Most UAE residents who are not UAE nationals need to check their passport carefully before booking a trip to Singapore — some nationalities walk straight through immigration visa-free, while others must have an eVisa approved before they fly. As with most destinations, it comes down to the passport you hold, not how long you've lived in the UAE.
Last checked: 23 September 2026. Visa rules for Singapore are set by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and can change without notice — always confirm the current requirement for your passport on the official ICA website or with the Consulate-General of Singapore in Dubai before you travel.
Do UAE residents need a visa for Singapore?
It depends on your passport nationality. UAE nationals, along with citizens of the EU/Schengen area, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and most ASEAN countries — including the Philippines — can enter Singapore visa-free, typically for up to 30 days, though the exact allowance varies by nationality.
Indian passport holders are not on the visa-free list and need a Singapore eVisa arranged in advance, submitted through an ICA-authorised agent rather than directly. Chinese, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Egyptian and several other nationalities also require a visa before travelling. If your nationality isn't clearly visa-free, treat it as visa-required until you've confirmed otherwise on the ICA website.
How to apply for the Singapore eVisa
Singapore eVisas for UAE-based applicants are submitted online through an ICA-authorised travel agent rather than filed by the traveller directly with the Singapore government. Give yourself at least 10 working days before your planned travel date to allow for processing and any follow-up document requests.
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page
- A recent passport-style photo (35mm x 45mm, white background)
- Copies of your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel reservation for your stay
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
- A salary certificate from your UAE employer
- A completed Form 14A visa application form
Fees and processing time
Standard eVisa processing takes roughly 3 to 7 working days, though it's worth allowing extra time during peak travel periods. Approved eVisas are usually valid for up to 2 years and allow multiple entries for first-time applicants, with each visit capped at up to 30 days at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. Visa fees change from time to time, so it's best to get an up-to-date quote for your specific nationality and visa type rather than relying on a published figure.
The SG Arrival Card
Regardless of whether you need a visa, every traveller to Singapore — visa-free or not — must complete the digital SG Arrival Card within 3 days of arrival. It has replaced the old paper landing card, so make sure it's done before you land rather than assuming you can fill in a form at the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Do UAE nationals need a visa for Singapore?
No. UAE nationals can enter Singapore visa-free for short stays, along with citizens of several other countries.
I hold an Indian passport and live in the UAE — do I need a Singapore visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Singapore eVisa arranged in advance through an authorised agent, regardless of how long they've lived in the UAE.
What is the SG Arrival Card and do I still need it if I'm visa-free?
It's a mandatory digital arrival declaration that has replaced the paper landing card. Every traveller needs to complete it within 3 days of arrival, whether or not their nationality requires a visa.
How long before my trip should I apply for a Singapore eVisa?
Give yourself at least 10 working days before travel to allow for standard processing and any additional document requests.
Not sure whether your passport needs a visa for Singapore, or want help getting your eVisa application right the first time? Use our visa finder, browse our other destination guides, or contact VisaFirst and we'll confirm the current requirement for your nationality.