Singapore Transit Visa for Indians: Fee, Process & More 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Jul 22,2025

Singapore Transit Visa for Indians: Latest Guide by Experts - TerraTern

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Here is everything you need to know about Singapore transit visa for Indians. Singapore is still a major international hub, particularly for Indian travellers to other parts of the world, destinations like Europe, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia. The world-beating Changi Airport offers one of the most convenient travel experiences; therefore, it is not uncommon that plenty of Indian passengers now travel directly by planning their schedule with Singapore or choosing a longer layover time so they can experience its unprecedented airport services and amenities to the fullest or even have a short sightseeing trip in the city. In this guide, we will get to know Singapore transit visa for indians, Singapore transit visa application online, do indians need a transit visa for Singapore, Singapore transit visa cost, Singapore transit visa requirements, and more.

 

Singapore Transit Visa for Indians in 2025

mARINA bAY STAND sINGAPORE; Singapore Transit Visa for Indians - TerraTern

Singapore remains one of the common stopover points used by Indian travellers on their way to the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, as well as areas within Asia. With its award-winning airport, which is also a destination of global standards with butterfly gardens, cinemas and high-end shopping opportunities, most passengers want to enjoy their transit. But interpreting transit visa requirements to Singapore is a little bit confusing, especially now that the rules are changing and being toughened up in 2025. 

Are you just visiting Changi airside to admire the beauty of it and never leave it on foot, or are you going to get out of Changi and get to know the Lion City at the highest level in the sense of obtaining a tourist visa or a container of pro-energy drink? This article will discuss everything you need to learn about the Singapore transit visa for indians procedure in 2025 as an Indian passport holder. Straightforward visa processing, visa fees, and visa processing time- here is your one-stop for Singapore transit visa application online easily via Visa-Free services such as Visa-Free Transit Facility or VFTF; all the way to the standard/typical visa application procedures.

Also Read: Singapore Visa Photo Requirements: Latest Experts Guide

Do Indians Need Transit Visa for Singapore?

Put simply, no Indian travellers are exempt from a Singapore transit visa when they stay within Changi Airport’s international transit lounge. However, if you intend to leave the airport for sightseeing or need to transit between terminals that call for immigration clearance, you must either:

  • Be eligible for the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), or

  • Obtain a standard Singapore visa prior to travelling.

The visa requirement during transit depends on whether you remain airside or plan to enter the country.

              Transit Scenario    

            Visa Requirement

Remain in the airport’s restricted transit area (airside) 

          A visa is not required.

Leaving the airport while fulfilling the VFTF requirements.   

          No visa, VFTF still valid

Selecting the option to leave the airport outside the VFTF criteria?

                Visa required

 

Facts About Key Transit Visa to Indian Travellers (By July 2025)

Below are the facts about the key transit visa for Indian travellers:

  • VFTF Eligibility Is More Determining: Indian nationals intending to use the Visa-Free Transit Facility are now required to show confirmed onward tickets and a valid 3rd country visa ( e.g. to the US or UK, Canada, Australia, etc.). Immigration officers may permit or deny entry under VFTF and therefore cannot be assured beforehand.

  • Only on the Internet (Standard Visa): Unless you are a VFTF eligible visitor and wish to leave the airport, you will have to use a regular Singapore visa, which can be obtained only online, either by using the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) webpage or at a recruited visa agent. There are no arrival visits.

  • Visa not required to transit the airside: As long as you remain within the restricted transit area (airside) of Changi Airport and you do not clear immigration, you do not need a visa or VFTF, whether you are of Singapore nationality or not, or your layover time is simply a few hours or more. This will only be applicable in case the connecting flight is on the same reservation or airline system. 

Who Qualifies for the 96-Hour Free Transit (VFTF)?

Gardens by the Bay Singapore; Singapore Transit Visa for Indians - TerraTern

To qualify under the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) by Singapore, Indian passport holders are required to satisfy all the following conditions, and it is worthwhile to note the caveats as well: 

   1. Confirmation of Onward Travel in 96 hours

  • A valid flight ticket out of Singapore up to 96 hours before arrival should be provided by the traveller.

  • The one in question should remain a received ticket, which is not open-ended, but onward travel to a third country is clearly indicated.

  • Travels by land or sea (e.g. to Malaysia) are not acceptable under VFTF, unless it is approved under exceptional cases. 

    2. Legal Visa or Residence Permit of Particular Countries  

Should possess a legal visa (single-entry or multiple-entry) or a long-term residence permit granted by the:

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • Japan

  • New Zealand

  • Switzerland

  • United Kingdom

  • Germany

  • United States

The traveler is only required to have a single entry visa which has been utilized already in the event that in case he or she is returning directly to the country. 

 3. Travelling Direction is Important 

You have to be on a journey to or passing through the country that issues visas (given above). For example:  

  • India (USA (Valid)) [As of March 2008]

  • USA = Singapore = India (Also valid)

  • India->Singapore->Thailand (It is not allowed when utilising VFTF, unless returning to a country that issued the Visa) 

 4. Passport Validity

  • The passport should be valid for 6 months after the date of arrival in Singapore.

  • Damaged or fake passports can also lead to rejection of travel even when other prerequisites have been fulfilled. 

 5. Evidence of Good Faith Money

  • The officials might also be requested to produce evidence of financial status to sustain the stay and further travel to the country.

  • This may consist of credit/debit card, cash or bank statements.

  • This can be assessed fully at the discretion of the immigration officers. 

6. No History of Immigrant Offences

  • A traveller can be disqualified due to previous violations or overstaying in Singapore or other nations.

  • The better travelling record gives weight and minimises the possibility of rejection.

Also Read: Nurse Salary in Singapore: Experts Complete Pay Guide

 

When Do You Need to Apply for a Singapore Transit Visa?

Aerial shot of buildings near ocean; Singapore Transit Visa for Indians: TerraTern

To apply for a Singapore transit visa, you need to:

  • You must apply for a standard Singapore transit visa in the following circumstances:

  • You do not fulfil the VFTF requirements.

  • You have a layover that exceeds 96 hours.

  • You must collect your baggage or move between terminals outside the transit area.

How to Apply Online Singapore Transit Visa for Indians: Step-by-Step Process 2025

The procedure of obtaining a Singapore visa online is as follows:

1. Prepare Required Documents:

  • Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Completed Singapore visa application Form 14A
  • Recent passport-sized photographs as per specifications
  • Confirmed onward and return flight tickets
  • Bank statement (minimum INR 50,000, recent)
  • Cover letter explaining travel purpose (on company letterhead if self-employed)
  • Other supporting documents as required by agents.

2. Apply Through Authorized Visa Agents:

  • Direct applications to Singapore missions in India are generally not accepted.
  • Submit application via authorised travel/visa agents.

3. Pay Visa Fees:

  • Standard visa fee is SGD 30 (~INR 1,800-2,500) non-refundable.

 

4. Track Application Status Online:

  • Use the details given by agents or the ICA online portal to track progress.

5. Receive E-Visa and Print:

  • Upon approval, print the e-visa to carry during travel.

Singapore Transit Visa Requirements for Indians in 2025

Waterfall inside Singapore airport; Singapore Transit Visa for Indians - TerraTern

 The documents to be submitted for a Singapore transit visa are:

  •  Form 14A duly filled.

  • 6+ months passport.

  • Two recent passport-size faces.

  • Confirmation ticket for the onward flight.

  • Accommodation proof (where applicable).

  • Bank statement/ proof of funds.

  • Other supporting documents, such as a third-country visa (unless ineligible VFTF).

Singapore Transit Visa Cost for Indians in 2025

The Singapore transit visa cost is illustrated below:

  • Standard Transit Visa (Single Entry): SGD 30 (not refundable)

  • VFTF: It is free

  • Processing Time: Standard Visa: An average of 3-5 working days, but it can be extended during peak seasons.

Note: The VFTF is not applied in advance: eligibility is decided at entry.

  • Borders: Temporary and Exit Visas; No:

  • Singapore has no visa on arrival or temporary exit passes: You should come with the right visa, or be VFTF qualified.

  • Validity of Passport: To be able to enter Singapore by air, your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry to Singapore.

  • COVID-19 (status as of July 2025): Changi Airport is not conducting any COVID-19 vaccination-related travel inspections or needs for transit passengers. This can, however, change with health advisories in the future. 

Also Read: How to Get a Job in Singapore from India? Latest Guide

Latest Cost and Processing Time of Singapore Transit Visa for Indians in 2025

Prior to scheduling your transit across Singapore, you need to know the possible expenses and the duration it takes to get a transit visa. Although most travellers can enjoy the advantages of visa-free transit services, travellers who actually need a visa must know about application fees, necessary documents, and the approximate length of time taken to get approval, so that they do not miss the ability to continue their off-track travelling.

                Item            

                          Cost

Standard Visa Fee  

  30 SGD (~INR 1,800-2,500)

Processing Time    

  It will take 3-5 working days.

The Second Agent Fees  

      Dependent on the agent

VFTF Cost 

                  Free

Hint: To beat the delay, launch the application no less than 7 working days prior to travelling.  

Singapore Transit Visa Requirements for Indians in 2025

The Singapore transit visa requirements are:

   

Requirement                                                          

      For VFTF 

  In the standard visa case

Her Valid Passport(6+ months) 

Yes 

                    Yes

Confirmed ticket Onward 

Yes    

                    Yes

Third Country Visa 

Yes 

                      No

Financial Proof   

Yes  

Yes

Accommodation Proof ;

No     

Yes (optional)

Application form (14A)

No

Yes

 VFTF Restrictions Limitation for Singapore Transit Visa for Indians

  •  One way only - not to be used towards the second leg.

  • Exactly not more than 96 hours - otherwise, there are penalties.

  • No extensions are accepted.

Indian Experience in Transit at Changi Airport

With the introduction of VFTF or a regular visa, Indian travellers will enjoy a smooth journey through the Changi Airport:

  • Express immigration queues.

  • Biometrics are needed.

  • Shopping, sleeping pods, gardens and free Wi-Fi.

  • People on VFTF have to undergo manual immigration queues.

Latest Updates & Key Facts (2025): Why You Must Read This Guide? 

  • New Rules (2025): The 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for Indians has been updated with tighter eligibility checks at entry.

  • Online Applications: Standard Singapore entry visas (required if ineligible for VFTF) must be applied for online via authorised agents or with a Singapore contact via ICA.

  • No Transit Visa for Airside: If staying within the airport, no visa or VFTF process is required for Indians.

  • Singapore Transit Visa Fees: The fee for a standard Singapore visa is SGD 30; VFTF has no fee.

  • Quick Processing: Average visa processing time for Indians is 3-5 working days.

  • Documents Strictly Verified: Proof of onward ticket and a valid visa for a third-country destination is mandatory for VFTF.

  • VFTF One-Time Use: VFTF is only valid for one leg of your journey (not both directions).

  • No Visa on Arrival: Singapore doesn’t offer a “transit visa on arrival” for Indians.

  • COVID-19 Update: No extra COVID-19 travel checks for transit as of July 2025.

Also Read: Hotel Job Vacancy in Singapore: New Guide & Insights

 

Conclusion

To conclude, travelling to and through Singapore as an Indian national is usually not a challenging process, provided you know the current regulations and act in light of them. When staying in the transit area of the airport and do not actually get out of the airport after passport control, no visa is necessary, and when waiting for the next flight, you are free to wait. To the travellers who are interested in getting out of the airport during a small break of transit, the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) meets some of their interests but only under the conditions that you have a valid visa of a third country (like the US, UK or Australia) and that you have all the other requirements. 

Hope this guide helped you with Singapore transit visa for indians, Singapore transit visa apply online, do indians need transit visa for Singapore, Singapore transit visa cost, Singapore transit visa requirements, and more.

To get assistance for a Singapore visa and to immigrate to Singapore, contact TerraTern right away!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the status of my Singapore transit visa application?

You can check the status of your Singapore transit visa application through the authorized visa agent you submitted your application with, as they usually provide updates and tracking facilities. If you applied online and received a unique application reference number, you can also track the status on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) official website by entering your passport number, application reference, and date of birth. Typically, the visa processing time takes around 3 to 5 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays, so checking with your agent or through ICA’s portal will give you the latest update on your application.

Is the Singapore transit visa your transit visa?

Yes, Singapore does not have a separate transit visa category. Instead, the standard Singapore tourist visa is used when you need to transit through Singapore and want to leave the airport or stay temporarily in the city. If you are merely changing flights without clearing immigration and you qualify for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), you may not require any visa at all. However, in cases where you plan to enter Singapore even for a short duration during transit, holding a valid Singapore tourist visa acts as your transit visa.

But what would happen to Indian travellers in case of an overstay of a transit visa?

Overstaying a Singapore transit or tourist visa can lead to serious consequences. Indian travelers who overstay may be subjected to monetary fines based on the length of the overstay. In severe cases, authorities may detain or deport the individual, and the overstay can lead to blacklisting, where future visa applications to Singapore might be denied. It is essential to comply with the visa validity period and leave Singapore on or before the expiry date to avoid these penalties and complications.

Is there any way my Singapore transit visa can be extended?

No, Singapore does not allow extensions on short-term transit or tourist visas, including the Visa-Free Transit Facility. Travelers must exit Singapore within the visa or transit facility validity period granted at entry. Extensions are generally not granted except under extreme situations such as serious medical emergencies, which must be supported by valid official documentation. In normal circumstances, you should plan your travel to avoid overstaying.

When flying into one Singapore airport and out of another do I require an additional transit visa?

Singapore has only one major international airport, Changi Airport, which consists of multiple terminals (Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 4 along with Jewel Changi). Since all terminals are part of the same airport complex, you do not require an additional transit visa if you are transferring between terminals within Changi. However, if you intend to exit the airport, you need to have a valid visa or qualify for the Visa-Free Transit Facility. There is no situation where you would need an additional transit visa for flying in and out of different Singaporean airports because no other international airport operates in Singapore.