Do I Need A Visa For Singapore From Australia
You’ve probably heard that Singapore is one of the most exciting places to visit in Southeast Asia. While there’s no denying it’s an enchanting destination, many Western tourists are surprised to discover that you don’t actually need a visa for Singapore if you’re Australian or American.
If you are traveling from Australia to Singapore and you’re hoping to get a visa on arrival, this article is especially for you. It will give you clear answers to both of the following questions:
Visitors from the UK and EU don’t need to apply for an ETA visa before travelling. But everyone else needs a visa. And yes, that includes Australians. Find out what documents you’ll need and how to get a visa for Singapore after reading this article.
Do I Need A Visa For Singapore From Australia
Available Visas for Australian Passport Holders
In 2019, the Singapore Arrival Card (or just SGAC) was introduced by the government of Singapore for a few reasons. It speeds up the process of checking travel documents while boosting the security of citizens and travellers as well.
Since its introduction, it has been a compulsory entry requirement for any traveller who would like to visit the Republic of Singapore. Thus, without a valid SGAC, travellers will be denied entry to Singapore.
It is important to note that it is a separate travel document and should not be confused with one of the Singaporean visas available. Thus, just because a traveller has an SGAC is no guarantee that he/she will be allowed to enter Singapore. In other words, even if a traveller has applied for a Singapore Arrival Card successfully, his/her visa requirements will remain unchanged.
Do Australian Travellers Require an SG Arrival Card to Enter Singapore?
Yes, for all Australian nationals travelling to Singapore a Singapore Arrival Card will be mandatory, even though they may travel to Singapore without a visa. This electronic service is used to share crucial travel and identity details with the government of Singapore prior to the traveller arriving in Singapore.
In the past, a disembarkation/embarkation card for Singapore was used. This system used paper and has been replaced by the electronic SGAC which is much more convenient, safer and kinder to the environment.
May All Australian Citizens Apply for an SGAC?
On condition that an applicant fulfils all the requirements of the Singapore Arrival Card, any Australian national is free to apply for this travel document prior to departing for Singapore. Thus, any visa-free traveler, online visa visitor or traditional paper visa holder from Australia is welcome to complete the application process.
How Can an Australian Citizen Obtain a Singapore Arrival Card?
The process to apply and get a Singapore Arrival Card is fast and simple. The application process has been created in such a way that applicants will need only a few minutes to complete the online application process. What is more, applicants will only have to upload a few documents. These documents include the following:
- A passport issued by the government of Australia
- A credit/debit card that can be used to pay the application fee via the Internet
- An application form for an SGAC that has been completed accurately
- Evidence of return/onward travel plans
- Proof of vaccinations
- Evidence of financial means (bank statements can be used) that shows that the traveller can support himself/herself while in Singapore
Firstly, it is important that any traveller from Australia who wishes to apply checks that he/she is indeed in possession of a passport. Travellers are reminded to double-check the expiration date of their passport specifically as the document must still be valid for six months after they have left Singapore. If an applicant’s passport will expire during their intended stay in Singapore, he/she will have to apply for a new passport prior to submitting the online application for a SGAC.
Once the applicant has double-checked that his/her passport is in order, the online application can be started. Travellers will be asked to complete an online questionnaire truthfully, upload a copy of the bio page of their passport (other supporting documents might also be requested) and pay a processing fee online.
While it is possible to help a friend or relative to complete the application, each traveller will have to submit his/her request individually.
How Long Will Australian Nationals be Allowed to Stay in Singapore?
The type of visa, instead of the Singapore Arrival Card, will determine for how long foreign travellers from Australia may stay in Singapore. Singapore has agreements in place with many countries allowing their citizens to stay in Singapore for as long as 30 days (in some cases up to 90 days) visa-free.
What Is the Processing Time on Average When Applying From Australia
In a matter of a couple of days the majority of Singapore Arrival Card applications will be processed successfully. In fact, some applications could get the green light in as little as a few hours.
While the processing time is generally quick, citizens from Australia are still urged to submit an application for an SGAC at least five working days prior to their planned arrival date. This is an extra safety measure in the event that there is a delay. Public holidays and/or incomplete application forms can, for instance, cause delays.
If the applicant has provided inaccurate answers, the application could get denied altogether. Therefore, travellers are also reminded to double-check their answers carefully before submitting to ensure that everything can be processed as quickly as possible.
