Visa requirements to know for Singaporeans heading to Southeast Asia

This article first appeared on Skyscanner's Visa requirements for Southeast Asia: know before you go!

According to a Henley & Partners study, the Singapore passport is ranked fifth in the world for visa-free travel with access to 173 countries and territories.

We often take the visa-friendly policies of neighbouring ASEAN countries for granted when we pack our bags and head off to Changi Airport on another exciting vacation from Singapore.

Visa regulations change like the wind so be prepared for your holiday with Skyscanner's guide to visa requirements for Singaporeans in Southeast Asia.

Photo: StockUnlimited

Cambodia

Ancient temples of Angkor, unspoiled beaches and scrumptious Kampot pepper crab. Cambodia attractions and highlights include:

Siem Reap: Get up early for a mystical dawn at ancient Angkor Wat temple complex.

Phnom Penh: Explore the beautiful Royal Palace and learn about Cambodia's darkest days at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng.

Kep: Visit Kampot pepper plantations and enjoy seafood banquets on the long beach lined with bargain budget hotels.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporeans do not require a Cambodian visa for stays of up to 30 days and can extend their visit for a further one month only for S$60 (US$45) at the Immigration Department at No. 332, Confederation de la Russie, Phnom Penh (or just pop into one of the small travel agents around town that will save you the legwork though charge a small fee).

Those that overstay their stay in Cambodia will be charged at S$6.74 (US$5) per day. Passports need to be valid for six months from the date of entry into Cambodia.

Where to find out more:

Royal Embassy of Cambodia Address: 400 Orchard Road, #10-03/04 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875 Contact number: +65 6341 9785

Photo : Alila Ubud

Indonesia

Incredible cultural diversity, underwater adventures and smoking volcanoes. Indonesia attractions and highlights include:

Bali: The Island of the Gods is perfect for beach holidays, photographing emerald rice fields, temple trips and underwater adventures.

Yogyakarta: Sunrise at Borobudur is an unmissable Southeast Asian experience near Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of teeming Java.

Jakarta: Visit "the Big Durian" for buzzing backstreet markets, posh shopping malls and some of the region's most exciting nightlife.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

No visa is required for visits of up to 30 days. This entry pass is not valid for any form of employment and cannot be extended.

Passports need to have at least six months validity from date of entry and visitors must be in possession of a return ticket out of Indonesia (a ferry ticket is sufficient).

It is possible to apply for a Social and Cultural Visa for a longer stay (60 days extendable to a maximum of 6 months on a monthly basis) if you have a local sponsor in Indonesia (S$75).

Where to find out more:

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Address: 7 Chatsworth Road, Singapore 249761 Contact number: +65 6737 7422 Website: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia

Photo: Angelica Tan

Laos

Saffron-robed monks and stunning wats, the mighty Mekong and French cafe culture. Laos attractions and highlights include:

Luang Prabang: Spend dawn with Buddhist monks among temples at this alluring UNESCO World Heritage city.

Vang Vieng: Go all outdoorsy and explore the otherworldly karst landscape on a tubing trip downriver or fly above it on a thrilling zipline ride.

Vientiane: Southeast Asia's sleepiest capital is perfect for enjoying French cafe culture, exploring on foot and relaxing with sunset beers by the Mekong with views over to Thailand.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporeans can visit Laos without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Passports must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Laos. It is not possible to extend your entry pass though it may be worth checking with Laos Immigration when you get there.

Where to find out more:

Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Address: 51 Goldhill Plaza #13-04/05, Singapore 308900 Contact number: +65 6737 7422

Photo: The Strand Cruise

Myanmar

Mind-blowing stupas, hot-air balloon rides and rich traditional cultures. Take time to slow down in Myanmar. The country isn't in such a rush, so put away your mobile, sit down and watch this charming country unfold in front of you. Myanmar attractions and highlights include:

Yan gon: Visit stunning Shwedagon Paya, possibly the finest temple in all Southeast Asia, pop into the Strand for a cocktail and join the locals for tea and local snacks at one of the city's many tea houses.

Bagan: Enjoy a dawn balloon ride over the ancient temples of Bagan for one of Southeast Asia's most memorable experiences.

Inle Lake: Island hop around this vast lake, glide past fisherman casting their nets or rowing with their legs and visit bustling culturally diverse markets and isolated island temples.

Visa requirements for Singaporeans:

Singaporeans require a visa for visits to Myanmar. Visas are valid for 28 days, cost S$35 and are valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Tourist visas are extendable by a maximum of 14 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.

Applications for a tourist visa to Myanmar must be done online. You make an appointment online and then bring the required documents and pa ssport to the embassy for processing.

Processing takes at least one working day and if you can't get to the embassy, you can purchase an eVisa here for S$67.40 (US$50). (It is rumoured that citizens of Singapore will no longer require a visa for 30-day visits to Myanmar from December 2016.) Alternatively, you can apply for your visa here.

Where to find out more:

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar Address: 15 St. Martin's Drive, Singapore 257996 Contact number: +65 6735 0209

Photo: The Nam Hai

Vietnam

Thrilling cities, stunning natural beauty and unbeatable street food. Vietnam attractions and highlights include:

Ho Chi Minh City: You will struggle to cross the road in this frenetic city so sit back at a streetside cafe with a local coffee and watch the world scream past.

Halong Bay: One of Southeast Asia's most beautiful watery experie nces with emerald waters, stilt villages and karst formations jutting out of the sea.

Hoi An: Lantern-lit old riverside town with heritage architecture, Chinese temples and plenty of local culinary delights.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Visas are not required for stays of 30 days in Vietnam. Passports need to be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.

Entry passes are extendable for 15 days from immigration offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, though you may be able to save significant amounts of time by paying one of the many travel agents in either city to do the extension for you.

Check around for the best prices and turnaround time.

Where to find out more:

Embassy of the Republic of Vietnam Address: 10 Leedon Park Street, Singapore 267887 Contact number: +65 6462 5938 Website:Embassy of the Republic of Vietnam

Photo: The Straits Times

Philippines

Vibrant cities, Spanish colonial architecture and thousands of postcard-perfect beaches. Philippines attractions and highlights include:

Manila: Leave your preconceptions behind when you visit Manila, the most underrated capital in Southeast Asia and famed for its exciting nightlife, colourful festivals and colonial architecture.

Cebu: Enjoy underwater escapades with thresher sharks at Malapascua and Mactan and eat scrumptious lechon and halo halo in Talisay for a true taste of Cebuano life

Palawan: Unbelievable beaches, kayaking trips and an unusual visit to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporean visitors to the Philippines do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Travellers must bring a return ticket and have a valid passport that shows validity to six months beyond their intended stay in the Philippines.

It is now p ossible to stay for up to six months in the Philippines with the new "Long Stay Visitor Extension" which costs S$329 (PHP11,500). Learn more about the Long Stay Visitor Extension here.

Where to find out more:

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Address: 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395 Contact number: +65 6737 3977 Website: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

Photo: StockUnlimited

Thailand

Spicy treats, temple trips and blissful beaches. Thailand attractions and highlights include:

Bangkok: Perfect for busy weekend break of bargain shopping, street food heaven and cultural wonders

Chiang Mai: Cultural heart of northern Thailand with mountain temples, wild Songkran festivities, and trendy cafes

Phuket: Day trips to stunning islands, sunset cocktails on the beach and thumping nightlife.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporeans do not require a visa for visits of 30 days. Visa runs to neighbouring countries are prohibited and tourists are not allowed to stay for more than 90 days for a period of six months.

Singapore citizens who travel into Thailand from a land border will be given permission to enter Thailand for a period of 15 days.

Passports need to be valid for six months from the date of entry into Thailand.

Where to find out more:

Royal Thai Embassy Address: 370 Orchard Road, Singapore 238870 Contact number: +65 6737 2475 Website: Royal Thai Embassy

Photo: Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia

Heritage shophouses, hawker delights and rainforest adventures. Malaysia attractions and highlights include:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's dynamic capital with gleaming skyscrapers, colourful markets and fabulous urban gr eenery.

Penang: Explore bustling historic Georgetown, visit Chinese temples and indulge in wok hei infused char kway teow.

Langkawi: Flop down on a long sandy beach or take a boat trip through incredible mangrove forests.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singapore citizens do not require a visa for stays of 30 days. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of entry into Malaysia. If you intend to travel regularly over the Causeway to Malaysia, sign up for MACS (Malaysia Automated Clearance System) at Mevas in Singapore.

Where to find out more:

The Malaysian High Commission Address: 301 Jervois Road, Singapore 249077 Contact number: 65 6235 0111 or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo: Brunei Tourism

Brunei

Gorgeous mosques, opulent palaces and ecotourism wonders. Brunei attract ions and highlights include:

Bandar Seri Begawan: Zip around the stilt house city of Kampong Ayer in a tambang flying coffin and scan the riverbanks for cheeky proboscis monkeys.

Ulu Temburong: Pristine rainforest teeming with wildlife wonders. Spend dawn by the river watching hornbills and tuning into the haunting cries of Bornean gibbons ringing out over the jungle canopy.

Istana Nurul Iman: Visit the Sultan of Brunei's luxurious palace during Hari Raya, but don't get lost; the palace is four times larger than Versailles and has 1788 rooms including 257 bathrooms.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporeans do not require a visa for visits to Brunei. You just need to get a 30-day Entry Pass stamped in your passport on arrival at any of the country's 10 border checkpoints.

Note that your passport must have at least six months validity upon entry to Brunei. Extensions to the Entry Pass are possible at the immigration offices in Bandar S eri Begawan.

Where to find out more:

High Commission of Brunei Darussalam Address: 325 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247955 Contact number: +65 6733 9055

Photo: Alex Frew Mcmillan

Timor-Leste

Mountain peaks, Portuguese treats and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Timor-Leste attractions and highlights include:

Dili: Hike to the Cristo Rei statue, spend a night in the wild bars of Avenida de Portugal and learn about the resistance to Indonesian rule at the Chega Exhibition.

Maubisse: Mountain town with beautiful views and fantastic organic restaurant, Luciano.

Atauro Island: Sandy beaches, remote hiking trails, traditional villages and superb snorkelling.

Visa requirements for Singapore citizens:

Singaporean citizens need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Timor-Leste. The visa costs S$40.40 (US$30) and is availabl e on arrival at Dili International Airport.

Travellers must be able to show they have sufficient funds to support themselves for their trip (S$67.36/US$50 for each day), a ticket out of the country and a passport with six months validity from the date of entry into Timor-Leste.

Travellers arriving overland must apply for a visa in advance at a consulate or embassy or online. Visa extensions are possible at the Immigration Service in Dili for S$47.15 (US$35) for up to 30 days and S$101 (US$75) for up to 60 days.

Where to find out more:

Timor-Leste Immigration Address: 3 Killiney Road, #04-09 Winsland House I, Singapore 239519 Contact number: +65 6235 6318 Website: Timor-Leste Immigration

Ready to explore the endlessly exciting Southeast Asia? Book cheap flights, hotels and car rental via Skyscanner or check out and download our free mobile app for easy browsing and booking on the go.

Source: Visa requirements to know for Singaporeans heading to Southeast Asia