The way of Singaporean citizens travel to Europe will soon change. From 2022, Singaporeans will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is not a visa. However, it will be Europe mandatory entry requirements for Singapore citizens entering any of the Schengen countries.
Singaporeans can find out everything they need to know about applying for Europe’s new visa waiver below.
Will Singapore citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, citizens of Singapore will not need a visa to travel to Europe for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
From 2022, passport holders from the Republic of Singapore must apply for ETIAS to enter any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa. With ETIAS, Singapore nationals can continue to enjoy short European trips.
Singaporeans travelling to Europe need a visa if they do not meet all the ETIAS requirements, wish to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism, business, or transit.
ETIAS requirements for Singapore citizens
Few documents and details are required to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver. Applicants must have:
- Valid Singapore (or other ETIAS approved country) passport
- Credit or debit card
- Email address
Each traveller must complete the ETIAS application form accurately and truthfully. Any errors could lead to processing delays.
The ETIAS application for Singapore citizens
Singapore nationals applying for the ETIAS waiver should provide the following information:
- Personal information, full name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender
- Contact details, current address, email address, and phone number
- Passport data, passport number, country of issue, date of issue, and date of expiration
Travellers must provide information regarding their health and, if applicable, criminal background.
How long does it take to get ETIAS from Singapore?
With the required documents to hand, the ETIAS application form can be completed in around 10 minutes.
ETIAS processing will be fast and efficient. Applications are first automatically cross-checked against Schengen Area security systems. Most requests will be approved at this point.
On the rare occasion that there is a hit in one of the systems, the form will be reviewed manually. It could take up to 2 weeks to reach a decision.
What happens when the ETIAS is approved?
It is estimated that around 95% of ETIAS applications will be accepted. Travellers will be informed by email when the ETIAS has been approved.
The travel authorisation will be linked to the passport electronically and verified when the passport is scanned at the border.
ETIAS rejection
In the rare case that ETIAS is rejected, a reason will be provided by email.
Individuals have the right to appeal. All appeals will be handled directly by the Schengen member country that the traveller intends to enter first.
ETIAS will only be rejected if the individual is considered to pose a current health or security threat to the public.
Travelling to Europe from Singapore
Once approved, ETIAS will remain valid for 3 years or until the Republic of Singapore passport expires.
The same permit can be used to enter the Schengen Area multiple times. Each stay must not extend 90 days per 180-day period.
ETIAS will be required to enter the Schengen Area from Singapore. As there are no internal borders in the travel zone, ETIAS holders can then visit any combination of the 26 Schengen countries. No additional authorisation is required.
Why is the ETIAS for Singaporeans needed?
The aim of ETIAS is to boost safety and security across the Schengen Area. By pre-screening travellers from Singapore and more than 60 other countries, the EU can prevent dangerous individuals from crossing the border.
ETIAS will improve border management and provide a fast and efficient solution for visa-free travellers.
With the introduction of ETIAS, Singaporeans will be able to enjoy top European destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.