid non-refundable bookings, and keep your travel dates realistic.

Singapore Visa Photo Requirements For Indians

For applications through the High Commission process, the photo should be taken within the last 3 months, be clear and in focus, and measure 35mm wide by 45mm high. It should be in colour, against a plain white background, with full face and upper shoulders visible.

Common photo mistakes include:

• Wrong size

• Coloured or shadowed background

• Blurry image

• Old photo

• Face partly covered

• Glasses glare

• Hair covering eyebrows or eyes

• White clothing blending into the background

If your photo needs formatting, use Outbound Visa’s Free Passport Photo Converter before submission.

Singapore Visa Vs SG Arrival Card

A Singapore visa and the SG Arrival Card are different.

Indian travellers who need a Singapore visa must still submit the SG Arrival Card before arrival. ICA says all travellers must submit SGAC within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival, except those transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance and certain residents entering through land checkpoints.

ICA also makes clear that the SG Arrival Card is not a visa. It is an arrival and electronic health declaration. SGAC submission is free through ICA’s official e-Service or MyICA Mobile app.

The High Commission notes that foreign visitors receive the Visit Pass, or e-Pass, digitally by email, and the e-Pass shows the period of stay granted and the last day allowed in Singapore.

If you need more detail, read our Singapore Arrival Card 2026 guide.

Entry Requirements Indian Travellers Should Prepare

Before flying to Singapore, prepare more than just your visa.

ICA lists general entry requirements for travellers entering Singapore, including minimum 6-month passport validity for non-Singapore passport holders, visa if required, SG Arrival Card submission, and immigration clearance procedures such as biometrics.

Indian travellers should prepare:

• Valid Indian Passport With At Least 6 Months Validity

• Approved Singapore Visa

• SG Arrival Card Submission

• Return Or Onward Ticket

• Hotel Booking Or Host Address

• Proof Of Sufficient Funds

• Travel Itinerary

• Invitation Letter, If Visiting Someone

• Business Invitation, If Travelling For Business

• Valid Email Address For e-Pass Notification

Carry your supporting documents when you travel. ICA officers may ask questions at the checkpoint even if your visa has already been approved.

Can Indians Transit Singapore Without A Visa?

Indian nationals may be eligible for Singapore’s 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility, or VFTF, only if they meet the conditions.

ICA says Indian nationals in transit to or from a third country via Singapore may be eligible for the 96-hour VFTF if they have a valid onward air, ferry, or cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours, and if they hold a valid visa or long-term pass with at least one month validity from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

VFTF is not the same as normal visa-free entry. It is for eligible transit travellers only, and ICA officers decide entry at the checkpoint. Extension of stay under VFTF is strictly not allowed.

Do not rely on VFTF unless your route and documents clearly meet the official conditions.

Example 1: Indian Tourist Visiting Singapore For 5 Days

An Indian passport holder travelling from Delhi to Singapore for a 5-day holiday usually needs a Singapore visa before travel.

A clear file may include:

• Form 14A

• Passport biodata copy

• Visa photo

• Hotel booking

• Return flight booking or itinerary

• Bank statement or proof of funds

• Employment or student proof, if helpful

• SG Arrival Card before departure

The application should show that the trip is short, affordable, and supported by clear travel documents.

Example 2: Indian Traveller Visiting Family In Singapore

If you are visiting family or friends in Singapore, prepare the normal visa documents plus a clearer explanation of where you will stay.

Useful documents may include:

• Host address

• Host contact details

• Invitation letter

• Proof of relationship, if relevant

• Form V39A, if required

• Sponsor proof, if the host is paying for the trip

This is especially helpful if you are not booking a hotel.

Example 3: Indian Business Traveller Going To Singapore

If you are travelling for business meetings, prepare documents that explain the business purpose.

These may include:

• Business invitation letter

• Company letter from India

• Singapore company details

• Meeting schedule

• Proof of employment or business ownership

• Travel itinerary

For business visits, the local contact for LOI should act on behalf of the Singapore-registered business entity, according to the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi.

Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Should Avoid

The most common mistake is thinking the visa alone is enough. A Singapore visa allows you to seek entry, but ICA still decides entry and stay duration at the checkpoint.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Applying Too Early Or Too Late

• Using An Unauthorised Agent

• Submitting An Incomplete Form 14A

• Using A Passport With Less Than 6 Months Validity

• Uploading Or Submitting The Wrong Photo

• Forgetting SG Arrival Card

• Assuming Visa Approval Guarantees Entry

• Buying Non-Refundable Tickets Too Early

• Not Carrying Proof Of Funds Or Return Ticket

• Using A Fake Hotel Booking Or Unclear Host Address

• Relying On VFTF Without Meeting The Conditions

If your case is unclear, compare similar questions in the Outbound Visa Forum. For more complex cases, such as previous refusal, sponsor issues, business travel, unclear funds, or transit confusion, Visa Concierge can help review your application before submission.

Before You Apply: Singapore Visa Checklist For Indians

Before submitting your application, check:

• Your Passport Has At Least 6 Months Validity On The Date Of Entry

• Your Form 14A Is Complete And Signed

• Your Photo Meets ICA Requirements

• Your Travel Dates Are Clear

• Your Hotel Or Host Address Is Ready

• Your Bank Statement Or Funds Proof Supports The Trip

• Your Invitation Letter Or LOI Is Included, If Required

• Your Business Documents Are Ready, If Travelling For Business

• Your Documents In Hindi Are Translated Into English

• You Are Applying Through An Authorised Visa Agent Or Valid Route

• You Will Submit SG Arrival Card Before Arrival

• You Understand That Visa Approval Does Not Guarantee Entry

If you want a basic readiness check, Smart VisaAssist can help review your document list. You can also use Outbound Visa’s Free Visa Tools to organize your travel preparation.

FAQ

Do Indian Passport Holders Need A Visa For Singapore?

Yes. Indian passport holders need a valid Singapore entry visa before travelling to Singapore for short visits, unless they qualify for a specific transit facility.

How Much Is The Singapore Visa Fee For Indians?

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi lists the visa processing fee as INR 2,100. Authorised visa agents may charge a service fee of Rs. 1,000 on top of the visa processing fee.

How Long Does Singapore Visa Processing Take For Indians?

It generally takes 3 to 5 working days, excluding the date of submission, weekends, and public holidays. Some applications may take longer.

Can Indians Apply For A Singapore Visa Online?

Applications can be submitted through authorised visa agents, Singapore Overseas Missions, or eligible strategic partners/local contacts depending on the application route. ICA advises applicants to check the specific visa procedure for the mission they plan to use.

Do Indians Need SG Arrival Card?

Yes, if entering Singapore and seeking immigration clearance. SG Arrival Card should be submitted within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival. It is not a visa.

Does A Singapore Visa Guarantee Entry?

No. A Singapore visa does not guarantee entry. ICA officers decide whether to grant entry and how long you can stay at the checkpoint.

Can Indians Use The 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit Facility?

Some Indian nationals may qualify if they are transiting to or from a third country, have onward travel within 96 hours, and hold a valid visa or long-term pass from specific countries listed by ICA.

Should Indians Buy Flight Tickets Before Applying?

The Singapore High Commission states that applicants are not required to buy a flight ticket before applying, and those who buy one bear the risk if the visa outcome is unsuccessful or the approved visa duration does not match the intended travel date.

Bottom Line

Indian passport holders need a Singapore visa before travelling to Singapore for most tourist, social, and business visits.

Prepare Form 14A, passport copy, recent photo, and any additional documents requested by the authorised visa agent or Singapore mission. Apply within 30 days before arrival, allow around 3 to 5 working days for processing, and remember to submit the SG Arrival Card before travelling.

Most importantly, a Singapore visa is not the final permission to stay. ICA officers decide entry and the actual duration of stay when you arrive in Singapore.

Sources

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore — India Visa Requirements
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa_requirements/visa-detail-page/india

Singapore High Commission In New Delhi — Visa Information
https://new-delhi.mfa.gov.sg/consular-services/visa-information/

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore — SG Arrival Card
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-card

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore — Entering Singapore
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore — Visa-Free Transit Facility
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/visa-free-transit-facility