Every country in the world has certain requirements when it comes to people visiting from abroad, but things can start to get a bit confusing depending on where you're travelling from. At Crown Currency Exchange, we aim to make travel as easy as possible, and today, we're going to be looking at whether or not you need a visa for Singapore when visiting from Australia.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Singapore?
The simple answer to this question is no, you don't need a visa to enter Singapore if you're visiting from Australia, and Australian Citizens can stay in Singapore for up to 90 days without a visa. However, you will need something called an Arrival Card, which is given to you ahead of your visit and needs to be presented alongside your passport when you arrive in Singapore.
What is a Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card was introduced in 2019 with the main purpose of speeding up the process of checking documents and boosting the security of both travellers and Singapore citizens.
Since it was introduced, the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) has become a compulsory requirement for visitors from any country, regardless of whether or not a visa is needed. Those attempting to travel without a Singapore Arrival Card will be denied entry to the country and sent back to the latest previous destination on the next available flight.
What Documents Are Needed to Apply for an Arrival Card to Singapore?
The documents needed to apply for a Singapore Arrival Card are very similar to those you'd need to provide when applying for a visa. These include:
- An Australian passport that still has at least six months left ahead of the expiration date following your departure from Singapore.
- An SGAC application form. This can be found here, and it's very important to make sure all required details are completed correctly.
- Proof of your outbound and return journey. The best thing to provide here is a copy of your airline booking confirmation and tickets.
- Bank statements that prove you're able to support yourself while in Singapore.
- Proof of your vaccinations. This needs to be a yellow fever vaccination certificate as well as other recommended vaccinations, including COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis.
You won't be able to complete your application for a Singapore Arrival Card without this supporting documentation, so make sure you have everything in place before you begin your application.
How Do I Apply for an Arrival Card to Singapore?
Applying for a Singapore Arrival Card is really easy, and as long as you've got all of your supporting documentation together, everything can be completed in five simple steps.
- Apply Online: Head over to the Singapore Arrival Card application website and click on the "Apply Now" button.
- Complete the Form: You'll be asked for certain details, including your passport details, contact information, travel history, and details of your trip to Singapore. It's crucial that you complete these as accurately as possible in order to prevent delays with your application.
- Upload Documents: At this stage, you'll need to scan and upload your supporting documents. All scans should be clear and readable.
- Pay: You'll now need to make payment for your Singapore Arrival Card. This can be done using a credit card or debit card directly on the website.
- Wait: Once you've paid and submitted your application, you'll just need to wait to see if you've been approved. This usually takes between 24-48 hours.
Once your application for a Singapore Arrival Card has been approved, you'll need to print a physical copy of it. While you can show your digital version (a new rule bought in during 2020), it's a good idea to have a physical copy as a backup.
How Do I Check My Singapore Arrival Card Status?
Once you submit your application, it will be looked at by immigration officers, who will decide on the outcome. The wait time for a Singapore Arrival Card is very short and is usually decided within 24-48 hours.
However, if you want to check on the status of your application, you can head to the Singapore Arrival Card application website and search for your application. You'll then find one of the following statuses alongside it:
- Submitted: This means that your application has been received and is pending review.
- Pending Approval: This means a little extra time is required to check the details entered on your form.
- Rejected: This means your application has been rejected, and the reason why will be displayed.
- Approved: This means your application has been approved and is ready for printing.
What Happens When I Arrive in Singapore?
Once your flight has landed in Singapore, you'll need to head to immigration. Here, you'll need to hand over your passport along with your Singapore Arrival Card. Your passport will be scanned, and the details from your Singapore Arrival Card will be added to their system. Once that's done, you'll be allowed to pass through immigration and enter Singapore.
What Happens if I Attempt to Travel to Singapore Without an Arrival Card?
As a Singapore Arrival Card is a legal requirement, anyone attempting to enter Singapore without one will be held at the airport and sent back to their most recent departure point.
Final Thoughts
While you do not need a visa to travel to Singapore from Australia and can remain in the country for up to 90 days without one, you do need a Singapore Arrival Card to gain entry to the country. The application for this is quick and easy, and it is essential that you apply for one, otherwise, you will not be able to pass through immigration at the airport. The wait time on a Singapore Arrival Card is also really short, but we still recommend applying a few weeks ahead of your journey as this allows time to gather your documents and, in the event that there are issues with your application, allows for delays.
We also recommend sorting your spending money for Singapore ahead of your visit, as this means you'll avoid high commission rates at airport currency exchanges. Visit one of our 60+ Crown Currency Exchange's locations nationwide and speak to a member of our friendly team about buying Singapore Dollars (SGD) with no fees today!
