Frequently Asked Questions on visa
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Singapore visa applications, validity, extensions, and more.
Last updated 15 April 2026
1. When do I need to submit my visa application?
Answer: You are advised to apply for an entry visa within 30 days prior to arrival in Singapore. It is recommended to submit an application at least one week before a trip during the non-peak season and two to four weeks before a trip during the peak season (i.e. March to May).
2. Does the validity period of visa includes the date of expiry?
Answer: The visa validity period is inclusive of the date of expiry.
3. Can the validity period of visa be amended?
Answer: The visa validity period cannot be amended once the visa has been issued. You may wish to approach an Authorised Visa Agent to submit a new application.
4. Do I need to apply for a new visa if the visa validity period ends before my return date?
Answer: There is no need to apply for a new visa as long as your travel date to Singapore is within the visa validity period.
5. How can I extend my Visa?
Answer: There is strictly no extension of visa validity or change of visa type. You can submit a fresh application upon the expiry or upon utilisation of your current visa. However, please note that each visa application is assessed on its own merits.
6. How to check visa validity?
Answer: The visa validity is printed on the visa.
7. Where can I download my e-Visa?
Answer: You can retrieve your e-visa via the status enquiry with the visa application reference number and travel document number.
8. What if I do not have the visa application reference number?
Answer: Visa application reference number is generated on the acknowledge page when a visa is successfully submitted.
You may wish to contact the Authorised Visa Agent in which you had submitted the application to for the retrieval of visa application reference number.
9. What is the validity period of a Singapore Visa?
Answer: Every application for a visa, including the duration of the visa granted, will be considered on its own merits and subject to approval. Applicants who are applying for the visa online are advised to submit the application about 30 days prior to the intended arrival into Singapore so that the visa validity will be sufficient for the visit.
10. Do I need a visa if I just want to transit in Singapore?
Answer: Passengers who have arrived at Singapore Changi Airport and have been issued with their onward boarding passes for connecting flights out of Changi Airport may remain within the Changi Airport transit area until time for flight departure. Passengers who are able to obtain their onward boarding passes from any of the Transfer Lounges within the transit area can also remain in the transit area. All other passengers should exit the transit area as soon as possible.
We wish to further highlight that most passengers who are arriving on a Low Cost Carrier (LCC) or connecting to a LCC are required to seek immigration clearance and obtain their onward boarding passes in the respective Departure Check-in Hall.
Foreigners who seek immigration clearance will have to satisfy the prevailing entry requirements, which include possessing an entry visa, where applicable.
All passengers are strongly advised to liaise with the relevant airlines before embarking on their journeys. For more information on flights connection and transit facilities/services, please visit the Changi Airport Group's website.
11. How do I transfer my valid visa issued on my old travel document to the new one?
Answer: No, you cannot transfer your valid visa on your old travel document to the new one. You need to apply for a new visa.
12. What is the difference between Multiple and Single Journey Visa?
Answer: If you have been issued with a single journey visa, it only allows you to use the visa once. If you possess a Multiple Journey Visa, there is no limit on the number of times that you can use the visa so long it is within the validity period.
Please note that possessing a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore. Visitors have to satisfy the basic entry requirements before they can be considered for entry into Singapore.
13. What is the difference between visa and visit pass?
Answer: Visitors must note that Singapore visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission for the holder of a valid Singapore visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore. Possessing a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore.
Visitors who are eligible for entry will be issued with visit passes upon arrival. These visit passes determine the number of days that visitors are allowed to stay in Singapore and it is not tied to the validity of your visa.
14. How do I appeal against my visa rejection?
Answer: You are able to submit the appeal within one month from the date of the visa rejection.
Applicant can submit an appeal through the Authorised Visa Agent in which the application was submitted to. Please note that the processing time for appeal is generally 14 working days depending on its complexity. Each appeal is assessed and considered on its own merits.
15. I want to know the reason for my visa rejection.
Answer: ICA do not disclose the reason of rejection due to confidentiality of information. We seek your understanding on this matter.