Visa runs, common between countries like Singapore and Malaysia, involve brief border crossings to extend visa stays. This article explores their legality in Singapore and the potential consequences for travelers.
What are Visa Runs?
Visa runs are brief trips over the international border to purposefully reset the visa validity of the originating country. This is very common between Singapore and Malaysia, and the timer resets when you exit one country and enter another.
When leaving Singapore, the popular option is to leave via Singapore-Johor Causeway through the land border, spend a day to enjoy some shopping in Johor Bahru or see Legoland Malaysia, and again go back to Singapore for another 30/90 days.
If a foreigner has stayed for 30 days already and tries to do a visa return (or U-turn), there are 50/50 chance that he’ll be questioned on the purpose of Singapore stay when entering the country.
It is possible that he’ll be asked for an interview at the border and asked questions like where will you accommodate? When do you leave as per your plan? What are you doing in Singapore? Where do you work and from where did you get such money for a long vacation?
Some foreigners might not be stopped at first U-turn, but the chances increase with every entry, and it’ll be practically 100% after 4-5 times that questions will be asked.
Then it’ll be a game of answers, but it’s difficult to satisfy them or prove that you are an addicted tourist to Singapore if you have spent 3-4 months here.
In case you fail to convince the officer that you are a tourist, the officer will refuse your entry (no matter even if you have a valid visa).
Legality of Visa Runs and Length of stay in Singapore
Traveling across borders for tourism is not a crime. However, if the purpose doing so is to aide in work or living arrangements where unauthorised, this may be illegal.
For example, if a person is working in Singapore on a tourist visa, this is illegal. This person may go on a visa run to renew their visa, allowing them to stay in Singapore for an extended time – thus continuing their work in Singapore although not allowed to.
Your stay in Singapore depends upon your Nationality, and the visit can either be 30 or 90 days. The counting of the day started from the first day you step here (with the first full day being the day you step in). The countdown stops when you leave Singapore, and it resets for another 30 or 90 days once you again enter Singapore.
It should be clear now that you can only stay in Singapore for 30/90 days per visit. This stay period doesn’t affect how many times you visit. For every tour there is always 30/90 days permitted.
What are the Legitimate Singapore Visa choices instead of visa runs?
That’s why, if you are looking for a long-term relocation to Singapore, the options proposed below will be a good alternative for you.
Employment Pass
Employment Pass (EP) is best for foreign professionals, executives, and managers or for those having relevant qualifications. The validity of the Employment Pass is up to 2 years.
S Pass
S Pass is best for mid-level skilled staff who meets assessment criteria. The validity of S Pass is up to 2 years. S Pass is popular among employees who work in the entertainment, construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or service sectors.
Entre Pass
If you would like to venture your business into the Singapore market, you can apply for Entre Pass. It will lead you to get permanent residence in Singapore as well.
Conclusion
Once ICA and MOM have flagged you as high risk in their system for multiple Visa Runs, it will be difficult to enter Singapore again. Alternatively, there are many legitimate visas available for foreigners who want to work and stay in Singapore.
If you are looking to apply for an Employment Pass, we encourage you to go through an employment agent that has insights to the application process for higher success rates.
FAQs
The visa validity is printed on the visa.
Yes. You can apply for Singapore Visa online.
It is not a crime to travel across borders for tourism is not a crime. Visa run is only illegal if you do it to aid in work or living arrangements.
Depends upon your Nationality, can either be 30 or 90 days. The counting of the day started from the first day you step there (with the first full day being the day you step in). The countdown stops when you leave Singapore, and it resets for another 30 or 90 days once you again enter Singapore. This stay period doesn’t affect how many times you visit. For every tour there’s always 30/90 days are permitted.
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How frequently can I visit Singapore as a US citizen? Say if I visit Singapore, will I get an automatic 90 day entry the first time? If I come again the next year, can I again get 90 days? In other words, can I keep coming back to Singapore every year and still get a 90 day entry without any questions? I would like to avoid ICA thinking I am visiting too frequently, hence trying to figure out how frequently can I visit Singapore and not raise a red flag and get a 90 day entry every time? Thanks.
As a U.S. citizen, you can generally visit Singapore for up to 90 days under the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) or Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP). Here are the key points to consider:
If you’re considering a longer stay in Singapore for work or business, applying for an Employment Pass (EP) might be the ideal solution. With an EP, you can live and work in Singapore legally for an extended period, allowing you to fully engage in your professional activities without the constraints of short-term passes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you apply for an Employment Pass and ensure a smooth transition to working in Singapore.
For the most current rules and information, check the Singapore ICA website or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.