The LATEST Singapore Travel Entry Requirements: Custom Regulations, Tourist Visa Requirements & MORE

What are the requirements to travel to Singapore, what documents do I need to enter Singapore, what are the requirements to enter Singapore? What are the important changes to Singapore travel entry requirements, Singapore requirements for entry, Singapore tourist visa requirements, Singapore tourist entry requirements in 2025? Let’s find out the answers before you set off in this post below!

Singapore is one of the most attractive tourist and business destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, to have a smooth and trouble-free trip at the border, visitors need to clearly understand the immigration process, from passport and visa requirements, to SG Arrival Card declaration and other customs regulations.

Don’t worry, just prepare fully, you can easily pass the border and enjoy your journey to explore the Lion Island without any trouble!

Singapore travel entry requirements: Documents to Prepare When Entering Singapore

Before arriving in Singapore, you need to make sure you have prepared all the necessary documents to avoid wasting time when doing procedures at the border or airport. Here are the mandatory items when entering Singapore.

Passport Valid for at least 6 months

Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore. If your passport is about to expire, you should renew it in advance to avoid being refused entry or having difficulty with immigration procedures.

Do Vietnamese Tourists Need a Singapore Tourist Visa?

Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visas when staying in Singapore for less than 30 days. If you come from a country that requires a visa and are only transiting in Singapore for less than 96 hours, you may be eligible to use the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) to enter without a visa. You can check if you need a visa on the official website of ICA Singapore!

SG Arrival Card – Online Arrival Declaration

SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory declaration that all visitors must complete before entering Singapore.

• Declare SGAC within 3 days before arriving in Singapore.
• Do it online via SGAC e-Service or MyICA app.
• It’s free, no service fee required.
• If you do not declare SGAC before your flight, you may be refused entry or have to spend time doing additional procedures at the airport.

However, if you are a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, long-term pass holder or a tourist transiting at Changi Airport, you do not need to prepare an SG Arrival Card.

Immigration Check Process at Singapore Airport

Trick Eye Museum Ticket at Southside Sentosa in Singapore

After landing in Singapore, you will enter the immigration process with mandatory checks. If you have prepared all the documents, you can complete the procedure within 10 – 30 minutes. Below are some things to note for a smooth entry, without wasting time waiting.

Biometric Check Upon Entry to Singapore

SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport Singapore

Singapore uses biometric recognition technology to ensure a fast and secure immigration process. When you arrive at the immigration checkpoint, you will need to:

• Fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning as required by customs.
• If you have been registered for the Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI) from your previous entry, you can go straight to the automated lane without going through manual screening.

Present Required Documents at the Immigration Counter

At the screening counter, the customs officer will ask you to provide:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• QR code of SG Arrival Card (declared before the trip).
• Visa (if required to apply for a visa before entering).

You may also be asked about the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, or your hotel address. Make sure the information you provide matches the information on your SG Arrival Card to avoid further checks.

Although not always checked, in some cases, customs may ask you to present:

• Sufficient funds for the duration of your stay, especially if you are traveling independently.
• A return ticket or onward ticket to ensure you do not overstay.

Usually, it only takes about 10-30 minutes to complete the entry steps. However, if you travel during peak season, the check-in counter may be quite crowded, causing you to wait longer. After successfully entering the country, you will move to the baggage claim area and customs check.

Singapore Customs Regulations You Need to Know

After completing the entry procedures, you will proceed to the customs check-in area. Singapore has very strict regulations on goods you carry, so you need to understand them to avoid being detained or fined.

What Kinds of Goods Do You Need to Declare When Entering Singapore?

5G eSIM Singapore | Starhub

If you are carrying the following items, you are required to declare them to Singapore Customs:

• Goods with a value exceeding the duty-free limit or goods subject to GST (Goods and Services Tax).
• Cash or financial instruments with a total value of more than SGD 20,000.
• Controlled goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, fresh food or animal products.
• Prohibited goods, including fireworks, weapons, e-cigarettes and pirated products.

If you are carrying the above items, you need to enter the red lane at the customs area and declare the information fully.

Types of Duty-Free Goods & Duty-Free Limits in Singapore

If you are entering Singapore by air or sea, you may bring certain items duty-free with the following limits:

• Alcohol: A maximum of 2 litres of alcohol in total (a combination of spirits, wine and beer).
• Personal goods: Duty-free for goods worth less than SGD 500 (for visitors staying in Singapore for less than 48 hours) or SGD 100 (if staying for less than 48 hours).

(*) Tobacco is not duty-free. If you bring tobacco, you must declare and pay the duty as prescribed.

(*) E-cigarettes, shisha and electronic smoking devices are not allowed into Singapore.

Tips for Quick Customs Declaration in Singapore

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• You can declare before arrival via the Customs@SG app to save time at the airport.
• If you have not declared in advance, you can still go through the red lane customs area upon entry.

Red Lane or Green Lane?

• Red lane: If you are carrying goods that need to be declared or have a value exceeding the duty-free limit.
• Green lane: If you are not carrying goods that need to be declared.

Types of Goods Prohibited from Entering Singapore

Singapore has very strict regulations on imported goods to protect security, the environment and public health. If you violate, you may be fined, have your goods confiscated or even prosecuted. Below is a list of prohibited items that you should not bring when entering Singapore.

Drugs and stimulants

All types of drugs, addictive substances such as heroin, cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs (MDMA, methamphetamine) are absolutely prohibited. Singapore applies the death penalty for transporting or trafficking drugs, even in small amounts.

Weapons, ammunition, explosives & toxic chemicals

Guns, ammunition, grenades, fireworks, smoke bombs and any type of explosives are prohibited from entering the country. Knives, swords, batons, tasers, pepper sprays are only allowed with a valid permit. Toxic substances, dangerous chemicals, pesticides, flammable gasoline are strictly controlled.

E-cigarettes & related products

E-cigarettes (vapes), vape juices, nicotine pods, IQOS are absolutely prohibited in Singapore. Violators can be fined up to SGD 10,000 or imprisoned for up to 6 months.

Pornographic items & reactionary documents

Books, newspapers, magazines, movies with pornographic content are prohibited from entering the country. Documents, leaflets, banners with content opposing the Singapore government or inciting violence are also not allowed to be brought in.

Counterfeit goods, counterfeit goods & copyrighted goods

Handbags, shoes, clothes that imitate major brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Nike, Adidas…) can be confiscated at the airport. CDs, DVDs, and unlicensed software are also prohibited.

Wildlife & Animal Products

Ivory, tiger skin, rhino horn, turtle shells, and other products derived from wildlife are prohibited. Uninspected animal meat, poultry, and seafood are also not allowed into Singapore.

Chewing Gum

The import and sale of chewing gum is strictly prohibited, except for certain types of medical chewing gum that require special permits. If you are found carrying an invalid chewing gum, you may be fined up to SGD 100,000 or imprisoned for up to 2 years.

Counterfeit Money & Fraudulent Documents

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Counterfeit money, counterfeit checks, and counterfeit bank statements are prohibited. Forged documents such as fake passports, fake driving licenses, and fake identity cards may result in criminal prosecution.

Stay Regulations & Things to Know When Staying in Singapore

After successfully entering the country, you will need to comply with some important regulations during your stay in Singapore. This island nation is famous for its strict policies on tourism, accommodation and public activities, so make sure you understand them to have a smooth trip.

Maximum Stay Period & Visit Pass Extension

Skyline Luge Singapore Ticket

• Upon entry, visitors will be issued a Visit Pass with the stay period clearly stated in the e-Pass (which can be looked up on the e-Pass Enquiry Portal).
• Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visas for stays of less than 30 days but are not allowed to work or do business in Singapore.
• If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a Visit Pass extension online via ICA’s e-Service before your current stay period ends.

(*) Note: Overstaying is against the law and may result in fines or deportation.

Important Notes During Your Stay In Singapore

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Singapore is one of the countries with the strictest legal systems in Southeast Asia. Here are some important regulations that visitors need to follow:

• No eating or drinking on public transport: The MRT and bus systems in Singapore prohibit eating and drinking, and violations can result in fines of up to SGD 500.
• No littering or smoking in public places: Fines for littering or smoking in violation of regulations can be up to SGD 1,000 for the first offense.
• No chewing gum: The import and consumption of chewing gum are strictly restricted to maintain public hygiene.
• No work allowed when entering the country as a tourist: Even if you have the opportunity to work short-term, you still need to apply for a valid Work Pass before starting work.

Regulations on Exiting Singapore

Mandai Wildlife Reserve Multi-Park Ticket

• When leaving Singapore, you do not need to go through the exit procedures at the customs counter, but you need to use the automated control lane or present your passport at the exit gate.
• If you have registered for the Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI), you can go straight through the automated lane to save time.
• Singapore Customs also strictly checks carry-on luggage when leaving the country, especially alcohol, tobacco and high-value goods.

Understanding the regulations on residence will help you avoid unnecessary troubles during your trip. As long as you comply with the entry requirements and comply with the regulations in Singapore, you can fully enjoy a complete journey without worrying about breaking the law. If you have any questions, please refer to the official website of ICA Singapore.

Famous Tourist Destinations in Singapore You Shouldn’t Miss

Singapore has countless interesting and attractive entertainment venues, not only famous high-end shopping centers or sparkling restaurants and hotels, but it also has cultural and historical destinations and nature reserves that are friendly to everyone.

Changi Airport Singapore

Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Ticket in Singapore

Changi is one of the most perfect 5-star airports in the world. It converges all the attractions, entertainment areas, hotels, entertainment and dining. There are even waterfalls and tropical forests inside and is a unique attraction that anyone coming to Singapore must come here to explore.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck

Located next to Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands is a destination that anyone coming to Singapore will check-in. This place is a shopping, resort and casino complex including 3 magnificent 57-storey towers. This is definitely a must-try experience for anyone who wants to see the skyline of the entire city. Marina Bay Sands Singapore is considered a symbol of a luxurious and majestic Singapore in the eyes of the world.

Gardens By The Bay Singapore

Gardens by the Bay Ticket in Singapore

Gardens By The Bay is also a place on the wishlist of most tourists when coming to Singapore. This is a favorite virtual living place because there are countless photo angles as well as super beautiful scenery, most notably the giant waterfall of Cloud Forest or the “super tree” area Supertree Grove.

In addition, Flower Dome is also an area that always changes with the seasons and occasions so you can admire and enjoy strange varieties of trees and flowers around the world. Don’t forget to enjoy the music and the night view as well as go to OCBC Skyway to walk among the trees and admire the view from above!

S.E.A Aquarium Singapore

Singapore Oceanarium Ticket

S.E.A Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is home to more than 100,000 different marine creatures from over 1,000 species. This place is not only a favorite place for children but also a place that adults love to visit, you will be able to explore 9 separate areas as well as participate in exciting interactive experiences with lovely marine creatures.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore Ticket

If you come to Singapore without going to Universal Studios Singapore, it will be a huge regret. Not only famous for its childhood characters, this place also has countless interesting games suitable for those who like strong feelings or fun, gentle games.

Above is an article guiding the procedures for entering Singapore in 2025. You need to note that the regulations and instructions for entering Singapore may change frequently. So don’t forget to update the latest information and notes on official websites!

Entering Singapore is simpler than you think! Do you understand the latest procedures for entering Singapore?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to

• Sentosa FUN Pass
• [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
• Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore
• S.E.A. Aquarium™ One-Day Ticket
• ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass
• Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets in Singapore
• Singapore Flyer Tickets
• Skyline Luge Singapore: Skyline Luge & Skyride
• Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck or Sampan Ride
• Adventure Cove Waterpark™ One-Day Ticket
• Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close, Omni Theatre
• Singapore River Cruise
• Madame Tussauds Singapore Ticket
• Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
• Klook Pass Singapore
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: The ultimate Singapore travel guide.