In a welcome move, Singapore has extended its visa-free transit facility to 96 hours for travellers under certain conditions. This will further boost tourism in the island country.
GB Srithar, Regional Director South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board while talking to reporters in Chennai, said, “Travellers in transit to or from any third country via Singapore may be eligible for 96 hours’ stay under certain conditions such as the travellers should have a valid ticket or other proof of the destination.”
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have given details about the conditions for availing the facility of 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) for Indians and other nationals.
Indian national who are in transit to or from any third country via Singapore may be eligible for the 96-hour VFTF if he meets these requirements:
He may enter Singapore by any mode of transport but depart only via air or sea. The person must have a valid onward air/ferry/cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours; and
The person must have a valid visa/long-term pass (with a validity of at least 1 month from the date of entry into Singapore under the VFTF) issued by any of the following countries:
Australia
Canada
Germany
Japan
New Zealand
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States of America
A visa is considered valid so long as it is good for entry into one of the eight countries listed above. Travellers with Single Journey Visas (SJV) may still be granted VFTF on the return leg of their journey (ie after the SJV is used and no longer valid), but you must:
Travel directly from the country that issued the SJV, en route through Singapore, back to your home country
Not have returned to your home country since you last used the SJV.
However, extension of stay for transit travellers under VFTF is strictly not allowed.
Transit travellers who satisfy the criteria for VFTF will have to meet the prevailing entry requirements before they are allowed entry into Singapore. Assessment for entry is determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry.
Srithar also informed that there has been a consistent increase in the number of people travelling from India to Singapore.
Metro cities of India such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai contributed to the highest number of visitors to Singapore and 4,98,000 travellers visited Singapore last year.
In addition to this, Singapore also received 1,60,000 cruise holiday-makers from India in 2018, making India the top cruise travel source market for Singapore.
Srithar also said that Singapore will open Jewel Changi Airport on April 17. The 10-storey complex will be home to more than 280 shops.
This year, there will be a line-up of exciting activities, events and promotions at Singapore’s hill top destination. Collaborating with Madame Tussaud Singapore, Tollywood actor Mahesh Babu will launch his wax figure there on March 25.
Singapore has also entered into partnership with high consumer-touch brands Paytm and Ola and a music promotional association with music director Ilaiyaraaja.
