Traveling to Singapore from Thailand
If you’re looking to travel to Singapore, there are many routes to take to get into the country from Thailand thanks to their proximity to one another. Whether you’re visiting short-term or planning an extended stay, understanding the different ways of getting there from Thailand is necessary to plan your trip efficiently and avoid delays.
This page will explain how to easily travel from Thailand to Singapore, outlining all the different routes and what you need to prepare for a smooth journey.
How to Get to Singapore from Thailand
As Singapore does not share a land border with Thailand since they are separated by Malaysia and due to its distance, there are limited ways of entering the country. Hence, it’s not possible to cross the border by land and the only methods of travel are by air or sea.
Flying to Singapore from Thailand
Flying to Singapore from Thailand is the fastest and most efficient way to travel, with many airlines to choose from and flight paths that last as little as over 2 hours. You also have the affordable option of booking a flight on a low-cost carrier, most of which operate on this route. You can fly to Singapore from international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
Flying to Singapore by plane will take you to one of the following airports:
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Seletar Airport
Traveling to Singapore by Sea
Due to its long distance from Thailand, there are limited travel routes to Singapore if you want to get there by sea. The only available way to travel is by container ship from Laem Chabang port in Thailand. You can choose from multiple vessels, but travel times are much longer, lasting up to 2 days.
How to Get a Singapore Tourist Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa. Singapore has a wide selection of visas you can obtain, but if you’re heading to the country temporarily or for tourism purposes, you should consider either an E-visa or an entry visa. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore does not offer a visa-on-arrival.
If you hold a travel document from the following countries, you will need a visa:
- Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia
- Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao (Special Administrative Region), Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Europe: Belarus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine
- Middle East: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen
You also need a visa if you are traveling on any of the following immigration documents:
- Palestinian Authority passport
- UAE temporary passport
- Middle Eastern refugee travel documents
The processing time for a visa is between 3 to 5 working days on average and it costs around $30 (or international equivalent). The documents you will need to submit as part of your visa application vary based on your nationality. In most cases, you will need to provide:
- A valid passport (with no less than 6 months validity remaining)
- A passport-sized photograph of yourself (in color and taken within the past 3 months)
- Completed Immigration Act 1959 form (Form 14A)
- Completed Letter of Introduction for Visa Application form (Form V39A)*
- Any additional documents (only by request)
*NOTE: For some countries, this document is only required on a case-by-case basis.
However, many foreign nationals are exempt from needing a visa to visit Singapore for either tourism or business reasons. Most nationalities are eligible under this scheme and can stay for up to 30 days in Singapore without a visa. Some countries are eligible for up to 90 days visa-free, including:
- Asia: South Korea
- Europe: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK
- North America: USA
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
- South America: Argentina
Singapore E-Visa
The E-Visa is an electronic tourist visa obtainable through an online application, removing the hassle of applying in person at a nearby embassy or consulate. The E-Visa is valid for up to 2 years and during this period, you can stay in Singapore for up to 30 consecutive days.
To apply for an E-Visa, you’ll need to submit all required documents (as highlighted above) and the application form via the e-Service. Upon completing your application, you will receive an electronic visa that you need to present to the border officers upon arrival.
Singapore Entry Visa
Another visa option is the entry visa, permitting you to travel to Singapore. However, your stay period will not be tied to the visa and the immigration officers at the point of entry will determine how long you can remain in the country. You can apply for the visa at the nearest Singaporean Embassy or Consulate (also known as a Singapore Overseas Mission) or through an affiliated travel agent.
What to Do Before Traveling to Singapore from Thailand
Without Thai citizenship, you need to make sure you can return to Thailand without any delays or complications. For the most stress-free experience possible, it is crucial to follow the steps below:
Obtaining the Correct Thai Visa
To return to Thailand and remain here legally, you must obtain a Thai visa. As there are a variety of Thai visas out there, you need to make sure you’ve chosen the right one. For instance, if you’re staying in Thailand as a tourist, you need a Thai Tourist Visa or one of its variants.
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for the Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival program, making it easy to secure a short stay in Thailand. If you do not qualify, though, you will need to apply for a visa before returning.
You can apply for a visa either at the nearest Royal Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy abroad, including the Thai Embassy in Singapore.
If you want to avoid traveling to the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate, you can instead apply for a Thai E-Visa. Completing this application will grant you an electronic visa that will be sent to your email. However, only a few countries can qualify:
- Africa: Egypt, South Africa
- America: Brazil, Canada, Chile, USA
- Asia: Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Middle East: Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Obtaining a Thai Re-Entry Permit
Depending on what Thai visa you’re currently holding, you’ll likely need a re-entry permit every time you plan on leaving Thailand and returning after your travels. Without a re-entry permit, your visa will be terminated and you will need to reapply. To avoid the trouble of getting a re-entry permit each time, consider a multiple-entry visa instead, such as:
Preparing Your Travel Itinerary
To travel to Singapore seamlessly, it’s essential to plan your itinerary ahead of time. Here are some steps to follow to help you prepare:
- Acquire health or travel insurance in case of an unexpected emergency.
- Bring proof of your temporary address in Singapore, such as a hotel itinerary.
- Bring enough Singaporean dollars (SGD) to cover all expenses.
- Check tourist regulations on the Singaporean Embassy’s website to avoid taking any prohibited items to the country.
Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance
To travel to Singapore and avoid any hassle upon returning to Thailand, reach out to Siam Legal for expert guidance on choosing the right Thai visa. Having helped foreigners for over 20 years in securing entry to Thailand, our Thai visa consultants have the expertise to ensure you obtain your Thai visa quickly and efficiently.
Our consultants will carefully review your application to address errors and submit it on your behalf once ready, allowing you to focus on planning your travels with confidence.
Contact Siam Legal today to enjoy easy entry to Thailand and a hassle-free trip to Singapore.
Category: Travel
