How to apply for Singapore Visa in USA

Singapore had been on my list of places to visit for a while. It boasts a thriving multi-cultural community, a great economy, is known for its cleanliness and greenery, and has one of the best airports in the world with an equally great airline that serves it.

Singapore allows visa free entry to citizens of USA and most other nations except those from some unlucky 36. These unlucky include India, China and Russia.


The easiest way to get a Singapore visa is if you have a Singapore citizen or permanent resident apply for you online at www.ica.gov.sg.

The other option is to reach out to the Singapore consulate nearest to you for instructions. If you reside in USA, this depends on the state that you reside in. There are four Singapore consulates in USA:

  1. Washington DC (Email: singemb_was@mfa.sg)
  2. New York (Email: singcon_nyc@mfa.sg)
  3. Miami (Email: SGreen@sg-miami-consulate.org)
  4. San Francisco (Email: singcg_sfo@mfa.sg)
For e.g., all western states in the US are served by the San Francisco consulate. I was directed by the San Francisco consulate to apply via VFS
 - either in-person by making an appointment at https://www.vfsglobal.com/singapore/usa. or
 - by mail by contacting info.singaporeusa@vfshelpline.com for instructions.

VFS San Francisco request the following documents by mail:

  1. 14-A Visa Application Form
  2. Notarized copy of Passport valid for 6 months from date of entry in Singapore
  3. Notarized copy of US Permanent Resident Card or valid US Visa
  4. 1 Passport-sized photo
  5. Money Order/Cashier’s check in the amount of $77, payable to VFS Services, USA
  6. Confirmed Travel Itinerary showing customer’s name in bookings made; and
  7. Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay:
    1. Hotel accommodation; or
    2. 39A form/Letter of Introduction, filled by a Singapore National if staying with friends and relatives.

Customers travelling for business need to provide the following additional documents:

  1. 39-A form/Letter of Introduction filled by a Singapore registered business entity; or
  2. If attending a Conference, Invitation letter from Conference organizers may also be accepted.

I notarized my passport and visa copies at a UPS store and provided the address of my first hotel wherever requested in the forms.

Visa application may be submitted within 30 days of intended arrival in Singapore. You also need to submit SG Arrival Card three days before your arrival in Singapore. Also check ICA's website for any updates to the entry requirements.

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