Singapore a.k.a 'Singapura' is etymologically 'Singa' meaning lion and 'pura' meaning city. The lion city is a perfect stopover for anyone traveling to India using Singapore Airlines (SQ). SQ has stopover packages with transportation and accommodation included. After researching the various points-of-interest and the hotels we decided to plan everything ourselves.
Visa logistics are the first hurdle - if you satisfy the following conditions you can get the VFTF transit visa, else pay about SGD 30 for a visitor visa at your nearest Singapore consulate. Here is the verbatim email from SFO consulate:
Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Singapore. Thus to visit Singapore during your transit, you should obtain a social visit visa before departing USA. Please see attached visa application instructions. Processing time is 5 business days from the receipt of complete documents.
If you are unable to provide form V39A (which is to be completed by a local contact in Singapore who is a Singapore citizen or a Singapore permanent resident), please explain in writing and attach a copy of your eTicket receipt & itinerary and a copy of your confirmed hotel reservation with your visa application.
However, if you wish to try to visit Singapore without a visa, you may try to avail of the 96-hour visa-free transit facility upon arrival in Singapore if you are in possession of the following:
1) A valid visa/long-term pass issued (valid at point of arrival into Singapore with a validity of at least 1 month) by any of the following 8 third countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and Switzerland;
2) A passport that is valid for at least 6 more months beyond your last day of intended stay in Singapore;
3) A valid onward air-ticket departing Singapore within the next 96 hours;
4) A valid visa to your next destination (if one is needed); and
5) Sufficient funds to support yourself/yourselves during your stay in Singapore.
You can be in transit to any third country or from any third country as long as you fulfill the conditions above. Nevertheless, your entry into Singapore is not guaranteed and is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer on duty. Transit passengers who satisfy all the above requirements and allowed entry will be granted a stay of up to 96 hours (4 days) in Singapore. Extension of stay for transit passengers under this VFTF is strictly not allowed.
Best regards,Janet Phua (Ms)Executive Officer (Information/Consular)Singapore Consulate General595 Market Street Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94105Tel : 415-543-4775 | Fax : 415-543-4788Follow us on Twitter @SingaporeEmbDC
Singapore is a crowded and busy city. The best ways to get around are using the excellent & cheap public transportation and the best way to experience it is on foot. We decided to store our India suitcases at the EasyBagy airport facility for a very nominal price.
Flight : Singapore Airlines
Duration: 4 Days
The other most important things to pack: *umbrella*, Singapore SGD cash, walking shoes, Sunscreen. Food & water are available everywhere. You can forget chewing gum as it is illegal to chew gum in Singapore! (so is jaywalking)
Although the island isnt very huge, we tried to cover many places as possible - Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese gardens, Singapore River, City tour, Chinatown, Little India etc. After immigration and baggage claim, pick up the free "Singapore Guide" booklet - it is very useful even if you have planned exhaustively.
Although the island isnt very huge, we tried to cover many places as possible - Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese gardens, Singapore River, City tour, Chinatown, Little India etc. After immigration and baggage claim, pick up the free "Singapore Guide" booklet - it is very useful even if you have planned exhaustively.
Things to remember:
1. dont chew gum,
2. dont jaywalk,
3. keep the original or a copy of passport with you at all times
4. SGD cash
5. Umbrella/Rain jacket
5. Umbrella/Rain jacket
References:
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