Do I need a visa to visit Singapore from the UK: Singapore entry guide

Maybe you’re planning a visit to Singapore to reunite with family or friends, attend an international conference, or simply sample some of the world’s best street food. Whatever the case, this comprehensive guide breaks down the visa and entry requirements for the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore.

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Do I need a visa to visit Singapore from the UK?

No. British citizens travelling from the UK can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or a short social visit.¹

You’ll need a visa (or “pass” as it’s referred to in Singapore) if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days.

Non-British passport holders travelling from the UK may also need a visa depending on their nationality.

Entry Requirements for Singapore

All travellers arriving from the UK must submit an electronic SG Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days before their date of arrival. The SGAC has fully replaced the previous paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card.²

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Singapore.

You may need a yellow-fever vaccination certificate if you have recently visited or transited (for more than 6 hours) through a yellow-fever-risk country.

Border officers may also request:

• proof of accommodation (ie, hotel booking or address),
• proof of onward/return travel,
• and/or proof of sufficient funds.

While not always required, it’s a good idea to keep copies of these documents ready.

Be vigilant about what you pack: There is a sizable list of items which are prohibited to bring into the country, including most types of chewing gum.³

In Singapore penalties for drug possession are also severe, and you can be screened for drugs in your system both in transit and at the border.

The final length of stay is granted at the discretion of immigration officers.

Types of visas (“passes”) for Singapore

Here’s a breakdown of the main passes used for working, studying, or staying longer term in Singapore.

Work passes⁴

Singapore offers several types of working passes depending on your role and experience:

• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals in higher-skilled jobs.

• S Pass: For mid-level skilled workers who don’t qualify for the EP.

• Work Holiday Pass (WHP): For eligible students and recent graduates who want to work and travel in Singapore for a limited time.

• EntrePass: For entrepreneurs or founders looking to start and operate a business in Singapore.

• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high-earning professionals or existing EP holders who want more flexibility and are not tied to a specific employer.

Study passes⁵

Even short-term study in Singapore requires a pass. The right one will depend on the course length and institution.

• Short-term study under a Visitor Pass: For short courses (language, executive education, certifications) typically not exceeding 30 days.

• Student’s Pass: Required for full-time degree programmes, diplomas, or long-term courses at recognised institutions.

• Studying on an existing pass: Holders of certain long-term passes (ie. Dependant’s Pass) may study without applying separately.

Long-term stays⁶

If you’d like to stay in Singapore for longer than 90 days and you’re not working or studying, these are the main options:

• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Often used for extended family visits or long stays.

• Dependant’s Pass (DP): For spouses or children of holders of eligible long-term work passes.

How to apply for a visa

The first step to applying for a visa to Singapore is knowing just where you‘ll need to apply.

Work- and study-related passes in Singapore are typically administered by relevant government agencies - a work pass would go through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for example.

For study-related passes, the application is handled by the immigration authorities, but must be initiated by the school or university that admits you.

Work passes and student passes usually require a local sponsor such as an employer or school/university before you can start the application process.

Typical documents you’ll need to apply for any pass in Singapore are:

• A passport valid at least six months
• MOM application form (ie. Form 8 for Employment Pass / S Pass)
• e-Service application (for Student’s Pass, Visitor Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass)
• Authorisation letter (if the employer or education institution is applying on your behalf)
• Proof of identity and civil status
• Proof of education and qualifications

How much does the arrival card or visa cost?

Good news: The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is completely free of charge when you submit it via the official website or app of Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Third party sites may ask for a fee, but this is optional - and unnecessary.

Other typical fees:

• Student’s Pass: S$30 processing + S$60 issuance⁷

• Work / Employment-related Passes: Usually between S$105 and S$225, depending on the pass type⁸

• Long-Term Visit Pass: S$45 processing + S$60 issuance⁶

These aren’t written in stone though: Fees may vary depending on renewal, appeal, or replacement circumstances.

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FAQs

What travel documents do I need for visiting Singapore?¹

You’ll need to fill out an electronic SG Arrival Card within three days before you travel. You’ll also need a UK passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival, proof of onward or return travel (such as a flight ticket) and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.

Can I work or study in Singapore on a short term visitor pass?

No. While British passport holders are visa-exempt for a short stay, using a visitor visa or pass does not allow you to work or study legally in Singapore. You’ll still need to make sure you apply for the correct visa.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Singapore?¹

There are no mandatory vaccinations for visiting Singapore from the UK. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to get a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming directly from a country with a risk of transmission. If you fail to provide proof of this, you could be placed in quarantine or completely denied entry.

Should I use cash or card once I’m in Singapore?

In Singapore, card is king, with over 95 percent of transactions on debit or credit card. Still, it’s common to pay with cash, for example at hawker stands where this method is usually preferred.⁹

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 1-December-2025