Singapore Visa Cost & Fees for Indians 2026

How Much Does a Singapore Visa Cost for Indians in 2026? (Quick Answer)

The government processing fee set by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is SGD 30 per applicant. At the prevailing exchange rate of approximately INR 74-75 per Singapore dollar in mid-2026, that works out to roughly INR 2,200-2,250. This flat fee applies uniformly to all short-stay visa categories — tourist, business, and social visit.

That SGD 30 is not the complete picture. Indian nationals cannot submit visa applications directly to ICA; all applications must go through an authorised visa agent in India. Agents charge a separate service fee on top, typically INR 500-1,500, bringing the realistic out-of-pocket total to approximately INR 2,700-3,750 per applicant.

For a quick reference, here is the cost structure at a glance:

• ICA government processing fee — SGD 30 (approx. INR 2,200-2,250) per applicant, non-refundable
• Authorised agent service fee — INR 500-1,500 depending on agent and service level
• Total realistic range — INR 2,700-3,750 per applicant for a standard tourist visa
• Express processing surcharge (where available) — INR 1,000-2,000 extra

Each applicant in a group pays separately. There is no family or group discount on the government fee. Always verify the latest rate on the official Singapore High Commission website or the ICA portal before applying, as exchange rates and agent charges can shift.

Government Fee vs Agent Service Charges

Understanding the difference between the two components of your Singapore visa cost helps you compare agents fairly and avoid being overcharged.

The ICA Government Processing Fee

The SGD 30 fee is fixed and non-negotiable. It is paid by your authorised agent on your behalf when lodging the application through the ICA e-Service portal. This fee covers processing by Singapore immigration officials — it does not guarantee approval. It applies identically to all short-stay visa categories including tourist and business visits. No revision to this amount has been announced for 2026; the ICA website publishes current fee schedules and is the definitive reference before applying.

Agent Service Charges

These are set independently by each authorised agent and cover their labour: collecting your documents, reviewing the file for completeness, lodging the application with ICA, and communicating the outcome to you. Because these are commercial fees, they vary considerably:

• Basic online submission (you scan and email documents) — INR 500-800
• Standard service with document review and status tracking — INR 800-1,200
• Premium doorstep service (passport pickup and return delivery to your home) — INR 1,500-2,500
• Group applications (per-person fee negotiated for parties of five or more) — varies by agent

Authorised agents in India are listed in Annex A published on the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi's website. Using an agent from that list is the only channel that ICA recognises for Indian applicants. Applications submitted through unlisted intermediaries may be rejected outright.

Total Cost in INR — What to Budget

Below are realistic cost scenarios at mid-2026 exchange rates. All INR figures are approximate and will shift with the SGD/INR rate and agent pricing.

Solo Traveller — Standard Processing

• ICA government fee — INR 2,200-2,250
• Agent service fee — INR 500-1,200
• Total — INR 2,700-3,450

Solo Traveller — Express Processing

• ICA government fee — INR 2,200-2,250
• Agent service fee — INR 800-1,200
• Express surcharge — INR 1,000-2,000
• Total — INR 4,000-5,450

Family of Four — Standard Processing

• ICA government fee per person × 4 — INR 8,800-9,000
• Agent service fee per person × 4 — INR 2,000-4,800
• Total — INR 10,800-13,800

Minor children are subject to the same SGD 30 government fee as adults. There is no reduced rate for children under ICA's current fee schedule.

For planning purposes, budgeting INR 3,500 per person covers the government fee, a reasonable agent service charge, and a small buffer for exchange rate movement. If you are applying close to a peak travel window and need express turnaround, add another INR 1,500-2,000 to that figure.

Why Indians Must Apply Through an Authorised Agent

Singapore takes a structurally different approach from most other Southeast Asian destinations. Thailand offers visa on arrival for Indians; Vietnam has its own e-visa portal where applicants submit directly. Singapore does neither. The ICA does not accept tourist or business visa applications submitted directly by Indian nationals at any Singapore consulate or high commission in India.

The two valid channels for Indian applicants are:

• An authorised visa agent registered with the Singapore High Commission in India — the standard route for the vast majority of Indian travellers
• A Singapore-based local contact (a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with SingPass access) who submits Form V39A through ICA's e-Service portal on the applicant's behalf

Most Indian applicants have no local Singapore contact and therefore depend on the agent channel. Because the agent pays the government fee on the applicant's behalf and lodges the application electronically, choosing a vetted, ICA-listed agent is not optional — it is a basic requirement for the application to be valid.

This structure also means the agent's service fee is a built-in cost of the Singapore visa process for Indians, not an add-on. Comparing the total cost (government fee plus agent fee) across platforms gives a more accurate picture of what you will actually pay than comparing quoted prices that may exclude one or the other component.

How to Pay and What the Fee Covers

Agents collect the full amount — government fee plus service charge — in Indian rupees before submitting the application. Common payment methods include UPI, IMPS/NEFT bank transfer, and debit or credit card. Walk-in agents at visa facilitation centres such as VFS Global also accept cash.

What the Fee Includes

• ICA's processing of your visa application
• Review of your submitted documents by Singapore immigration officials
• Electronic visa (e-visa) issued via email if approved, confirming entry permission and the number of entries allowed
• A stay of up to 30 days per entry — the exact duration is determined by ICA officers at the port of entry and is not tied to visa validity

What the Fee Does Not Include

• Travel insurance — not mandatory for the visa but strongly advisable for any international trip
• The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) — a separate, free digital form that must now be completed within 3 days before arrival
• Hotel bookings or flight itineraries — required as supporting documents but are your own separate expense
• Forex conversion charges if your agent bills in a currency other than INR

Multiple-Entry Visas — Cost and Validity

ICA does not charge extra for a multiple-entry visa (MEV) over a single-entry visa — the government fee remains SGD 30 regardless of entry type. Singapore's standard tourist visa for Indians is often issued as an MEV valid for up to 2 years, allowing multiple re-entries without reapplying, as long as each stay does not exceed 30 days per visit.

Whether you receive a single-entry or multiple-entry visa is at ICA's discretion and is influenced by factors such as your travel history with Singapore, your financial standing as demonstrated in bank statements, and the purpose of your visit. Applicants who have visited Singapore before, hold strong bank statements, and are employed or self-employed with documented income are more likely to receive an MEV on their first or second application.

If you plan to visit Singapore more than once in the next two years — for example combining tourism with a business trip — an MEV provides better value since the cost per entry reduces with each additional visit. There is no separate application or premium fee to request an MEV; the visa type is determined by ICA based on your application profile.

Processing Time and Express Options

Standard visa processing takes 3-5 working days from the date the authorised agent lodges the application with ICA, excluding weekends and Singapore public holidays. During peak travel periods — the April-June summer break, Diwali, and the Christmas-New Year window — processing can stretch to 7-10 working days. Applicants travelling during peak seasons are advised to apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure.

Express Processing

ICA itself does not operate a formal express or priority lane for tourist visa applications. Several authorised agents offer an express tier at an additional cost, typically INR 1,000-2,000 above their standard service fee. Under express service, the agent prioritises submission and follow-up, which can bring turnaround to 1-2 working days in practice. Express availability depends on the agent and current submission volumes; confirm before paying the surcharge. During peak seasons, even expedited handling may not materially shorten the ICA processing window.

Hidden Costs and Refund Policy

The phrase "hidden cost" is worth unpacking honestly. Most legitimate agents are upfront about the government fee plus service fee split. The costs that catch applicants off guard tend to be procedural rather than the visa fee itself.

Costs That Can Catch You Off Guard

• Document preparation charges — some agents charge separately for reviewing Form 14A or drafting a cover letter
• Passport courier fees — doorstep services may bill for pickup and delivery separately, particularly outside major metros
• Resubmission fees — if ICA returns an application as incomplete, some agents charge for re-lodging
• Currency conversion markup — agents using a rate above the mid-market SGD/INR rate effectively increase your total cost
• Bundled insurance — some agents wrap travel insurance into a package price without itemising the split

Refund Policy

The ICA government processing fee of SGD 30 is non-refundable under all circumstances — rejection, withdrawal after submission, or cancellation of travel plans. Agent service fees are also typically non-refundable once the application has been lodged. Some agents refund their service charge for cancellations before submission; confirm the cancellation policy in writing before transferring funds. Select travel insurance policies offer a visa denial benefit that reimburses the fee on rejection, provided the rejection was not caused by applicant error — check the policy schedule for coverage limits and exclusions.

Recent Changes (2025-2026 Updates)

Several procedural and policy developments affect Indian applicants in 2025-2026. None of these directly change the visa fee, but they affect the total cost of a Singapore trip and the preparation required before you travel.

SG Arrival Card and No-Boarding Directive

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free digital pre-arrival declaration that must be completed online within 3 days before arriving in Singapore. It is separate from the visa and required even after visa approval. From January 30, 2026, Singapore's ICA issues No-Boarding Directives (NBDs) to airlines operating Singapore-bound flights, meaning airlines can deny boarding at Indian airports if a passenger's SGAC has not been filed. The check happens before departure — not at Changi. Missing a flight due to an unfiled SGAC means rebooking costs that far exceed the visa fee itself. Completing the SGAC is free; overlooking it is not.

Mandatory Verification Process for Indian Applicants

The Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai has introduced a mandatory verification step for all visa applications from Indian citizens. Applicants may receive a phone call or email from the consulate to confirm the contact details on their Form 14A. The phone number and email address on the application must belong to the applicant personally — not to the agent or a travel companion.

Travel Companion Disclosure Requirement

Applications must now include the names and passport details of all travel companions. Omitting this information, or providing a mismatch between who is listed on the application and who actually travels, has been cited by agents as a reason for rejection. This requirement does not change the fee but does require more thorough preparation at the document stage.

E-Visa Delivery and Digital Visit Pass

Approved visas are now issued as e-visas delivered via email — no physical sticker is affixed to the passport. At Singapore checkpoints, travellers receive a digital Visit Pass (e-Pass) notification by email. Print the e-visa to carry as a reference at the departure airport.

FAQ

What is the Singapore visa fee for Indians in 2026?

The ICA government processing fee is SGD 30 per applicant, equivalent to approximately INR 2,200-2,250 at mid-2026 exchange rates. This is paid through an authorised visa agent. The agent's service charge adds INR 500-1,500, making the typical total INR 2,700-3,750 per person for a standard tourist visa application.

Is the Singapore visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?

No. The ICA government processing fee of SGD 30 is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, including rejection or withdrawal after submission. Agent service fees are also typically non-refundable once lodged, though some agents allow cancellation before submission. Confirm the refund policy in writing before paying.

Can I apply for a Singapore visa directly without using an agent?

Indian passport holders cannot apply directly to ICA at any Singapore consulate or high commission in India. The two valid channels are an authorised visa agent registered with the Singapore High Commission, or a Singapore-based local contact (with SingPass) who submits Form V39A on your behalf via the ICA e-Service portal. Most Indian applicants use a registered agent.

Does a multiple-entry visa cost more than a single-entry visa?

No. ICA charges the same SGD 30 government fee regardless of entry type. Whether you receive a single or multiple-entry visa is determined by ICA at its discretion based on your application profile, not by an additional payment.

How long can I stay in Singapore on a tourist visa?

The visa grants entry permission; the actual stay duration is determined by ICA officers at the port of entry. Most Indian tourists are granted up to 30 days per visit. A multiple-entry visa may be valid for up to 2 years, during which you can enter multiple times — each entry giving you up to 30 days.

What is the total Singapore visa cost for a family of four?

The SGD 30 ICA government fee applies per applicant, so four people pay approximately INR 8,800-9,000 in government fees combined. Adding agent service charges of INR 500-1,500 per person, a family of four can expect a total of around INR 10,800-15,000 depending on the agent and service level.

Is express visa processing available and what does it cost?

Some authorised agents offer expedited processing (1-2 working days) at a surcharge of approximately INR 1,000-2,000 above their standard service fee. ICA does not have its own official express channel for tourist visas. Express availability varies by agent and season, so confirm with the agent directly before paying the surcharge.

What happens if I do not complete the SG Arrival Card before my flight?

From January 30, 2026, airlines can deny boarding under ICA's No-Boarding Directive if your SGAC has not been filed before departure. The SGAC is free, takes a few minutes to complete, and must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival date. Missing it can mean a denied boarding and a rebooking bill that far outweighs the visa fee.

Do transit passengers need to pay the SGD 30 visa fee?

Indians transiting without clearing immigration may be eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF), which carries no fee. Eligibility generally requires holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, or the US. Without a qualifying visa, a transit visa is subject to the standard SGD 30 fee. Check ICA's published VFTF conditions before applying.

Can travel insurance cover my visa fee if the application is rejected?

Some travel insurance policies offer a visa denial benefit as an add-on that reimburses the visa application fee if rejection was not caused by the applicant's own error. This benefit is not part of every standard plan. Check your policy schedule for the specific visa fee coverage clause, coverage limit, and exclusion conditions before purchasing.