9 countries that require a Singaporean to apply for a travel visa & electronic travel pass

Who needs to fly first class when you have a world-class passport?

With a Singaporean passport, jet-setting around the world has never been easier. Although it may sound glamorous – and it is – make sure to do your due diligence when it comes to travel passes. Don’t find yourself stuck at Changi Airport for hours trying to sort out what documents you need! That would be an absolute travesty.

So before you get too excited, here’s a quick reminder that some countries will require you to apply for a travel visa or electronic travel pass.

Everyone knows the Visa application process can take ages, but if you want your holiday plans to go according to plan, doing some research in advance is key.

In this blog post, we will discuss 9 countries that require a Singaporean to do some travel paperwork. We will also provide information on how to obtain these visas. Let’s get started! 

You might be interested in: 13 essential apps for Singaporeans travelling overseas

Summary

Australia

There’s something about Australia that just screams “adventure.” Maybe it’s the expansive Outback, the dozens of dangerous animals, or the fact that it’s located on the other side of the world. Whatever the case may be, there’s no denying that a trip to Australia is something special.

But hey, surprise, surprise. The country that’s just a stone’s throw away from us requires Singaporeans to apply for a travel visa before entering the country.

How to apply for it?

You will need to apply specifically for electronic travel authority (ETA) subclass 601 via the app (from Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android)) before your travels.

The application process is straightforward and once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your ETA.

Cost & Processing Time

No Visa Application Charge (VAC) but there may be an application service charge of AUD20. You can usually get your ETA within a day or two. But do buffer up to 30 days in advance for ETA application.

Stay

The ETA allows you to stay in Australia for up to 90 days and it is valid for 12 months. You can use the ETA for multiple visits within those 12 months as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days.

You might be interested in: 10 tips for a comfortable road trip in Australia

Bhutan

Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled in the Himalayas between China and India. And while it may be small in size, Bhutan packs a big punch when it comes to scenery, culture, and history.

For visitors, Bhutan is a land of endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains, visiting ancient temples, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside, Bhutan is sure to surprise and delight you.

Singaporeans can only apply the visa through tour operators. The package will typically include accommodation, food, transport, cultural programmes and more. Tour packages are being charged and paid in US dollars.

Canada

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s both breathtaking and budget-friendly, look no further than Canada! From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the glistening waters of the Pacific Coast, this vast country has something for everyone.

And with so many different activities to enjoy, you’ll never find yourself bored. Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests or kayaking along a picturesque coastline, a Canadian vacation is sure to create lasting memories. Just be sure to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before you get to the country border.

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How to apply for it?

You can apply for an eTA online via the Government of Canada website. You will need a valid passport and input your email address.

Once you are done, you will receive an email confirming your eTA.

Cost & Processing Time

It costs CAD7 and the application is approved within minutes.

Stay

Singaporeans are allowed up to a six-month stay and the eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You might be interested in: Heading to Canada? Here Are 75 Canadian English slangs & phrases you must know

India

While India is often known for its outstanding cuisine, there are many other aspects of this vibrant country that are worth exploring. From the Taj Mahal to the Ganges River, India is steeped in history and culture.

But if you’re planning a trip to India, do note that all Singaporeans are required to apply for a travel visa before entering the country- e-Tourist Visa (eTV).

How to apply?

You can apply for the eTV online via the website of the High Commission of India in Singapore. You will be notified via email confirming your eTV.

Cost & Processing Time

e-Tourist Visa fee cost about USD 25 per passenger. You will need to apply 4 days in advance in order to get your eTV on time.

Stay

You can stay up to 30 days in India and it is valid for one year from the date of issue.

New Zealand

When most people think of New Zealand, they immediately think of the Lord of the Rings movies. And while it’s true that the movie sets are worth a visit, there’s so much more to this beautiful country.

The locals are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, and they’re always happy to share their culture with visitors. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a leisurely hike through one of the many national parks.

Now before you drool over your potential vacation you might want to have your Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) ready.

Pretty sure the last thing you want is for the immigration officer to go into Gandalf mode and say “You shall not pass”.

How to apply?

You can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) online via the Immigration New Zealand website or through the mobile app (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android).

You will need a valid passport, your email address and a digital photo of your face.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your eTA.

Cost and Processing Time

The NZeTA costs NZ$17 through the mobile app (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android) and NZ$23 through the website.

In addition to that, Singaporeans will be required to pay NZ$35 for International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. But heads up! That fee is about to jump from NZ$35 to NZ$100 on 1 October 2024—so better get in before the price hike!

Payments are made through the same transaction as the NZeTA.

Processing time takes up to 72 hours.

Stay

The NZeTA allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days and is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can use the NZeTA for multiple visits within that two-year period as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days.

Thailand

If there’s one place Singaporeans love to visit all year round, it’s Thailand! But in the land of spicy tom yum, the last thing you want is to land yourself in hot soup—aka stuck at customs—because you forgot your ETA. 

Wait… what? An ETA for Bangkok?

Yep, fresh off the press! Thailand’s rolling out a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt travellers starting in December 2024, with the full launch by June 2025.

How to apply?

Details are still a bit fuzzy, but you’ll need to head over to the Thai e-visa website.

Cost and Processing Time

The ETA is totally free!

Stay

Once you’re in, you can stay up to 60 days and, if needed, extend your stay by another 30 days at the immigration officer’s discretion.

United Kingdom

Starting January 8, 2025, all non-European nationals will need an ETA to enter the UK. Yep, even if you’re Team Commonwealth, you’ll still need to grab that ETA before stepping foot in the land of tea and crumpets!

How to apply?

The quickest way to apply is through the UK ETA app! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your actual passport (no photocopies, please!)
• Access to your email
• A credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
• You’ll snap or upload photos of your passport and the applicant’s face—no need to worry about travel details!

Cost and Processing Time

Approval takes around 3 working days and it costs about £10.

Stay

Once you’ve got it, your ETA is good for 2 years. You can jet off to the UK as many times as you want during that period!

United States of America

For many visitors, the appeal lies in pursuing the so-called “American dream.” Whether it’s visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or fulfilling a lifelong ambition to see the Grand Canyon, there’s something special about making the trip to the United States.

How to apply?

You can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online via the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

You will need:

• a valid passport(s) from a Visa Waiver Program country.
• valid email address.
• Singapore home address and phone number.
• emergency point of contact phone and email.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your ESTA.

Cost and Processing Time

The fee for the application is USD 21 and you will need to apply at least 72 hours before you fly.

Stay

The ESTA allows you to stay in the United States of America for up to 90 days and it is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can use the ESTA for multiple visits within that two-year period as long as each visit does not exceed 90 days.

Venezuela

If you ask anyone on the street to name a few things that Venezuela is known for, you’re likely to get some interesting answers.

For instance, you might hear that Venezuela is known for its natural beauty, its friendly people, or its delicious food. However, there are a few other things that Venezuela is also famous for. For instance, Venezuela is home to the world’s tallest waterfall, Angel Falls. It’s also the country with the most Miss Universe pageant winners – a whopping seven!

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Venezuela, you might have to jump a few hoops for this.

How to apply?

Submit your visa application and documentation to the Venezuelan Embassy via email with the following:

• Duration of Stay
• Passport
• Photograph
• Proof of travel arrangements
• Proof of employment
• Proof of financial means
• Yellow fever certificate
• Visa application form
• Proof of travel insurance
• Cost and Processing Time

It takes about 3 working days and fees are between SGD47 – SGD150.10. You might still want to apply ahead of time.

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*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.