USA entry requirements for travellers from Singapore
Visa requirement summary
Singaporean passport holders can travel to the United States without a visa by using ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Singapore is a member of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means Singaporean nationals do not need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa for short visits.
ESTA must be applied for online before you travel. It is not a visa — it is a pre-authorisation that allows you to board a flight to the US and seek admission at the port of entry.
How ESTA works
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the official US Government site. Avoid third-party sites that charge additional fees for the same service.
Fee: $40.27 per person — $4.00 for processing (charged whether approved or not) plus $36.27 authorisation fee (charged only on approval).
Validity: Two years from approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
Stay: Up to 90 days per visit, for tourism or short business trips. ESTA cannot be extended from inside the US.
Multiple trips: An approved ESTA allows unlimited trips to the US during its validity period, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days.
Apply early: At least 72 hours before your travel, although applying several weeks in advance is recommended. Most applications are decided within minutes, but some require additional review.
Final admission: An approved ESTA authorises you to board a flight and present yourself at the US port of entry. Admission is granted by a CBP officer, who may ask questions and has the authority to refuse entry.
How long you can stay
Up to 90 days per visit. This cannot be extended from inside the US. If you need a longer stay, you would need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa before travelling.
Passport validity requirements
Your Singaporean passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the United States. Singapore is a VWP country that benefits from the six-month club exception, which means your passport only needs to be valid through your planned departure date, not for six months beyond it. However, as a practical matter, leaving at least a few months of validity is advisable.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
There is no fixed minimum. CBP officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay — a return ticket and an accessible bank account or card are practical to have.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket is expected. ESTA does not allow you to stay beyond 90 days or to seek employment in the US.
Health requirements
No vaccination requirements for Singaporean citizens entering the United States.
Other entry requirements
You cannot work in the US on ESTA/VWP. Study for more than 18 hours per week also requires a student visa. If you have previously travelled to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or if you are a dual national of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, or Syria, you are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa instead.
FAQs
Do Singaporeans need a visa for the USA?
No. Singapore is a Visa Waiver Program country. Singaporean passport holders use ESTA instead of a visa for stays up to 90 days.
How much does ESTA cost?
$40.27 per person ($4.00 processing fee plus $36.27 authorisation fee on approval).
How long is ESTA valid?
Two years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Can I work in the USA on ESTA?
No. ESTA is for tourism and short business visits only. Working requires a separate work visa.
What if I need to stay longer than 90 days?
ESTA allows a maximum of 90 days per visit and cannot be extended from inside the US. For a longer stay, you would need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a US Embassy before travelling.
Am I ineligible for ESTA if I’ve been to certain countries?
Yes. If you have travelled to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or hold dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, or Syria, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa.