Singapore Short Term Visit Pass: STVP Duration & Extension

Planning a trip to Singapore and wondering how the short-term visit pass works? The rules around entry, duration, and extensions are straightforward once you know where to look.

Typical duration of a short-term visit pass: Up to 30 days (social visit) for most passport holders ·
Maximum stay allowed under a short-term visit pass: 90 days for eligible nationalities ·
ICA extension fee per application: SGD 40 (non-refundable) ·
Number of days for extension approval notification: Up to 14 days (subject to processing)

Here are the official numbers at a glance — no guesswork.

What is a short-term visit pass in Singapore?

A short-term visit pass (STVP) is an electronic pass issued by ICA at the point of entry. It allows foreign visitors to stay in Singapore for a limited period, typically for social, business, or tourism purposes. The pass is not a physical document; it is recorded electronically as an e-Pass linked to your passport (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Electronic visit pass vs. physical pass

• The e-Pass is automatically generated when you clear immigration — no stamp or paper card is issued for most nationalities (ICA – Entering and Departing Singapore).
• You can check your pass validity via ICA’s e-Services portal (ICA – e-Services and Forms).
• Some older-style physical visit passes still exist for certain categories, but the standard is now digital (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

How to get a short-term visit pass in Singapore?

The STVP is granted automatically at immigration checkpoints for eligible passport holders. For some nationalities, a visa must be obtained before travel (ICA – Visa Requirements).

Eligibility criteria

• Passport holders from countries listed under the Visa-Free Transit Facility or those with a valid visa are eligible (ICA – Visa Requirements).
• A local sponsor may be required for extension applications if the visitor has family ties or is from specific nationalities (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Documents required

• Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity is recommended) (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).
• SG Arrival Card (submitted electronically within 3 days before arrival) (ICA – SG Arrival Card).
• For extension: D/E number from the SG Arrival Card and scanned passport page (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Application process

For most travellers, there is no pre-application — the pass is issued upon arrival. Only those requiring a visa must apply before travel via the nearest Singapore overseas mission or authorized visa agent (ICA – Visa Requirements).

How long can a short-term visitor stay in Singapore?

The standard STVP allows a stay of up to 30 days for most passport holders. Nationalities eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility often receive 30 days, while certain countries (United States, United Kingdom, and others) may be granted up to 90 days at the discretion of the immigration officer (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Maximum stay by nationality

• ASEAN countries: Typically 30 days (ICA – Visa Requirements).
• USA, UK, and several European countries: Up to 90 days (ICA – Visa Requirements).
• Other nationalities: 30 days standard, with possible 30-day extension (Singapore Trade Office in Taipei – FAQs).

The exact duration granted is always at the discretion of the immigration officer — no claim to a specific number of days is guaranteed (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

How do I extend my short-term visit pass in Singapore?

Extensions are processed online via ICA’s e-Service “Apply for Extension of Visit Pass” — walk-in applications are not accepted (ICA – e-Services and Forms). ICA advises applying when the pass has 14 days or less of remaining validity (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Extension eligibility

• Must hold a valid STVP issued by ICA (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).
• A local sponsor (Singapore citizen or PR aged 21+, with Singpass) is required in certain cases (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).
• For medical treatment extensions: Form V75 endorsed by a Singapore-registered doctor needs to be submitted (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).

Application via ICA e-Service

1. Log in to ICA e-Service with Singpass (if sponsor) or visit pass details (ICA – e-Services and Forms).
2. Complete the online form (estimated 10–15 minutes) (ICA – e-Services and Forms).
3. Upload scanned passport page and D/E number from SG Arrival Card (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).
4. Pay the SGD 40 fee (non-refundable) (ask.gov.sg / ICA).

Fees and processing time

• Fee: SGD 40 per application (ask.gov.sg / ICA).
• Processing: Within 5 working days (excluding public holidays and weekends) (ask.gov.sg / ICA).
• ICA warns some applications may take longer (ask.gov.sg / ICA).

Can a short-term visit pass holder work in Singapore?

No. STVP holders are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment while in Singapore (MOM Singapore – Work Passes Overview). The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) separately administers work passes for short-term assignments.

Prohibited activities

• Paid work, unpaid internships, and volunteer work that benefits a Singapore entity may all require a work pass (MOM Singapore – Work Passes Overview).
• Working remotely for a foreign company while physically in Singapore is generally allowed, but if it involves in-person meetings or services in Singapore, additional rules may apply (MOM Singapore – Work Passes Overview).

Short-term work assignments

• For work lasting up to 60 days, an employer can apply for a Short-Term Work Pass from MOM (MOM – Short-Term Work Pass).
• This pass is separate from the STVP and must be obtained before starting work.

It’s worth noting that even unpaid volunteering for a local organization may be considered work if it replaces a paid position. MOM advises checking the guidelines before committing (MOM Singapore – official portal).

What is the 90-day rule for immigration?

The term “90-day rule” in the Singapore context refers to the maximum total stay a visitor can achieve through an initial STVP plus an approved extension. For certain nationalities, the initial grant may be 30 days, and a successful extension can bring the total to 89 days — just under the 90-day mark (Singapore Trade Office in Taipei – FAQs).

Difference between 90-day rule and STVP extension

• The 90-day rule is not an official Singapore immigration regulation; it is a descriptive term for the maximum stay possible via extension (ICA – Seeking Extension of Visit Pass).
• In some other jurisdictions (e.g., US immigration), a 90-day rule applies to marriage-based green card applications. This is unrelated to Singapore’s visit pass system.
• For Singapore, the practical limit is 89 days total stay (30 initial + up to 59 days extension), though some nationalities receive 90 days on initial entry (ICA – Visa Requirements).

For a traveller on a short-term visit pass in Singapore, the rules are clear: respect the validity period, apply for an extension before it lapses, and never work without a pass. The consequence of overstaying can be a ban from re-entering Singapore, so checking your e-Pass expiry date and planning ahead is not optional — it’s essential. For anyone planning a longer stay, the takeaway is simple: use the official ICA e-Service, involve a local sponsor if needed, and keep your passport scanned and ready.

Frequently asked questions