Singapore has waived visa requirements for citizens of Saudi Arabia, according to an announcement made by the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh in April 2023. This new policy extends visa exemption to all Saudi passport holders, whereas previously only Saudi diplomatic passport holders were exempt. 

Singapore's decision aligns with recent moves by other countries, including Kazakhstan, Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, which have also granted Saudi nationals visa-free entry for a limited period.

Singapore Lifts Visa Requirement for Saudis: Visa-Free Travel Soon Available

According to the Singapore Embassy, Saudi nationals will be visa-exempt from June 1, 2023.

Important Announcement by Singapore Embassy

The Embassy tweeted a statement from the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), providing crucial information about the new policy:

“Saudi nationals with passports issued by the KSA will no longer need to apply for an entry visa to enter Singapore from June 1, 2023.”

Transition Period and Visa Application

It is important to note that until June 1, a visa will still be required for Saudis planning to enter Singapore. The statement from the Singapore Embassy also outlines the following details:

• Saudis can apply for a visa at the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh or any other Singaporean diplomatic mission until the new visa-free policy takes effect.

This significant update paves the way for enhanced travel opportunities and convenience for Saudi citizens visiting Singapore.

What should I do after applying for a visa? 

According to the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), visas granted to Saudi visitors will remain valid until June 1. Beyond this date, visas will no longer be necessary for Saudi travelers.

Visa Validity

The ICA has announced that the visas issued to Saudi visitors will be considered valid until June 1. This means that if you have already applied for a visa and it has been granted, you can still use it to enter Singapore until June 1. However, please note that after this date, visas will no longer be required for Saudi travelers.

Refunds for Unused Visas

If you have already applied for a visa but no longer need it due to the change in visa requirements after June 1, it's important to note that the processing fee is non-refundable. The ICA does not provide refunds for unused visas or changes in visa requirements. Therefore, travelers who have already paid the processing fee will not be eligible for a refund.

• Visas granted to Saudi visitors will be valid until June 1.
• After June 1, visas will no longer be necessary for Saudi travelers.
• The processing fee for visa applications is non-refundable.
• The ICA does not provide refunds for unused visas or changes in visa requirements.

Note: It's always recommended to double-check the latest updates and requirements from official sources such as the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) before making any travel arrangements.

Do I still need to complete an Arrival Card?

All Saudi travelers visiting Singapore are required to complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SG Arrival Card) before their arrival. This requirement remains unchanged, regardless of the recent updates in Singapore's visa rules.

Online Submission

The SG Arrival Card can be conveniently filled out and submitted online. Travelers can access the official website or the designated online platform to provide the necessary information required by the Singapore authorities.

• The SG Arrival Card is a mandatory requirement for all Saudi travelers visiting Singapore.
• The recent changes in Singapore's visa rules do not affect the need to complete the SG Arrival Card.
• The SG Arrival Card can be completed online through the official website or the designated online platform.

Strengthening Ties: Enhanced Relations Between Saudi Arabia and Singapore

Saudi-Singapore Relations and Visa Removal

Deepening Ties and Collaborative Efforts

In recent months, Saudi Arabia and Singapore have witnessed a strengthening of their bilateral relationship. This was highlighted by the second meeting of the Saudi-Singaporean committee, where representatives from both nations convened to discuss various matters, including ways to enhance trade between the two states.

Key Meeting and Memorandums of Understanding

During this committee meeting, led by Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser from Saudi Arabia and his Singaporean counterpart S Iswaran, significant progress was made. Among the notable achievements were the signing of two memorandums of understanding in the field of transport, indicating the commitment to cooperation and collaboration.

Key Areas of Discussion

The discussions during the committee meeting focused on several key initiatives in various sectors:

• Transport
• Logistics and infrastructure
• Energy and industry
• The digital economy
• Investment and finance
• Tourism and culture

Importance of Business Leaders and Panel Discussion

Minister Saleh Al-Jasser emphasized the crucial role played by business leaders in driving economic growth and trade. He shared these insights during a panel discussion organized by the Singapore Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the significance of collaboration between the two nations' private sectors.

Visa Removal Decision

One of the notable outcomes of the committee meeting was the decision to remove entry visa requirements for travelers from Saudi Arabia to Singapore. This decision aims to facilitate easier travel and eliminate a significant barrier between the two nations.