Singapore passport holders: this is your one-stop guide to arrival cards, entry requirements, and electronic travel authorisations for your fav holiday destinations!
For years, Singapore has consistently ranked among the world’s most powerful passports — making it easy to travel overseas without a visa.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that you only need to present your passport at immigration. In reality, there are still a few hoops you have to jump through to enter some countries.
Plus, travel entry requirements for tourists are constantly evolving. For instance, Thailand introduced its Digital Arrival Card in May 2025, while many other countries are rolling out electronic travel authorisations similar to the one used in the US.
So here’s a quick compilation of entry requirements for popular travel destinations, to help you avoid any airport mishaps!
Travel entry requirements for visa-free countries
As a rule of thumb: make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before flying anywhere, since most countries disallow entry if you don’t meet that requirement.
China
Visa-free duration: Up to 30 days
To enter China, you must fill out the physical PRC Immigration Arrival Card, which will be given to you upon arrival at the airport.
However, if (1) your point of entry is Hainan, and (2) you’re only staying within Hainan, then you do not need to fill this out.
Indonesia
Visa-free duration: Up to 30 days
Starting 1 Sep 2025: All Singaporean travellers visiting Bali, Batam (via ferry), and Jakarta must submit an All Indonesia Arrival Card within 3 days of arrival in Indonesia.
For Bali travellers: You must pay a tourist tax worth Rp150,000 (~S$12).
Malaysia
Visa-free duration: Up to 30 days
All international travellers must submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days prior to arrival in Malaysia.
But for Singaporeans, there’s no need to submit an MDAC at all entry points — although you can still do it for peace of mind, just to leave a digital record.
You can also use the automated e-gates instead of queueing at manual immigration counters, making it easier than ever to cross the border!
Read also: Most Commonly Asked Questions About Travelling to Johor from Singapore
Taiwan
Visa-free duration: Up to 30 days
Starting 1 Oct 2025: Singaporean travellers must submit a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within 3 days of arrival in Taiwan. This replaces paper-based arrival cards, making it more convenient to get through immigration and customs!
Thailand
Visa-free duration: Up to 60 days
Starting May 2025: All international travellers must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days of arrival in Thailand. You will receive an acknowledgement e-mail after you submit your TDAC, which you may be asked to present at the immigration counter.
Vietnam
Visa-free duration: Up to 30 days
There are no additional requirements to enter Vietnam besides your passport with 6 months of validity. Hooray! 🥳
*Pro-tip: Skip the queues for immigration and customs at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, or Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi by booking the Fast-Track service.
Countries that require an electronic travel authorisation
Australia
Singaporean travellers need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the official app to enter Australia. After approval, you can use the automated gates at immigration upon entry and exit — up to 90 days at a time.
How to apply: Download the AustralianETA mobile app (iOS / Android) and fill out the form
Validity period: 1 year, with stays of up to 90 days
Cost: AU$20 (~S$17)
Processing time: 1 to 3 working days
Canada
Photo credit: Rikin Katyal via Unsplash
Getting a Canada eTA is easy, as approval usually only takes a few minutes. And even better: it’s valid for 5 years, so you don’t have to re-apply so soon if you plan to visit multiple times within that timeframe.
How to apply: Fill out the Canada eTA form on the Canada Government official website
Validity period: 5 years, with stays of up to 180 days
Cost: CA$7 (~S$6.50)
Processing time: Within minutes to a few working days
Europe
Starting Q4 2026: Singapore passport holders will need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before travelling to most countries in Europe and the Schengen area. Do check the official website for updates.
How to apply: Fill out the form on the official website
Validity period: 3 years, with stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Cost: €20 (~S$30)
Processing time: Up to 4 working days
Japan
Visa-free duration: Up to 90 days
Travellers need to submit an Arrival Card to immigration once they land in Japan. You can fill this out physically at the airport, but we recommend completing it online before your flight to skip the queues.
Starting 2028: Japan has announced the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), a new online travel pre-approval system for travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Singapore.
You will need to apply for the JESTA before entering Japan, even for short-term stays. Details such as application fees, validity period, and exact rollout date have yet to be confirmed, so stay tuned!
New Zealand
New Zealand is the gateway to many thrilling activities, and of course, the Lord of the Rings shooting locations! If you’re planning to visit, apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which should be approved within 3 days.
Also, don’t forget to fill out and submit your Travel Declaration Form, at least 24 hours before you arrive.
How to apply: Fill out the form in the NZeTA mobile app (iOS / Android), or the official website
Validity period: 2 years, with stays of up to 90 days
Cost: NZ$17 (~S$13) on the mobile app, NZ$23 (~S$17) on the official website
Processing time: Up to 3 working days
South Korea
Singaporean travellers are required to apply for the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter South Korea. However, there are exemptions currently in place, till 31 December 2025.
That said, you must still submit the Korea Electronic Arrival Card within 3 hours of your arrival.
How to apply: Fill out the form on the official website
Validity period: 3 years, with stays of up to 90 days
Cost: ₩10,000 (~S$9)
Processing time: Up to 3 working days
United Kingdom
From 8 Jan 2025: Singaporean passport holders travelling to the United Kingdom need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation before they can enter the country.
How to apply: Download the UK ETA mobile app (iOS / Android) and fill out the form
Validity period: 2 years, with stays of up to 180 days
Cost: £16 (~S$28)
Processing time: Up to 3 working days
Read also: UK ETA Guide — Who Needs It and How to Apply for this New Travel Requirement to Enter the UK in 2025
United States
Since Singapore is one of the countries under the Visa Waiver Program, you can simply apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and have it approved, to enter the United States.
How to apply: Fill out the form in the ESTA Mobile app (iOS / Android) or the official website
Validity period: 2 years, with stays of up to 90 days
Cost: US$40 (~S$52)
Processing time: Up to 1 working day
Full list of travel entry requirements in the world
Want to visit a country that’s not on our list? Check out travel entry requirements for all countries on Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Meanwhile, read up on our detailed travel guides and itineraries to help you plan your trip. We also have guides specifically for first-timers and travellers on a budget — so do give them a shot!
Any questions about a country’s travel entry requirements? Let us know in the comments below!
