entry necessities, issues to do, and every thing you have to know

Considered one of my favourite issues about flying from North America to Asia is doing a Singapore layover as a result of it has probably the most high-tech airport on the earth! On this article, I’ll share with you every thing you have to learn about spending 24 hours in Singapore together with visa and entry necessities.

📧 Hello Trisha! I’ve been studying your journey blogs about Singapore and they’re very useful! I’m going to the Maldives and my flight requires a Singapore layover. Do I want a visa as an American citizen? Are you able to give me suggestions please? I’ve a ten hour layover and I’m not actually certain if I ought to keep within the airport or go to town. Thanks for all of your assist!

Shirley Younger, United States

Hello Shirley! Thanks for studying the weblog and for following these adventures! I additionally did a Singapore layover on the best way to the Maldives! And sure, you need to exit of the airport you probably have a 10-hour layover.

To be honest, there are lots of issues to do contained in the airport (it’s like an amusement park!) so it’s actually as much as you if you wish to enterprise into town or not. However with this time that you’ve got, it’s assured that you simply gained’t miss your flight so that you resolve!

Listed below are a few of my tips on doing a layover in Singapore. When you’ve got questions that weren’t answered right here, simply go away a remark and I’ll reply them as quickly as I can! Have a blast in SG!

Xx, Trisha

🛩️ Can you permit Singapore Airport throughout a layover?

ABSOLUTELY! In case your Singapore layover is greater than 4 hours, you need to go away the airport and discover town. Labeled as the very best airport on the earth, getting out of Changi Airport is handy by way of public transport.

Please be aware that for those who resolve to exit the airport throughout layover, you’ll now not be labeled a transit passenger however a daily traveler. It’s a must to exit the airport as if Singapore is your remaining vacation spot after which do the check-in course of once more.

🛃 Do I want a visa if I’ve a layover in Singapore?

Most nationalities don’t want a visa to enter Singapore. Nonetheless, for those who plan to exit the airport throughout your layover, the bottom stewards will direct you to the connection lounges as a substitute of customs.

If you’re 100% certain that you’ve got time to exit the airport throughout your Singapore layover, you need to comply with the arrivals indicators as a substitute of the connecting flight indicators.

Nobody will actually test you for it so long as you might have your onward boarding go with you. Simply do the method as if Singapore is your remaining vacation spot.

Residents of  Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK and the USA of America DO NOT want a visa to do a Singapore layover.

Under are the nations that want a visa to enter Singapore:

✅ Singapore layover necessities

As of February 13, 2023, it’s now not required to current any COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR assessments to do a Singapore layover.

If you’re exiting the airport throughout the layover, you’ll have to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) wiith an digital well being declaration. This is applicable to all nationalities and it’s very straightforward to get one.

If you’re staying contained in the airport or have a Singaporean residency card, you don’t want to use for the SGAC. To use for the SGAC on-line, go to the SGAC e-Service web site or just obtain the MyICA Cellular app by way of Apple Retailer or Google Play.

To use for the SGAC on-line, you can be requested for a legitimate passport, contact data, flight data, and details about your lodging in Singapore. If you’re solely in Singapore for a layover, you’ll be able to go away the lodging part clean.

The SGAC is freed from cost so be sure you solely enroll utilizing the hyperlinks above. Many faux hyperlinks will cost you so at all times go to the official SGAC web site.

Extra importantly, your SGAC needs to be legitimate 3 days earlier than arriving in Singapore. When you stay within the USA, Canada, or Europe, please be aware the time distinction and ensure your SGAC adheres to the native time in Singapore.

Additionally, be aware that the SGAC isn’t a journey visa. It’s an additional requirement for all nationalities getting into or doing a Singapore layover.

✈️ Singapore layover issues to do at Changi Airport

If you wish to spend time within the airport with out going out throughout your Singapore layover, be aware that Changi Airport is without doubt one of the prime 5 airports on the earth and there are lots of actions you are able to do with out going to town middle.

Changi Airport has the quickest airport wifi on the earth so I gained’t point out the wifi connectivity in every space. I swear, you’ll be amazed in regards to the loading velocity of wifi in Singapore!

Listed below are the highest issues to do in Changi Airport for a layover:

1. Butterfly Backyard at Terminal 3

📍 Open on Google Maps

The Butterfly Backyard at Terminal 3 is the world’s first butterfly backyard in an airport, housing over 1,000 butterflies from varied species. You may wander by the plush greenery and colourful flowers, watch butterflies fluttering round, and find out about their life cycle on the instructional corners.

It’s an awesome spot for pictures fans, providing numerous alternatives to seize the great thing about these delicate creatures. Benches are scattered all through, permitting you to take a seat again and soak within the serene atmosphere.

Discover the two-story backyard, with a waterfall and tropical foliage, making it an ideal exercise for a Singapore layover. All gardens in Changi Airport are open-air so take pleasure in this breath of contemporary air after being within the airplane for hours!

2. Cactus Backyard (Terminal 1)

📍 Open on Google Maps

House to greater than 100 species of cacti and arid crops from the deserts and dry areas world wide, the Cactus Backyard is an interesting place to discover.

Every plant is accompanied by informative indicators that educate guests in regards to the distinctive variations of those crops. The backyard presents a rooftop view, which is ideal for watching plane take off and land.

There’s a bar positioned inside the backyard, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink or two.

3. Sunflower Backyard (Terminal 2)

📍 Open on Google Maps

The Sunflower Backyard options a number of sorts of sunflowers grown in Changi Airport’s personal nursery. This vivid and cheerful backyard is a pleasant spot to elevate your spirits.

Take a leisurely stroll among the many vibrant sunflowers and benefit from the sunny ambiance. The backyard supplies an attractive backdrop for photographs, particularly throughout the golden hours of dawn or sundown.

It additionally serves as a viewing deck for planes, providing a panoramic view of the runway and plane.

4. Jewel Changi Airport

📍 Open on Google Maps

Jewel Changi Airport, a surprising multi-use complicated positioned adjoining to Changi Airport, presents a plethora of actions and sights that may flip your Singapore layover into an pleasing expertise.

Right here’s a information to what you are able to do throughout a layover at Changi Jewel:

HSBC Rain Vortex

Witness the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres excessive. It’s a spectacular sight, particularly when illuminated at evening. It’s an awesome spot for pictures and rest.

Shiseido Forest Valley

Discover this lush indoor backyard that spans 4 tales. It’s full of strolling trails set amongst hundreds of bushes and crops, offering a serene escape from the airport hustle.

Cover Park

Positioned on the prime stage of Changi Jewel Airport, this space contains distinctive sights just like the Cover Bridge, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, and Sky Nets for bouncing and strolling. It’s excellent for each children and adults searching for a little bit of journey or rest.

Changi Expertise Studio

Go to this interactive digital attraction that provides a behind-the-scenes take a look at the operations of Changi Airport by video games and multimedia shows.

Shaw Theatre

A industrial cinema that prices for film screenings, providing the newest releases in a state-of-the-art setting. That is in distinction to the free film theatres positioned within the transit areas of Terminals 2 and three, that are accessible solely to passengers who’re in transit.

5. Play areas for teenagers

If you’re touring with youngsters, you’ll be able to entertain them by visiting the totally different play areas inside Changi Jewel. There’s an admission payment to entry this space, and the associated fee can range based mostly on the precise sights you select to go to inside the park.

Discovery Slides

That is a creative sculpture in addition to a playground, providing 4 built-in slides, together with two tube slides and two sliding surfaces.

Foggy Bowls

This space creates a whimsical play expertise with mild concave bowls full of mist to create the phantasm of enjoying amongst clouds.

Cover Bridge

Suspended 23 meters above the bottom in Jewel Changi Airport, the Cover Bridge presents beautiful views of the Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley. That includes a glass ground part for an exciting view under, it’s a wide ranging expertise amidst lush greenery.

Hedge Maze

Singapore’s largest hedge maze presents an intriguing outside journey. Navigate by the labyrinthine pathways, uncover charming alcoves, and attain the watchtower for a panoramic view of the maze’s intricate format.

Mirror Maze

This fascinating attraction encompasses a maze of mirrors, making a world of countless reflections. The distinctive play of sunshine and reflections presents an immersive and disorienting expertise, difficult guests to search out their method by the fascinating labyrinth.

To go to these sights, you’d sometimes buy a ticket for the Cover Park, which can provide varied packages or bundled choices together with entry to a number of sights inside the park.

6. Nature Trails for jogging and stretching

Changi Airport is designed as an out of doors space with contemporary air which makes it the good airport on the earth, particularly in case you are in a cabin for lengthy hours of flights.

All areas in Changi Airport have nature trails so you’ll be able to even train throughout your Singapore layover!

The Changi Airport Connector, as an example, is a 3.5-kilometer biking and jogging path that hyperlinks Changi Airport to East Coast Park and the Park Connector Community.

At all times jog on designated paths or areas to make sure security for your self and others. Throughout peak hours or in crowded areas, it is likely to be difficult to jog comfortably. Select much less busy occasions for a extra nice expertise.

7. Take a dip on the rooftop pool

The rooftop pool at Changi Airport is a well-liked spot for vacationers trying to calm down throughout a layover in Singapore. The pool is located on the Aerotel Airport Transit Lodge in Terminal 1, close to the D gates.

The pool is accessible to non-hotel friends, so that you don’t must be staying on the Aerotel to make use of the pool. It’s open from 12 PM – 10 PM every day.

There’s an entrance payment of 25 SGD ($19 USD) to make use of the pool, which generally contains the usage of bathe amenities, a towel, and typically a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

Along with the pool, there are bathe amenities, a poolside bar, and a jacuzzi. The poolside bar presents a spread of drinks and lightweight snacks. You may take pleasure in refreshments whereas lounging by the pool.

8. Finest lounges in Changi Airport Singapore layover

Changi Airport in Singapore, identified for its world-class amenities, hosts a number of premium lounges that provide consolation and luxurious to vacationers. Listed below are the highest 3 lounges, together with their costs and facilities:

Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminals 1, 2, and 4)

Roughly 58 SGD ($44 USD) for two hours, 75 SGD ($57 USD)for five hours, and 100 SGD ($75 USD) for 10 hours. It has comfy seating, cold and warm meals picks, drinks, and a bar.

It additionally has bathe amenities and Wi-Fi. Some areas provide personal resting suites, therapeutic massage companies, and convention amenities for a further payment.

Ambassador Transit Lounge (Terminals 2 and three)

Ranges from round 38 SGD ($29 USD) for two hours to 58 SGD ($44 USD) for five hours. This contains mild refreshments, drinks, bathe amenities, and relaxation areas.

Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 4)

Roughly 58 SGD ($44 USD) for two hours and varies for longer stays. This lounge presents a world buffet and stay cooking stations.

There are bathe amenities, comfy seating, Wi-Fi, and leisure choices. Therapeutic massage companies and personal resting areas accessible at a further value.

9. Buying and eating

Changi presents a variety of retail outlets, from luxurious manufacturers to native specialties. There’s additionally a various array of eating choices, together with native Singaporean delicacies, worldwide meals, and well-known fast-food chains.

Singapore has probably the most various and possibly among the best cuisines in Asia so ensure that to eat and pattern dishes throughout your layover!

10. Guided tour of Jewel Changi Airport

For individuals who solely have 2-3 hours within the airport, you’ll be able to join a guided tour of the Jewel Changi Airport. An area will take you across the hotspots of the airport. This contains the doorway payment to the Cover Park.

💁🏻‍♀️ GST tax refund at Singapore Airport for foreigners

Not all vacationers know this however for those who buy groceries in Singapore or buy something inside the metropolis, you might be entitled to a refund for purchases of greater than 100 SGD ($75 USD).

Nonetheless, the GST refund is just relevant to collaborating outlets. You may at all times see indicators on the outlets and eating places if they’re collaborating within the vacationer refund scheme.

To get the refund, ensure that to gather receipts to get to 100 SGD ($75 USD). To use in your GST refunds, you’ll be able to go to the digital vacationer refunds self-help kiosks on the airport. They’re straightforward to identify and you’ll get the refund immediately.

🚕 Learn how to get to Singapore from the airport

As the very best airport on the earth, getting out of the airport throughout your Singapore layover could be very straightforward and environment friendly. Under are the methods on the way to get to town from the airport:

MRT (Mass Speedy Transit)

The airport is linked to the MRT community, which is a handy and cost-effective strategy to attain town. The Changi Airport MRT station is positioned on the basement of Terminals 2 and three.

The price of an MRT ticket from Changi Airport to numerous areas in Singapore varies relying on the space and vacation spot. The fare from Changi Airport to town middle is usually round 2-3 SGD ($1.50 USD approx).

Automated ticket machines can be found on the Changi Airport MRT station. These machines settle for money in SGD and main bank cards.

You should purchase a single-trip ticket or a stored-value EZ-Hyperlink card, which can be utilized for a number of journeys on the MRT and buses.

The EZ-Hyperlink card prices 12 SGD ($9 USD), which incorporates 7 SGD ($5 USD) credit score and a non-refundable 5 SGD (3.78 USD) card value.

Singapore airport taxi (personal)

For individuals who are touring with teams or with youngsters, it’s higher to pre-book your Singapore airport transportation, particularly in case you are arriving late at evening.

Please be aware that there’s a midnight surcharge of 10 SGD (round $8 USD) for transfers from 12 midnight to six:00 AM.

There are additionally taxi traces on the arrivals gate. The taxi system in Singapore is well-regulated, and all taxis use a meter to calculate the fare based mostly on the space traveled.

Singapore Airport Shuttle (Shared)

The airport shuttle service at Changi Airport supplies a handy method for vacationers to get to numerous areas in Singapore, together with motels.

The shuttle service can normally be booked on the Floor Transport Desk positioned within the arrival halls of every terminal. These desks are well-signposted and straightforward to search out. Airport employees at these desks can help you with reserving the shuttle and offering data on the subsequent accessible service.

The fare is round 9 SGD ($7 USD) per grownup and 6 SGD ($5 USD) for a kid beneath 12 years. The precise fare can rely in your vacation spot and the service supplier.

Shuttle companies normally function at common intervals, however the frequency can range relying on the time of day and demand. Commonplace baggage allowances apply, and there is likely to be further prices for extra or outsized gadgets.

Busses at Changi Airport

Bus stops are positioned on the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2, and three. Simply comply with the indicators within the arrival corridor to search out the closest bus cease.

The price of taking a public bus from Changi Airport to town middle in Singapore could be very reasonably priced, sometimes a lot cheaper than different transport choices like taxis or the MRT.

The bus fare from Changi Airport to town middle is normally round 2.50 SGD ($1.89 USD approx). This may range barely relying on the precise route and distance.

You may pay the bus fare utilizing an EZ-Hyperlink card or a Singapore Vacationer Cross, that are each tap-and-go good playing cards. These will be bought and topped up on the airport.

If paying in money, it’s necessary to have the precise quantity as bus drivers don’t present change. The journey to town middle by bus can take roughly 60-80 minutes, relying on site visitors and the precise vacation spot.

A number of public bus companies function from Changi Airport, together with bus numbers 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858. Bus 36/36A is a typical alternative for vacationers heading to town middle, because it passes by key areas and has a comparatively direct route.

🗺️ Issues to do throughout a Singapore layover

Once more, in case your Singapore layover is greater than 4 hours, contemplate going out of the airport. It’s not a trouble and Singapore is price exploring!

Listed below are among the finest Singapore layover excursions that I like to recommend with practical hours. This fashion, you’ll be able to estimate the time you have to return to the airport to catch your onward flight.

1. Singapore Strolling Tour

You most likely wish to be extra energetic throughout a layover in Singapore so a strolling tour will likely be ultimate. Strolling excursions normally begin within the morning and you’ll select the placement of the tour:

• Singapore River and Marina Bay Strolling Tour: every day besides Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 12 PM
• Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam: Tue & Thu | 9 AM – 12 PM and Sat & Solar | 2 PM – 5 PM
• Singapore for learners | Day by day besides Sundays | 10 AM – 1 PM

Every of those strolling excursions has totally different itineraries. They’re additionally spearheaded by locals so that is the very best layover tour as you’ll be taught quite a bit inside 3 hours!

🌟 I like to recommend the Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam tour in your layover. These are probably the most colourful areas of Singapore with many actions and hawker meals!

2. Singapore on a bicycle

When you don’t wish to stroll, you can even join a bicycle tour throughout your layover in Singapore. Just like the strolling excursions above, there are lots of choices for the routes and landmarks:

• Lion Metropolis Bike Tour: 20 KM (12 miles)
• Katong Meals Tour on a motorbike: 12 KM (7 miles)
• Downtown SG Meals Tour on a motorbike: 14 KM (8 miles)

Most of those bicycle excursions in Singapore go to must-see areas just like the Method 1 Monitor, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore River, Chinatown, Little India, and extra!

😋 Do you know that Singapore has a really wealthy meals tradition? I like to recommend the downtown SG meals tour on a motorbike the place you gained’t solely see landmarks however eat your method by town!

3. Singapore Road Meals Tour (Non-public)

Non-public excursions are really useful to those that are touring in teams. With this, you’ll be able to resolve when to start out and finish your tour. Non-public excursions vary from $349 USD for two vacationers and will get cheaper because the group will get bigger.

This Singapore Road Meals tour that I really like a lot will take you to 10 native spots within the totally different neighborhoods in Singapore. The hosts are additionally locals (born and raised in Singapore) so that they will provide you with an in depth historical past class and beneficiant tip about their nation!

4. Gardens by the Bay (1-2 hours)

With restricted time, give attention to the most important highlights: the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. Each are iconic, climate-controlled conservatories with distinct themes. Purchase your tickets on-line to keep away from ready in line. This additionally permits you to test for any reductions or combo offers.

Start with the Cloud Forest to see the spectacular indoor waterfall and the mist-filled mountain lined with lush vegetation. It’s a singular expertise that differs vastly from typical botanical gardens.

If time permits after the Cloud Forest, head to the Flower Dome. It’s the world’s largest glass greenhouse and showcases unique crops from 5 continents in 9 totally different gardens.

Gardens by the Bay is photogenic, so have your digicam prepared. The Cloud Forest’s waterfall and the Flower Dome’s floral shows are notably picturesque.

Count on to do a good quantity of strolling. Comfy sneakers and applicable clothes for a damp setting are really useful.

When you’ve got a number of further minutes, take a fast stroll within the outside gardens. The Supertree Grove, with its futuristic tree-like buildings, is particularly price a fast go to.

5. Merlion Park and Singapore River (2 hours)

Go to both early within the morning or later within the night to keep away from crowds and luxuriate in cooler temperatures. Evenings provide a superbly lit skyline.

Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside the Singapore River. The riverside is lined with historic websites, paintings, and supplies a glimpse into Singapore’s previous and current. If time permits, rapidly go to close by sights just like the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or the Marina Bay space.

Take into account a fast go to to Clarke Quay or Boat Quay, each vibrant areas alongside the river identified for his or her eating and leisure choices.

Make the most of public transport just like the MRT or buses for straightforward entry to and from Merlion Park. The closest MRT station is Raffles Place.

✅ I solely really useful 5 issues to do throughout a Singapore layover on this article since I don’t wish to overwhelm you with decisions, provided that you can be pressed for time. If you would like extra choices for actions, discuss with this text.

🏨 Singapore Layover Inns

Most of you’ll choose to remain in a resort near the airport for a layover and I completely perceive that – you don’t wish to miss your connecting flight!

Nonetheless, Singapore’s transportation is de facto environment friendly so relaxation assured that you’ll get to the airport in time in your flight, do you have to resolve to ebook a resort throughout your layover.

The perfect method is to remain in a resort close to the MRT Raffles Station so that you’ll be near all of the landmarks and the practice station to the airport. Under are a few of my really useful Singapore layover motels:

🧳 Baggage storage in Singapore

If you’re solely in Singapore for a layover, you gained’t have to assert your baggage because it’s tagged to your remaining vacation spot. You solely must take your baggage in case you are switching airways throughout your layover.

When you test in your baggage at your unique vacation spot, ensure that to ask the stewardess or test your suitcase for the tag.

When you booked a resort in your Singapore layover, the bags storage is FREE of cost.

There are baggage storage amenities accessible in Singapore, offering handy choices for vacationers who must retailer their luggage briefly. Listed below are a number of locations the place you could find baggage storage companies:

Changi Airport Baggage Storage

Changi Airport presents baggage storage companies in any respect terminals. The service is out there 24/7, making it handy for vacationers arriving or departing at any time. Charges sometimes vary from 5-15 to SGD ($3-11 USD) per piece for twenty-four hours.

MRT Stations Baggage Storage

Some MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) stations in Singapore, particularly these in central areas or close to vacationer sights, have baggage storage amenities.

These are self-service lockers, sometimes coin-operated or with digital fee choices. Costs vary from 10-20 SGD ($8-$15 USD) per day, relying on locker measurement.

Baggage Storage Providers

There are additionally devoted baggage storage companies in Singapore, reminiscent of Locker & Lock, Baggage Storage Singapore, and Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte.

These companies are positioned in varied components of town, together with standard vacationer areas. These are safe storage, typically providing further companies like baggage wrapping. Costs vary from 5-12 SGD per day.

Baggage Supply Providers

Baggage supply companies in Singapore provide a handy method so that you can transport your luggage from the airport to your resort, residence, or vice versa, with out the trouble of carrying them round.

This can be a door-to-door supply that could be very standard for vacationers however not each traveler learn about this! Most companies provide monitoring choices and be sure that your baggage is dealt with securely.

Supply will be scheduled in line with your arrival, departure, or resort check-in/check-out occasions. Some suppliers additionally provide baggage wrapping, storage, and even non permanent holding.

As a normal estimate, costs can vary from round 10-20 SGD ($8-$15 USD) per bag for traditional supply. Test the service hours to make sure they align along with your journey schedule!

Listed below are among the respected baggage supply companies in Singapore:

• Changi Airport’s Baggage Service: presents supply from Changi Airport to any handle in Singapore. That is helpful for vacationers who wish to discover town hands-free earlier than checking into their lodging.
• Porter Xpress: supplies baggage supply between the airport, motels, and cruise terminals. In addition they provide baggage storage and switch companies.
• CARTS: focuses on baggage supply and storage companies for passengers at Changi Airport. Providers embody baggage supply, storage, and even a cellular baggage wrapping service.