Comprehensive Guide to Singapore Tourist Visa for Indians: Fees, Process & Tips
From futuristic skylines to delicious street food, Singapore offers a perfect mix of culture and modernity. It is no wonder that the island nation has become one of the most loved destinations among Indian travellers. But first, you need to get a Singapore tourist visa for Indians before you can go on your dream vacation to the Lion City.
Singapore Visa Types for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens can broadly apply for three types of Singapore visas. What kind of visa you need will depend on why you want to go to the island nation. Whether you are going on a vacation, a business trip or a short layover, it will determine your Singapore visa type and also the subsequent documentation process, fee and stay duration.
1. Tourist visa
A Singapore tourist visa allows Indian travellers to explore the country for up to 30 days. A tourist visa is offered to people on a vacation or a short visit to meet family and friends in the city.
2. Business visa
Professionals and entrepreneurs traveling for conferences, business meetings or trade purposes have to apply for a business visa. It allows multiple entries and is valid for up to 30 days per visit.
3. Transit visa
Travellers passing through Singapore en route to another country get a Singapore transit visa, which allows a stay of only 96 hours. As you wait for the connecting flight, you can always utilize the transit visa for sightseeing. However, you must provide confirmed onward tickets, valid travel documents and meet entry requirements to ensure a hassle-free transit experience at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Tourists visiting the country usually apply for the Singapore eVisa. You can get it online through authorized visa agents or travel agencies.
What is the Singapore Visa Fees for Indians in 2025?
For Indians, a Singapore tourist visa costs around SGD 30 (which is around Rs 1,900–2,100). However, your travel/visa agent will also charge an additional service charge of around Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
On the other hand, a standard Singapore business visa fee for Indians is around SGD 50 (Rs 3,400 - Rs 3,500). But the Singapore transit visa doesn’t cost anything, as it is only meant to facilitate travel through connecting flights.
What do you need for a Singapore Visa Application?
Before you apply for a Singapore tourist visa, make sure you have properly prepared all your documents. Following is a small checklist of Singapore visa requirements:
1. Passport with at least six months validity
2. Completed visa application form (Form 14A)
3. Two passport-sized photos as per Singapore visa specifications
4. A cover letter
5. Confirmed flight tickets
6. Hotel bookings or other accommodation details
7. Bank statement for the last six months
8. Travel insurance
What is the correct Singapore Visa Photo Size & Requirements?
We often see almost perfect visa applications getting rejected over careless photo submissions. Make sure your photo meets the official Singapore visa photo size requirements i.e. 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (height). Besides, the photo should have a white or light-coloured background, with neutral face expression. It should be taken within the last 3 months and your head should make up for almost 80% of the frame.
We usually recommend our clients to go to a professional to get passport photos and avoid selfies or digitally edited photos at all costs.
What is the Processing Time & Validity for a Singapore Tourist Visa?
The processing time for a Singapore tourist visa for Indians is usually three to five working days. Once approved, your visa is generally valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into Singapore. However, each stay cannot exceed 30 days per visit, unless it is stated otherwise in the application itself.
How can I write a good cover letter for a Singapore visa?
A well-written cover letter strengthens your application by outlining your travel plans, intended stay duration, and financial preparedness. Your cover letter for a Singapore visa should include the following details:
· Personal details, including your passport number and contact info
· Reason for travel
· Trip duration and itinerary
· Accommodation information
· Sponsor details, if you are applying for work visa or visiting family
Indian travellers often find it tricky to write a good Singapore visa cover letter. But it is a lot easier than what we make it in our heads. If you are writing a cover letter for a Singapore tourist visa, just keep it simple and realistic. Ensure all your details are correct and mention the supporting documents like your bank statement, flight tickets, and hotel bookings, and you should be good to go.
To avoid Singapore visa rejection, always double-check your application and documents before submission.
What is the Best Time to Visit Singapore?
It is one of the most frequently asked queries about Singapore. But almost every season has its own charm when it comes to this city state. If you too are wondering about the best time to visit Singapore, you should base your decision on the kind of experience you want.
If you want your journey to be a rich experience of sightseeing and shopping, December to June would allow you to enjoy good weather along with the much-awaited ‘Great Singapore Sale.’
July to September offers you an insight into the city’s cultural festivals like the Singapore Food Festival and National Day celebrations. Meanwhile, a trip between October and November often offers you budget-friendly deals. Besides, if you like your solitude, the two months have a greater chance that you will see smaller crowds and see all the best Singapore places in peace.
If you’re planning a Singapore-Malaysia tour package from Chennai, you should plan your trip between January and April, when both destinations have pleasant weather and clear skies.
Lastly, keep in mind our pro tips for a smooth Singapore visa application.
· Apply early
You should ideally submit your visa application almost three to four weeks before your journey begins.
· Use Authorised Agents
The recent years have seen a significant rise in online travel frauds. To protect yourself, always apply through recognized agents listed by the Singapore High Commission.
· Double-Check Documents
You should always take extra caution and time to ensure all your Singapore visa application details are correct. A small mismatch in details can delay your visa.
· Maintain Sufficient Balance
You have to submit your bank statements for the last three months to show minimum funds and stability. There is no official number, but visa agencies usually recommend keeping at least Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 for the Singapore trip.
Final Thoughts
I am sure getting a Singapore visa sounds like a tedious process. But as you walk through the Marina Bay Sands and take a cable car ride to Sentosa Island, every effort to get a Singapore visa will feel worth it. From world-class dining to spotless streets, everything about this island nation feels effortless and elegant.
Besides, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring you have a seamless experience with your Singapore visa. Plan your trip now, and let our staff at Musafir Baba help you apply for a tourist visa to Singapore.
