Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Most Singaporeans traveling to the U.S. on business or tourism for less than 90 days do not require a visa and can travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All travelers to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system prior to initiating travel to the United States. For information regarding visa-free travel, see Visa Waiver Program.
If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, participate in an exchange program, or any other purpose that does not fall under a B visa purpose of travel, you will need a nonimmigrant visa.
A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. A visa simply indicates that a U.S. consular officer has determined that you are eligible to apply for entry to the United States for a specific purpose.
- Nonimmigrant Visa
A nonimmigrant visa is used by tourists, business people, students, or specialty workers who wish to stay for a particular period of time in the United States to accomplish specific purposes. According to U.S. visa laws and regulations, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must demonstrate to the consular officer that they have strong ties to their country of residence and must show that they intend to depart the United States after their temporary stay.
- Immigrant Visa
Immigrant visas are for persons who plan to live permanently in the United States. The immigrant visa permits an application for admission to the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident and is a potential step toward acquiring U.S. citizenship. Most immigrant visa applications begin when a qualified family member who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident submits a petition on behalf of the intending immigrant to the U. S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States or at a U.S. Embassy abroad. It is also possible for a U.S. employer to file a petition for a foreign national whom the employer wishes to hire for an eligible permanent position.
Crime: To prevent petty theft and pickpocketing, ensure that your travel documents and personal belongings are secure at all times. Be reminded not to leave bags or valuables unattended or in plain view in parked cars (especially rental vehicles).
Active Shooter: Active shooter incidents happen from time to time. Advice on how to respond in an active shooter incident can be found on the United States Department of Homeland Security website at //www.dhs.gov/publication/active-shooter-pamphlet.
Terrorism: The United States Department of Homeland Security also provides information about credible and specific terrorism threats. For current alerts, please visit the National Terrorism Advisory System website at //www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system.
Some parts of the United States experience natural disasters and severe weather. If you are in areas affected by natural disasters, you should monitor media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially if mandatory evacuation orders are issued.
Singaporeans are encouraged to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at //www.fema.gov and the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Ready website at //www.ready.gov to learn how to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.
Earthquakes: Several US states are prone to earthquakes. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, please visit //www.ready.gov/earthquakes.
Hurricanes: The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November, and can affect several US states. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the United States National Hurricane Center’s website at www.nhc.noaa.gov and follow instructions issued by the local authorities. To learn more about how to prepare for hurricanes, please visit //www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Snowstorms: Snowstorms during winter can cause delays and cancellations throughout the major airline hubs in the United States. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel. To monitor airport conditions in the United States, visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp. You may also visit //www.ready.gov/winter-weather to learn what to do before, during and after a snowstorm.
Wildfires: Wildfires can be a danger in dry areas, and especially in canyons, hills and forests. High winds can cause fires to spread very rapidly. More information about wildfires can be found at the United States National Interagency Fire Centre website at //www.nifc.gov/. You may also visit //www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 14 October 2021]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
- Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
- Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
- eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.
While travelling
- Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
- Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
- Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrests or terror attacks.
- Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
- In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport nos., address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
Do US citizens need Covid to enter US?
U.S. Citizen Travelers As of 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, air travelers to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.Do you need a Covid test before entering the US?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an Order on January 12, 2021 requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the US.Do you need to be vaccinated to enter the US if you are a citizen?
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC's Amended Order.