8 Countries Singaporeans Can’t Travel To Without A Visa

When was the last time you checked the visa requirements for your upcoming holiday? With Singaporeans enjoying visa-free access to 188 countries, we are privileged to be holding the second most powerful passport in the world.¹ Some notable visa-exempt countries include Sri Lanka, where Singapore is one of the only three countries exempted from an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA),² and Cuba, a country notoriously inaccessible with visa exemption only granted to 18 countries.³

While we may take for granted that Singaporeans can travel visa-free to most countries, there are however, still exceptions to this case. In this article, we highlight 8 countries that Singaporeans can't travel to without a Visa.

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#1 Australia

With Australia as a popular destination for Singaporeans, did you know that a visa is required to enter the country?

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/uluru-australia-monolith-2058380/

However, obtaining an Australian visa is a simple process with little difficulty. Application for an ETA can be done online with the fee ranging between S$10 to S$20. While it is recommended to apply in advance, there is no need to panic if you have forgotten to do so as a visa is typically issued within 24 hours and can be processed in 15 minutes for urgent cases.

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#2 North Korea

Possibly one of the most recluse countries, it is perhaps a no-brainer that all visitors would require a visa for North Korea.

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/north-korea-pyongyang-building-2662076/

As individual travels are not allowed to the state of North Korea, the only way to visit would be to book a tour through an agency. The tour agency then takes care of your visa application and you only have to pay the necessary fees. The difficulty thus lies in actually reaching the country as the nation's one star airline, Air Koryo, only operates out of 3 China airports and 1 Russian airport.

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#3 Bhutan

Bhutan - the only country to emphasize the gross national happiness rather than the gross national product, wouldn't it be nice to pay "the happiest place on earth" a visit?⁴

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/tigers-nest-monastery-bhutan-2691190/

Contrary to popular belief, traveling to Bhutan is actually rather straightforward. To obtain a visa, tourists are required to book a tour package with local operators who then apply for the visa on your behalf. However, do note that there is a minimum daily package of US$200 to US$250 per day for tours to Bhutan.⁵ This package includes accommodation, meals and transport but excludes flights thus making the potential costs the biggest barrier to entry.

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#4 United States Of America (USA)

Since 1999, Singaporeans have been eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to the United States of America (USA).⁶ However, as of 2009, an advanced application for a Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been made mandatory for entry into USA.⁷

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/132084522@N05/16727268647

A ESTA can be applied online through the official ESTA website at a cost of US$14.⁸ Visitors are recommended to apply for the ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.

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#5 India

Wouldn't you like to visit the Taj Mahal, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World?

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/india-taj-mahal-agra-architecture-866692/

For entry into India, an online application for an e-Visa is required with the visa endorsed on passport upon arrival in India. The application for an e-Visa costs US$25 and requires at least 3 working days to process.⁹ Entry is then granted into 24 designated airports and 3 designated seaports and is valid for 60 days from date of issue.¹⁰

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#6 Egypt

An exotic once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is possibly the dream of many to see the mysterious Pyramids of Giza.

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/132084522@N05/16344178454

A visa for Egypt can either be applied in advanced before your trip or obtained upon arrival. However, as a valid visa is required for your flight check-in, it is recommended that you obtain a visa from either the Egyptian Embassy in Singapore or online before you travel. These visas cost US$25 and are valid for up to 30 days.

A note of caution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared Egypt as a state of emergency since April 2017 and this has been further extended to October 2018.¹¹ Visitors are therefore advised to reconsider their travel plans.

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#7 Nepal

Is seeing Mount Everest on your bucket list? Look no further with Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, offering views of Mount Everest without needing to make the climb.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Everest_as_seen_from_Drukair2_PLW_edit.jpg

The cost of a Nepal visa starts from US$25 for 15 days and goes up to US$100 for a 90 days visa.¹² The visa can either be applied at the Nepal Consulate in Singapore or obtained upon arrival at 2 international airports or 6 land border entry points.¹³

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#8 Russia

Possibly the hardest of the lot, the visa process to enter Russia may deter potential travellers from making the trip to see the iconic Saint Basil's Cathedral.

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/saint-basil-s-cathedral-red-square-1818695/

To apply for a Russian visa, you would first need to pay S$168 in cash for the application.¹⁴ Next, you will be required to list down every trip taken in the past 10 years including the dates of each trip. A tourist invitation letter is also needed and can only be obtained after you have booked all your accommodations for the trip. Additionally, as exact travel dates and cities are required for the visa application, your hotel details and trip itinerary will be needed. Upon arrival in Russia, you then have 7 days to register for your visa in the country.

With a processing time of 6 to 21 working days, it is therefore recommended to start your visa application at least 3 weeks prior to your trip.

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^{1Source: https://www.henleypassportindex.com/passport-index}

^{2Source: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/excem.jsp}

^{3Source: http://www.cubanews.acn.cu/cuba/3214-cuba-and-singapore-sign-visa-exemption-agreement}

^{4Source: https://www.smh.com.au/world/lessons-from-the-happiest-place-on-earth-20170913-gygseq.html}

^{5Source: https://www.bhutan.travel/page/travel-requirements}

^{6Source: http://www.americanlaw.com/vwpp.html}

^{7Source: https://sg.usembassy.gov/esta/}

^{8Source: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/}

^{9Source: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html#}

^{10Source: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/new_delhi/visa_information/travelling_to_india.html}

^{11Source: https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/Countries-Regions/E/Egypt}

^{12Source: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html}

^{13Source: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/new_delhi/visa_information/travelling_to_nepal.html}

^{14Source: http://www.vfsglobal.com/russia/singapore/Tourist.html}

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