Types of Singapore Visas: Tourist, Work and More

Short Term Visas

Short term visas cover most leisure and brief business travel. These are the most applied and also the most misunderstood types of Singapore Visas.

1. Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa sits at the top of the types of Singapore Visas list for first time visitors. It is meant for sightseeing, meeting friends or family, attending events, or simply enjoying a planned Singapore trip.

Validity and stay period
Most tourist visas are issued for a validity of up to two years with multiple entries, though the stay allowed per visit is usually up to 30 days. Officers at arrival decide the final stay length, not the visa sticker itself. This surprises many travellers, actually that is less true during school holiday months when checks tighten slightly.

Processing time
Tourist visa processing usually takes three to five working days. During festivals or peak travel seasons, it may stretch to seven days. Applying early avoids unnecessary stress.

Photo requirements
Photos must be recent, clear, and taken against a white background. No heavy editing, no shadows, and no head tilt. Glasses often cause reflections, so removing them helps. This small detail alone has saved many reapplications.

How to apply
It’s easiest to apply through Akbar Travels, they handle the whole process smoothly and catch small errors before submission. The Singapore visa application feels simpler when handled by someone who checks details daily. Applications can also be managed through akbartravels.com, which travellers often prefer for clear tracking.

The Tourist Visa is one of the most requested

Short Term Visas

Short term visas cover most leisure and brief business travel. These are the most applied and also the most misunderstood Types of Singapore Visas.

2. Business Visa

The Business Visa is designed for meetings, exhibitions, negotiations, and short-term professional visits. It does not permit paid work within Singapore.

Validity and stay period
Business visas often carry similar validity to tourist visas, but the stay per visit is usually capped at 30 days. Extensions are rare and must be justified well.

Processing time
Expect three to five working days. Business invitations with clear company details speed things up.

Photo requirements
The same photo rules apply here as other types of Singapore Visas. Clean background, neutral expression, and recent photos matter more than people expect.

How to apply
Applying through a trusted agency helps align documents correctly. Business travelers often apply through akbartravels.com because invitation letters and cover notes are reviewed carefully before submission.

This category is often listed under various types of visa for corporate travelers visiting Singapore briefly.

3. Transit Visa

Transit Visas are for travellers passing through Singapore en route to another destination. Not everyone needs one, and this causes confusion.

Validity and stay period
Transit visas are valid only for the specific transit window, usually up to 96 hours if eligible.

Processing time
Transit visas are processed quickly, often within two to three working days.

Photo requirements
Standard photo rules apply, same as other types of Singapore Visas.

Practical insight
Many travelers with confirmed onward tickets and certain passports do not need a transit visa. Checking eligibility before applying avoids unnecessary charges.

This is one of the various types of visa that people often apply for without actually needing it.

4. e Visa Tourist

The e Visa Tourist option is popular because there is no physical sticker. Approval comes digitally.

Validity and stay period
Usually issued with short term validity and a stay of up to 30 days.

Processing time
Two to four working days in most cases.

Photo requirements
Digital photo clarity matters. Blurry uploads are a common reason for delays.

How to apply
Online processing through reliable agents reduces upload errors. Many travellers prefer using akbartravels.com for this reason, especially when booking cheap flights to Singapore alongside the visa.

This option sits comfortably among modern types of Singapore Visas for short leisure trips.

5. Employment Pass 

Among the types of Singapore Visas, the Employment Pass is highly recommended for professionals with confirmed job offers.

Validity and stay period
Typically valid for one to two years and renewable. The pass ties directly to the employer.

Processing time
Processing usually takes two to four weeks, depending on role and salary.

Photo requirements
Professional photos with neutral expressions work best. Consistency with passport photos helps.

Field insight
Salary thresholds matter. Applications below market salary benchmarks often face rejection even with strong resumes.

This category is often compared when discussing Singapore visa types for Indians moving for career growth.

6. Personalized Employment Pass PEP

The PEP offers flexibility and is not tied to a single employer.

Validity and stay period
Valid for up to three years and non-renewable.

Processing time
Four to six weeks on average.

Photo requirements
Same standards as Employment Pass applications.

Practical insight
This is one of the types of Singapore Visas suitable for senior professionals who want career mobility.

7. Entrepreneur Pass Entre Pass

Designed for startup founders and innovators.

Validity and stay period
Initially issued for one year with renewal based on business performance.

Processing time
Six to eight weeks is common.

Photo requirements
Clear professional photos are required.

Field reality
Business plans are scrutinized closely. Vague ideas do not pass.

This remains one of the various types of visas aimed at business creators.

8. Dependent Pass

Issued to family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders.

Validity and stay period
Linked to the main pass holder validity.

Processing time
Two to four weeks.

Photo requirements
Photos of dependents must meet the same standards.

Families researching Types of Singapore visa for Indians often focus on this category.

Long Term Visit Pass

For parents, common law partners, or extended family.

Validity and stay period
Issued for one to two years.

Processing time
Three to six weeks.

Photo requirements
Standard photo rules apply.

This is one of the Different types of Singapore visa meant for family reunification.

9. S Pass

For mid skilled workers with employer sponsorship.

Validity and stay period
Up to two years initially.

Processing time
Three to five weeks.

Photo requirements
Clear recent photos are mandatory.

Quota rules apply strictly, which affects approval chances.

10. Singapore Permanent Resident

Permanent residency offers long term stability.

Validity and stay period
PR status is permanent with re-entry permits.

Processing time
Six to twelve months.

Photo requirements
Consistent professional photos are required.

This is often the final step after navigating several Types of Singapore Visas.

11.GIP Global Investor Program

For high-net-worth investors.

Validity and stay period
PR status upon approval.

Processing time
Nine to twelve months.

Photo requirements
Standard immigration photo norms apply.

This is one of the various types of visa routes for investors.

One practical thing to remember is that understanding the Types of Singapore Visas early makes planning smoother, whether the goal is a short holiday, career move, or long-term relocation. The right visa aligns documents, intent, and timelines properly. That clarity is what turns a planned trip into a comfortable one, whether booking cheap flights to Singapore, selecting Singapore tour packages, or simply enjoying the city with a Singapore tourist pass in hand.