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🇸🇬SINGAPORE
🇺🇸UNITED STATESSG-US

Do Singapore passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA required, USD 40, valid 2 years, up to 90 days per visit. Singapore ordinary passport holders enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA. Singapore has been on VWP since 1999 and the privilege remains intact in 2026. ESTA costs USD 40 (raised from USD 21 in May 2025) and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. Each visit is capped at 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. ESTA must be obtained before boarding a flight or cruise to the US. Travellers who have visited Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 2011 (with limited exceptions), or hold dual nationality with one of those countries, are ineligible for ESTA and must obtain a B1/B2 visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Singapore (PR)Living in Singapore as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 40
consular fee only
Processing time
Minutes to 72 hours
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expiry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Must be a biometric (e-Passport) — Singapore has issued only biometric passports for years. No 6-month rule, but validity for stay is required.
· e-Passport required
/02
Apply for ESTA
Online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. USD 40 payable by credit card. Approval usually within minutes; allow up to 72 hours.
· apply 72h ahead
/03
Confirm ESTA approval
Print or save approval. ESTA is linked to your passport — no physical sticker. Check status anytime via the portal.
· save ESTA reference
/04
Book travel
Round-trip ticket and accommodation evidence recommended. Final inspection is at the US port of entry.
· return ticket
/05
Arrive in the US
Fingerprints and a facial photo at the border. CBP officer determines length of stay (up to 90 days).
· CBP inspection
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Singapore passport
Biometric (e-Passport); valid for stay
ESTA approval
USD 40; valid 2 years
Round-trip ticket
Onward travel required
Accommodation evidence
Hotel or host's address
Funds evidence
Cards or cash for the trip
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended; US healthcare costs are extreme
No Cuba/Iran/Iraq/etc travel since 2011
Otherwise B1/B2 visa required
Customs declaration
Submitted on arrival; no advance form
Drone declarations
Recreational drones permitted with FAA registration
Mobile data plan
US SIM or roaming
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
ESTAUSD 40Visa Waiver Program authorization; 2-year validity
B1/B2 visa (alternative)USD 185Required if ineligible for ESTA
Global Entry (optional)USD 1205-year fast-track membership for frequent visitors
Overstay penalties3-10 year banStrict enforcement; future visa-waiver eligibility lost
Total estimateUSD 40 — USD 40incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ESTA standard
Minutes to 72 hours
Apply at least 72 hours before travel; same-day in most cases.
B1/B2 visa
Weeks to months
Required if ESTA-ineligible; in-person interview at US embassy in Singapore.
Global Entry enrolment
Weeks to months
Background check plus in-person interview; useful for frequent travellers.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Cuba/Iran/Iraq/Libya/etc travel since 2011
Triggers ESTA ineligibility under the 2015 VWP Improvement Act. Must apply for a B1/B2 visa.
Medium
/02
Past US overstay
Any previous overstay heavily affects future ESTA approvals and may trigger inadmissibility.
Medium
/03
Criminal record
Recent convictions (especially drug-related) can lead to ESTA denial.
Low
/04
Dual nationality
Holding dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria makes ESTA unavailable.
Low
/05
Misrepresentation
Incorrect answers on ESTA (especially work intent) can lead to denial of entry and future bans.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
CBP inspection
A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.
/02
Customs
Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
Singapore to US route verified
Confirmed VWP/ESTA USD 40, 90-day visa-free entry, no major changes.
2025-05-30 · major
ESTA fee raised to USD 40
US increased ESTA fee from USD 21 to USD 40 to fund tourism marketing and processing.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Singapore citizens need a visa for the US?—
No — Singapore is on the Visa Waiver Program. Travel with an approved ESTA (USD 40, valid 2 years) for stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
How much does ESTA cost?+
How long is ESTA valid?+
Can I extend my 90-day stay?+
What disqualifies me from ESTA?+
Do I need a return ticket?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Singapore passport

🇸🇬⇄
Compare the Singapore passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇸🇬◐
Singapore visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇸🇬▤
Singapore passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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