7 countries where Singaporeans need a travel visa - Yahoo Singapore News

Young Asian couple at the airport departure board, illustrating travels to countries which require visa even with a Singapore passport. (Photo: Gettyimages)

Singapore passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 194 countries and territories. In fact, it has overtaken Japan as the top passport for enabling holders visa-free entries.

Even with our strong passports, seven countries still require us to do travel paperwork before arrival. Failure to obtain the visa before your arrival in the country could disrupt your travel plans and incur unwanted costs.

Here are the seven countries where Singaporeans need a travel visa. We’ve also detailed how to apply for the visa, the processing time and the cost.

1. Australia

Australia is one of the top travel destinations for Singaporeans, whether it’s to catch the light and sound festival Vivid Sydney, see the Twelve Apostles or stand atop the Blue Mountains. The last thing you’d want is to land in the country and be denied entry due to a missing visa.

Twelve Apostles at sunset, Great Ocean Road, Australia. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How to apply for an Australia visa?

Apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Subclass 601 through the AustralianETA app from App Store or Google Play

How long does it take for Australia visa to be approved?

Within a day or two

How much is the Australia visa fee?

AU$20

How long is Australia visa valid for?

The ETA is valid for 12 months, and you can stay up to three months each time you enter Australia.

2. Bhutan

Bhutan is a small landlocked country in South Asia, located in the eastern Himalayas. Its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes make it a popular destination for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. But travel to Bhutan is highly regulated to minimise the effects on its environment.

View of the Tiger's Nest monastery, also known as the Paro Taktsang, and the surrounding area in Bhutan. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How can you get a tourist visa to Bhutan?

Apply through Bhutanese tour operators

How long does it take to get a visa for Bhutan?

At least 10 days

How much is the visa for Bhutan from Singapore?

Included in the tour package

How long can a tourist stay in Bhutan?

15 days, extensions can be obtained in Thimphu at an additional cost

3. Canada

With vast forests, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, Canada is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to vibrant cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, offering world-class cuisine, arts, and entertainment. While visiting Canada requires travel authorisation, it is the cheapest and possibly fastest to get among the seven countries on this list.

Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How to apply for a visitor visa to Canada?

Apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) via the Government of Canada website

How long is the processing time for a Canada visa?

Within minutes

How much does a Canada visa cost?

CA$7

How long can you stay in Canada as a visitor?

The eTA is valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can stay up to six months each time you enter Canada.

4. India

A South Asian country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and ancient history, India offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. After getting your visa approved, be sure to add the iconic landmark Taj Mahal, Asia’s largest slum in Mumbai (support the numerous small businesses dotting the slum) and the tropical beaches of Goa to your itinerary.

Reflection of elephant and rider in Yamuna River at sunrise with Taj Mahal beyond. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How can you get an Indian visa from Singapore?

Apply for the eTourist Visa (eTV) via the High Commission of India website

How long does it take to get an Indian visa?

At least four working days

How much does an Indian visa cost?

US$25

How long is a visa valid for in India?

The eTV is valid for a year and you can stay up to 30 days.

5. New Zealand

New Zealand is a favourite destination for travellers who enjoy natural landscapes and outdoor activities. From visiting the Hobbiton Village to embarking on a heli-hike adventure on the Fox Glacier to skydiving at Queenstown, New Zealand has much to offer. That is, after you get your travel paperwork done.

Reflection of mountains in Lake Matheson, New Zealand. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How to apply for a New Zealand visa?

Apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) via the Immigration New Zealand website or the NZeTA app from App Store or Google Play

How long does it take to get your New Zealand visa approved?

Up to 72 hours

How much does a New Zealand visa cost?

NZ$17 through the app, NZ$23 through the website

How long is the New Zealand visa valid for?

The NZeTA is valid for two years and you can stay up to 90 days each time you enter New Zealand.

6. United States

From the beaches of Hawaii to the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles, the United States has something for everyone. But before you can do a vlog at the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll need travel authorisation to enter the United States.

Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. (Photo: Gettyimages)

How to apply for a U.S. visa?

Apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) via the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website

How long does it take to get a U.S. visa?

At least 72 hours

How much does a U.S. visa cost?

US$21

How long is a U.S. visa valid for?

The ESTA is valid for two years and you can stay up to 90 days each time you enter the United States.

7. Venezuela

With breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline, Venezuela is located in the northern part of South America. However, travellers to Venezuela are at high risk for yellow fever due to endemic virus transmission and suboptimal vaccine coverage.