frequent traveller to singapore

You will receive your SG Arrival Card in the form of a PDF document (applicable for web service only, see below for a specimen) or email once ICA has successfully processed your submission. Please note that the SG Arrival Card comes with a unique DE Number that accompanies your passport number.

Please see below for a specimen of the SG Arrival Card.

Click to enlarge the image.

You must present yourself for immigration clearance at a point of entry into Singapore. You must satisfy the basic entry requirements before you can be considered for entry. The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry.

From 11 March 2022 , all foreign visitors arriving in Singapore will be notified digitally of their Visit Pass (e-Pass) through email. There will not be any endorsement on your passport. The e-Pass notification will indicate the period of stay granted and last day of stay allowed. Please ensure that you provide a valid email address when submitting the SG Arrival Card .

Please refer to  entry requirements  for more information.

If you hold a travel document issued by one of the listed countries or places, you will require a valid Singapore visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore. Please refer to  visa requirements  if you require a Singapore visa and for more information.

Upon successful processing of your visa application, you will be issued an e-visa in the form of a PDF document.

Please note that possession of a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore . The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry. The period of stay granted is not tied to the validity of your visa.

Please see below for a specimen of the e-visa.

Related Links

• Applying for Long-Term Immigration Facilities and Submission of SG Arrival Card Through Commercial Entities or Consultants
• Entry Requirements
• SG Arrival Card
• Visa Requirements

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COVID-19 – General Information for Travellers to Singapore and the UK

Updated on 25 Aug 2022

Updates relating to COVID-19 in Singapore and the UK

• Definition of Fully Vaccinated
• Travelling to Singapore from the UK   [Updated]
• Transiting through Singapore from the UK
• Travelling to the UK from Singapore

Updates of Vaccination Records in Singapore for SCs, PRs and LTPHs Vaccinated Overseas

Vaccination Requirements for Work Pass Holders

* There may be administrative, health and vaccination requirements that are in addition or differ from the measures above. Refer to the  ICA website  for details.

^ Refer to  https://go.gov.sg/remote-art-overseas-sg  for a list of approved remotely supervised ART Pre-Departure Test providers, and the travellers that this service applies to.

# For example, if a traveller is scheduled to depart for Singapore on 3 November 2022 2359 hours, the earliest he can take his Pre-Departure Test is on 1 November 2022 0001 hours.

Non-fully Vaccinated Long-Term Pass Holders (LTPHs) and Short Term Visitors (STVs) aged 13 and above

Currently, non-fully vaccinated Long-Term Pass Holders (LTPHs) and STVs aged 13 and above are required to apply for entry approval to enter Singapore. We will also lift this requirement from  28 August 2022, 2359 hours . As LTPHs are expected to stay in Singapore for a longer period of time, they will continue to be required to fulfil vaccination requirements after their arrival in Singapore, to maintain the high vaccination rates in our population and keep all of us safe.

Travellers tested positive for COVID-19 overseas

Travellers who test positive for COVID-19 overseas are advised to follow the recovery protocols of the host country. For travel to Singapore, those who have tested positive for COVID-19 should defer their travel plans and not board commercial flights or ferries, as they may infect fellow passengers and crew while infectious. They should only resume their travel when they test negative, and at least 72 hours from the time they first test positive. [1]

[1] Or on Day 7 for vaccinated persons (and children below 12 years old) if they continue to test positive. Non-fully vaccinated persons aged 12 years and above should only resume travel on Day 14 if they continue to test positive.

Transiting through Singapore

If you are transiting through Singapore to another destination without clearing immigration, refer to the " Transiting through Singapore " page instead.

Travelling to the UK from Singapore

There are separate guidance for travelling to  Wales ,  Scotland   and  Northern Ireland .

There are no travel restrictions and requirement to travel to England. Travellers do not need to complete the UK Passenger Locator Form, do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before they travel or after they arrive and do not need to quarantine.

For detailed information on travelling to England, please visit  here .

From 14 July 2021, individuals who have received COVID-19 vaccination overseas with COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Health Sciences Authority under the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) or listed on the World Health Organization’s Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) can have their vaccination records updated in the National Immunization Registry when they return to Singapore.

To do so, they should have documentation proof of their overseas vaccination and a positive serology test result in Singapore. The serology test can be done at selected private healthcare providers.

For detailed information, please see MOH press release at  https://moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-vaccination-records .

To sustain the high vaccination rates in our population, support safe reopening of our society and economy, and minimise business disruptions, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be a condition  for the approval of all new applications  for long-term passes and work passes. For renewal applications, vaccination will also continue to be required  for the renewal of existing work passes  for Work Permit Holders and S Pass Holders (a) from the Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process sectors or (b) residing in dormitories, given that their worksites and dormitories are settings at higher risk of disease spread. [1]  The revised vaccination requirements for work pass renewals will take effect from 1 October 2022 . Please refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM)  website  for more details.

[1]  Other work pass renewals will no longer be subject to a vaccination requirement from 1 October 2022.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Travel Page

Latest security advice

Different phishing e-mails are currently circulating. These e-mails are not trustwurthy and have not been sent by Lufthansa or Miles & More. Please do not disclose any personal details if you receive it. Further information about phishing

Hello, how can we help you?

Frequent traveller – begin your journey into the world of frequent flyers.

As a Frequent Traveller, you enjoy benefits that make travelling even more enjoyable for you. You can enjoy these benefits when flying with Lufthansa Group airlines, co-issuing Miles & More airline partners and Star Alliance airlines.

How to become a Frequent Traveller

To achieve or renew your Frequent Traveller status, you need to earn at least 650 Points and 325 Qualifying Points in a calendar year. You can view your current progress under your status in your Miles & More account at any time.

The simple earning system lets you quickly see how many Points and Qualifying Points you’ll get for a flight. This makes your journey to becoming a Frequent Traveller entirely transparent.

Earning miles and Points is simple:  It works like this

Easily calculate your status using the  Points Calculator

Key benefits for Frequent Travellers

Frequent traveller status card and bag tag.

When you qualify as a Frequent Traveller, you get a silver status card that is valid for at least one year, as well as a high-quality bag tag in the status colour.

Business Class check-in

Regardless of the travel class you have booked, when travelling on scheduled flights operated by Miles & More airline partners you can use the Business Class check-in counter.

Please note the check-in deadlines for your chosen travel class. It will be even quicker for you at airports which have a priority check-in area (currently Frankfurt/Main and Munich).

Access to the Business Lounge

Relax before your flight, for example in Austrian Business Lounges, Brussels Airlines Lounges, the exclusive Lufthansa Business Lounges and the SWISS Business Class Lounges.

Higher free baggage allowance

With frequent flyer status, many airlines will allow you to fly with more baggage. For more details about baggage regulations, please see the information of the relevant airline.

Unlimited mileage validity

As long as you remain a status member, your miles will not expire, meaning you can save them for something special.

Additional benefits for Frequent Travellers

Additional miles on every flight booking.

With certain airline partners, you get up to 50% more miles that you can redeem for attractive awards.

Higher waiting list priority

The third highest waiting list priority on all flights operated by Star Alliance. This does not apply for upgrades and award flights.

Star Alliance Silver status

Also enjoy status privileges on all flights operated by Star Alliance airlines. Learn more

Extra Benefits

When you achieve a certain number of Qualifying Points per calendar year, you automatically benefit from additional perks such as upgrade vouchers or mileage exchange.

Service hotline

We’ve set up a hotline in many countries especially for Frequent Travellers. This means we’re available for all your queries, award bookings, criticism and suggestions. Help and contact

Status Events

As a status customer with more than 10,000 Qualifying Points, you benefit from exclusive invitations to premium experiences, known as Status Events.

All status levels in comparison

Compare all the benefits and privileges that come with each frequent flyer status: Frequent Traveller, Senator and HON Circle Member.

See overview

Frequently asked questions

In Ihrer Region stehen relevante Angebote für Sie zur Auswahl. Leider liegen diese teilweise auf Englisch und nicht in Ihrer ausgewählten Sprache vor. Weitere Funktionen und Informationen können Sie selbstverständlich in Ihrer gewohnten Sprache nutzen.

• Tax Newsletters
• February 2019 Issue
• SINGAPORE - Compliance requirements of frequent business travellers

Compliance requirements of frequent business travellers

SINGAPORE - Compliance requirements of frequent business travellers

February 2019

Businesses and companies now operate in an increasingly global environment where employees work across borders with greater ease. Consequently, ensuring that you remain compliant with regards to immigration, social security, taxes, etc. is more important than ever.

Over the years, Singapore’s various government agencies, including the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), have reviewed and revised the requirements and employer’s obligations in respect of frequent business travellers (FBT). A FBT is defined as an employee who is based outside of Singapore and makes frequent business trips into Singapore. Although Singapore does not have monthly withholding requirements, companies still face risk in the other areas relating to FBTs travelling into Singapore for business purposes.

Immigration

An employment pass (EP) has to be obtained before an individual is able to carry out work in Singapore regardless of the duration of the stay. The only exception to this is where the intended work is the following:-

• Company meetings, corporate retreats or meetings with business partners;
• Study tours or visits as a participant;
• Company training courses/workshops/team building events as a participant;
• Seminars and conferences as a participant; and
• Exhibitions as a trade visitor.

Aside from the above, an EP has to be obtained before the FBT’s arrival into Singapore. Generally, an FBT cannot carry out any employment activities in Singapore without an EP.

Tax reporting and filing obligations

An annual review of all FBT’s business days into Singapore is to be done by 31 January of the following year by the employer. The individuals would therefore fall into the following categories depending on their number of business days:-

Individuals with not more than 60 business days in a calendar year in Singapore

Under the Singapore Income Tax Act, employment income is exempt from Singapore tax if the individual is a non-resident for tax purposes and does not exercise employment for more than 60 days in a calendar year. This does not apply to a non-tax resident director or public entertainer

If the employee does not hold an EP, as an administrative concession, there is no employer’s reporting requirement to the IRAS. By the 1 March of the following year, an employing entity has to submit travel dates into Singapore to the IRAS for all FBTs with valid EP as at 31 January of the following year. Additionally, upon cancellation or expiry of the EP, the employing entity is to notify the IRAS within 2 months of the cancellation/expiration to prevent any enforcement actions by the IRAS.

Individuals with more than 60 days but less than 183 days in Singapore

Where an individual has more than 60 business days in Singapore but less than 183 days, they are liable to tax on their employment income earned in respect of  their business days in Singapore. They will be taxed on this income at the non-resident tax rate. A tax exemption could be possible to the extent that the employee qualifies under the criteria of a relevant Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) that Singapore has with the relevant country. This is typically the country where the individual is tax resident and where  their employment is based. Where a treaty exemption is available, the employer must make an application on the employee’s behalf to the IRAS before the filing deadline of 15 April. All employees with this level of travel will very likely be engaging in activities that requires an EP.  

In respect of the filing requirement, filing of the FBT’s Return of Employee's Remuneration (Form IR8A) is required by 1 March unless a Form IR21 is applicable in the case of an EP cancellation or expiry. As part of the tax clearance process, a Form IR21 (notification of a foreign employee’s cessation) should be filed at least 2 months from the date of cancellation or expiry of the EP, unless a request for an extension is obtained.

Once it is certain that a FBT will no longer be making business trips into Singapore, the employer should cancel the EP and a Form IR21 needs to be filed within 2 months from the final business day in Singapore.

Individuals with more than 183 days in Singapore

FBTs who have more than 183 business days in the preceding calendar year and still have a valid EP at the time of the employer filing the employees’ Form IR8E. The filing requirement and deadline will be the same as all regular employees. They will not be able to claim exemption under the Double Tax Treaty; the employment income will be taxed at the resident rate.

An individual is regarded as tax resident in Singapore in the year they are physically present or exercising employment in Singapore for at least 183 days in the preceding calendar year.

Taxable income

From 1 January 2016 onwards, the IRAS has revised the tax treatment of compensation provided to a FBT. Currently, the following items are not taxable:

• Accommodation;
• Transport and entertainment allowance for business purposes;
• Per diem within the acceptable rate laid out by the IRAS (the excess per diem is taxable); and
• Other reimbursements for business expenses.

Aside from the above, any other compensation provided to the FBT is taxable in Singapore and required to be reported to the IRAS unless the FBT qualifies for tax exemption.

Social security (Central Provident Fund)

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a mandatory savings scheme for working Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents. Foreign individuals are not eligible to participate in this scheme. However, upon becoming a permanent resident of Singapore, participation in the CPF would be compulsory.

Should a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident who works for an overseas employer make business trips into Singapore, CPF contributions are not required to be made by the employing entity. However, both the employer and FBT employee can continue with voluntary contributions into the CPF.

BDO comment: Next steps

Due to difficulties in tracking FBTs and a lack of understanding and knowledge of the reporting requirements for FBTs, the risk of non-compliance is high. Such risk may lead to company reputational damage and heavy penalties and even prosecution; in some cases this can cause business disruption. Companies should review the current process to manage these FBTs and to ensure immigration and tax/social security compliance.

Some preliminary questions which the company can ask:-

• How are the business days of travelers being tracked?
• Is the appropriate work pass being applied for before a FBT travels?
• What are the compensation items provided to the FBT during the trips?
• Is the company familiar with the various compliance regulations?
• Is there any possible corporate tax implications (i.e. Permanent Establishment) in the destination country of the FBT?

Soo Mee Wu [email protected]

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Frequent traveller programme (ftp) singapore, eligibility, duration & fees.

The Frequent Traveller Programme (FTP) lets eligible travellers take advantage of Automated Immigration Clearance at Singapore Checkpoints. The FTP service is completely free.

Who can use Automated Passport Control Singapore?

Only one passenger is processed at a time by AIG. Children under the age of six must go to the immigration counters. Children aged six and up who have registered their fingerprints with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore are eligible to use the AIGs.

You are eligible if:

• an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holder; or
• hold a passport issued by an eligible country/region

You should also meet the following criteria.

• The validity of your passport is for more than six months.
• You've been to Singapore at least twice in the last 24 months.
• Unless otherwise specified, you are aged six and up.

Eligible countries list Here is a list of eligible countries. Note that the eligibility criteria may also vary from country to country.

• South Korea
• New Zealand

Provide the following documents:

• A passport should be valid for a minimum of six months.
• Filled out an application form.
• APEC Business Travel Card (if applicable)

Before visiting an enrolment centre, applicants should download and fill out the application form. Furthermore, your documents must be in English. In case they are not, use the services of certified translators. Download the forms from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) official website and fill them out before going to the nearest employment centre.

Apply at one of these Enrolment Centres:

• ICA (The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) building - Address: ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road, Singapore-208718.
• Woodlands checkpoint  - Address: 21 Woodlands Crossing, Singapore 738203.
• Changi Airport Terminal 3  - Address: Airport Boulevard, 65, Changi Airport Terminal 3, Singapore, Airport, Changi Airport, East.
• Tuas checkpoint  - Address: Tuas Check Point, Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, 501, Singapore, Ahmad Ibrahim, Jurong, Tuas, West: 639937.

When to Apply The process of application is undertaken at checkpoints and Airport terminals. So, you can apply while at the airport. 

Visa Processing Time Processing time is approximately 10 minutes, excluding waiting time.

Duration You can apply for this program whenever you want to enter the country on a short-term basis. All you need is an APEC Business card or passport issued by the eligible country. Moreover, the duration of your stay in the country is decided as you apply (normally it is 14 to 30 days).

Fees The program is free of cost and you just have to visit the ICA building, Airport terminal or Checkpoints.

There is no need for an extension. But if you want to stay longer, you can apply for a short-term visit pass.

Travel The permit is specified for travel purposes.

Work You cannot work in Singapore on this visa.

Study You cannot study in Singapore as a traveller.

Citizenship You cannot apply for citizenship using this visa. 

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Singapore: Top 4 Considerations for Frequent Travellers

Singapore has become one of Asia’s most influential cities, which is remarkable for such a small city-state. It has transformed into a global hotspot for business and tourism and offers a unique mix of modernism and tradition while offering a diverse cultural output reflected in its people and infrastructure.

These are just a few reasons it’s become such a popular destination. For those who often find themselves jetting off from one foreign location to another, it’s essential to understand the particular nuances of Singapore, which will help ensure that you have the most enjoyable time possible. In this article, we’ll look at five things you should consider if you visit Singapore, even if you’re a seasoned traveller who is no stranger to foreign cities.

Exchange Rates and Currency

We’re sure you understand that currency and exchange rates are essential, but you must take time to familiarise yourself with the value of the local money and what the going rate is. In case you’re unaware, the local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), known for its relative stability and low volatility. Although rare, short-term fluctuations are possible, which impact your travel budget and purchasing power while in Singapore.

We’re pointing this out as a point of interest as it can be confusing to remember how the local currency is valued if you’re working as you travel. While you might be familiar with differing exchange rates because of the industry you work in, such as finance or CFD trading , it’s still worth familiarizing yourself with the local exchange rate before you travel, particularly regarding the purchasing power of a US dollar, or another currency that you’re more accustomed to using. 

When you’re looking to exchange any of your money for local currency, using a reliable currency exchange platform or regional bank that offers more favourable rates may be wise. However, like many major cities, Singapore is becoming increasingly cashless, so taking a preloaded debit card or international credit card may also be a good idea, especially if you plan to stay longer than a few days.

Because of its geographic location, Singapore’s climate is highly humid, with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, often with a wet season from September to February. However, Singapore is not immune to sudden weather events due to its warm air and proximity to the much cooler sea. When planning your trip, you should pay close attention to local weather reports and what the weather has been like historically, as this should give you a better idea of what to expect.

This can make packing difficult as the humidity can make even the most breathable fabric feel too hot. It can turn sunny to rainy in minutes, so light fabrics and an umbrella are always good choices. You should also always take a water bottle with you — dehydration is a genuine concern because of the high temperatures, even though there’s a lot of moisture in the air.

Cultural Etiquette

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, containing various ethnic, religious, and social groups. Because of this, travellers should be aware of local customs and traditions and take time to navigate without appearing rude or ignorant. If you plan to visit religious sites, modest attire is often required, especially for women; removing your shoes before entering someone’s home is also customary.

You should also learn some local phrases before your trip, so here are some essential phrases in Malay:

• To-long: (I need) Help
• Apa kabar: Hello
• Se la mat jalan: Good bye
• Terima kasih: Thank you

Transportation

Singapore boasts an impressive transportation system that can rival the best in the world and is celebrated for its connectivity and efficiency. This can be a lifesaver for tourists and travellers, making it simple to get from A to B without needing a vehicle. Before you arrive, try to familiarise yourself with the different public and private transport modes.

The city’s Mass Rapid Transit ( MRT ) system is the backbone of Singaporean public transport, connecting various parts of the island. While it is easy and reliable, you should still acquaint yourself with the routes, timings, and fare structures.

Similarly, taxis and on-demand lifts are also widely available and offer a comfortable alternative, especially when navigating less accessible areas, such as new areas of the city that are yet to be connected to the public transportation system. The city also has an extensive network of cycling paths and bike-sharing services, so you can stay active while getting to your destination quickly.

Travelling to Singapore

Travelling to Singapore can be a gratifying and immersive experience, even if you travel often. From taking time to understand the local exchange rates to adapting to the intense weather, understanding the points listed above will surely improve your time in this remarkable city.

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Singapore Frequent Traveller Program (FTP) - anyone done it? - Singapore Forum

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Singapore Frequent Traveller Program (FTP) - anyone done it?

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Before going to ICA office in Kallang and reporting here on progress for the benefit of others, some questions, your input kindly appreciated.

- what was your process?

- any pitfalls, or only advantages ?

- any personal thoughts, stories or results to share relevant to the new FTP?

Extract follows from ICA

https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart/for-visitors/FTP

The Frequent Traveller Programme (FTP) allows eligible travellers to enjoy convenient immigration clearance via automated clearance facilities at Singapore Checkpoints. The FTP is free.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for FTP if you are (i) a APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holder; or (ii) hold a passport issued by an eligible country/region and meet the corresponding criteria.

Your passport is valid for more than six months,

You have visited Singapore at least two times in the previous 24 months*, and

You are aged six and above, unless otherwise stated below.

 *This requirement is not applicable to ABTC holder.

Eligible Countries/Regions/Group

Country/Region/Group

Additional Criteria

Australia -

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) You are aged 6 and above.

Malaysia You are aged 15 and above.

New Zealand -

People's Republic of China (PRC) You hold a valid five-year (or longer) Multiple Journey Visa issued by the Singapore Government.

Republic of Korea (ROK) -

United Kingdom (UK) Your passport bears "British Citizen" as the nationality.

United States of America (USA) You have in-principle approval to participate in the Singapore-United States of America Trusted Traveller Programme.

ABTC Holder "SGP" must be indicated at the back of your ABTC.

Note: ABTC holders from USA and Canada are exempted from this requirement.

The application cannot be processed if your fingerprints are faint, scarred or excessively dry or wet.

You must have a machine-readable passport that is International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant to apply.

Acceptance of all applications is subject to ICA’s discretion.

If you successfully apply to use automated lanes but later wish to opt out, you can present your enrolled passport at any enrolment centre for assistance.

The parent or legal guardian of applicants who are aged under 18 must be present during enrolment. The original copy of the applicant’s birth certificate and the passport of the accompanying parent or legal guardian should also be provided for verification of identity. If the applicant is accompanied by a legal guardian, the original copy of the legal authorisation letter or court order must also be provided.

Documents Required

You must produce:

A passport that is valid for at least six months

A completed application form.

APEC Business Travel Card (if applicable)

Note: Applicants are encouraged to download and complete the application form before visiting an enrolment centre.

Apply in person at one of the following Enrolment Centres:

ICA Building

10 Kallang Road, Level 4 (next to Lavender MRT station)

Singapore 208718

Operating hours are 8.00 am to 5.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Enrolment for automated clearance facility in the ICA Building is strictly by e-Appointment*.

*This service is currently not available for ABTC holders. ABTC holders can walk-in for automated clearance enrolment at ICA Building. Alternatively, ABTC holders may also wish to approach the other enrolment centres as stated below for automated clearance enrolment.

Woodlands Checkpoint

Departure Bus Hall, Level 5

Operating hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Processing Time

Related Links

Automated Lanes at the Passenger Halls

Biometric Identification of Motorbikes (BIKES)

Application Form

eService - e-Appointment

7 replies to this topic

Is that an old link? Most visitors can use the automated immigration gates now.

https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart/for-visitors/ACI

Is the only benefit of the FTP the use of automated gates for entry then?

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

>>We are planning to be here for 6 months while I job search and frequently travel for weekends away.<<

British and EU passport holders typically get 90days on entry on short term entry passes.

TO stay that long you need a different entry pass or they will eventually spot your accumulated time and refuse you entry - long term passes should be eligible for the gates though after the first entry (IIRC).

Thank you Myrm noted well. Hopefully will be in a job by then and will have a work visa.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

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• Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance For Singapore: The Complete Guide

Updated: Apr 4, 2024, 12:29pm

Table of Contents

Featured Partners

Singapore Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance for singapore cover, can i tailor my travel insurance for singapore, what does travel insurance for singapore exclude, how much does travel insurance for singapore cost, how can i compare travel insurance for singapore, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Singapore has long been a holiday favourite for Australians, either as a stop-over city on the way to Europe or the Middle East or as base for exploring Asia. According to the latest figures from data portal, Statista, 566,000 Australians visited the country in 2022.

If you’re also planning to visit, travel insurance for Singapore can safeguard your trip against a number of potential mishaps, such as falling ill while away, losing your luggage and belongings or even needing to cancel the trip before it’s even begun. Singapore is a safe country, but the cost of medical care is high.  Find out more about how travel insurance for Singapore works below.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Rental Vehicle Excess

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Medical cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)

Option of Cruise Cover

Unlimited medical

Yes (some sub limits apply)

There are three main types of travel insurance policy for Singapore. These are:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months to Singapore
• Annual multi-trip : for more than one trip in the space of 12 months to Singapore or various destinations. This type of cover can work out more cost-effective than buying multiple single trip policies but not always so it’s best to compare both types of cover.
• Long-stay/backpacker : for an extended stay in Singapore, of typically 60 or 90 days, or 12 or 18 months. Cover for 24 months may be available, from certain providers.

When applying for travel insurance online, you’ll first be asked to enter your holiday destination. Depending on the insurer, you’ll need to click on Singapore, Asia or Worldwide travel excluding the US and nearby destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada and Greenland. The latter option excludes a part of the world where medical costs are the highest, which in turn, bumps up the cost of cover. If you’re also planning to travel to the US, for example, there are separate worldwide policies that include it as a destination.

Insurers usually offer at least two or more types of travel insurance policy from basic or comprehensive cover and anything in between. Comprehensive policies offer the highest cover levels and widest range of benefits.

A key component of all travel insurance policies is emergency medical cover. You’ll find a comprehensive policy for Singapore will often offer an unlimited amount.

The standard of medical facilities and care in Singapore is similar to, or higher than in Australia, and the cost often much higher, so medical cover can prove a vital resource should you fall ill, or get injured, while away.

Note that in the case of an emergency, you’ll likely need to pay up-front first, and then reclaim the costs from your insurer, or confirm payment from your insurer with a hospital before it will provide treatment.

As standard, travel insurance for Singapore can also cover repatriation and emergency rescue, in severe medical cases, the loss or theft of your baggage and belongings and trip cancellation if you can no longer travel for reasons such as falling ill, suffering a bereavement or losing your job.

They will also likely include an array of other forms of protection, providing the most at comprehensive level. This includes cover for lost or stolen money, passports and documentation, missed departures, online fraud, and travel delay. The types of cover on offer, and cover limits, will vary between providers. You can find exactly what a policy includes in its product disclosure statement (PDS), which is usually found on an insurer’s website.

There are a number of ways you can ensure your policy fits your needs. Many insurers offer optional add-ons that you can purchase if you need specialised cover. These include insurance for gadgets (such as a smartphone or laptop), a cruise and playing golf.

If you’re thinking of participating in more high-octane activities, check your policy’s PDS. Many cover around 100 or so sports automatically. Cover for what an insurer classes as high-risk activities, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, outdoor rock climbing, and activities requiring a set of wheels, such as quad biking, may require purchasing an additional ‘sports pack’ for your policy.

While reading through a policy’s PDS, it’s crucial to also take note of any limitations of cover. These can differ between policies, but generally you can expect most insures to refuse claims relating to a pre-existing condition. This is a medical condition you had before taking out the policy. The insurer may not cover such conditions, or may refuse your claim if you did not declare your condition on applying for the policy.

An insurer is also unlikely to accept claims for an injury caused by taking part in a sport or activity where you did not wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, knee pads or a harness. Claims resulting from disorderly behaviour or being under the influence of drink or drugs will also likely be rejected.

It’s best to regularly check government advice for your destination, which it publishes on its Smartraveller website. This includes warnings about natural disasters, terrorism threats and pandemics. Visiting Singapore, or a part of the country, if the government puts it on its “do not travel” list, could invalidate your policy.

The amount you’ll need to pay for your travel insurance policy will depend on a range of factors. An insurer will consider your holiday destination, associated costs when travelling there and the length of time you’ll be travelling.

The price of a policy can rise for mature travellers and those with pre-existing conditions, as insurers view these travellers as more likely to claim on their policy.

To provide an idea of how much travel insurance for Singapore can cost, we ran quotes on the sites of the insurers we’ve rated the top five for travel insurance.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14 and 12, spending 13 to 26 May in the country, and assumed they have no pre-existing conditions, (although these providers do offer cover for pre-existing conditions should you need it).

We found basic cover ranged from around $106 to $202, while comprehensive cover started at around $241, with the most expensive policy costing just under $304.

Before choosing a policy, it’s important to shop around. An easy way to do this is to run quotes on the websites of various insurers and compare factors such as the type of cover a policy includes and cover levels against price.

To help you with your search, we’ve conducted some research and found our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance policies .

Is travel insurance for Singapore worth it?

While travel insurance for Singapore isn’t mandatory, it can be considered a travel essential if you have no other means of covering emergency costs while away.

Emergency medical fees can easily stack up to thousands of dollars alone, and without travel insurance in place, you would have to cover them out of pocket. Travel insurance also can cover a number of eventualities that we often fail to consider, such as an airline, transport company, or accommodation provider going bust.

What is ‘excess’ in insurance?

An excess is a set amount you’ll be expected to pay on each approved claim. It’s usually levied per person on the policy, per event, per claim, but you can check the PDS for the specifics concerning your insurer. You usually can pick from a range of excess amounts, from $50 to $250 on average, when taking out a policy.

The more you choose to pay in excess, the lower your policy premium—the cost of your policy—typically will be, while paying less in excess will raise the cost. An excess is usually deducted from a claim amount, so you won’t need to pay for it out of pocket. However, it’s still crucial that you make sure it’s affordable.

Can I buy a policy while I’m in Singapore?

Some providers won’t cover a holiday if it’s already started. Others may cover you, but apply a waiting period of around 72 hours before you can claim.

The best time to take out travel insurance is as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, as you’ll be immediately covered for trip cancellation. Insurers are highly unlikely to consider claims resulting from something that happened before you took out the policy.

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I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.