A Guide to Singapore Visa for Pakistani People
Singapore, commonly referred to as the “Lion City,” holds immense appeal and global importance as a travel destination. Its dynamic culture, economic prospects, and scenic surroundings make it a highly sought-after location for both business and leisure travelers across the world. However, for individuals holding Pakistani passports, fulfilling the aspiration of visiting or engaging in business activities in Singapore necessitates careful planning and strict adherence to the visa application process.
In this detailed guide, Qiyamgah.com endeavors to offer Pakistani nationals a thorough understanding of the steps and prerequisites involved in securing a visa for Singapore. The goal is to ensure that your journey to this extraordinary city-state is not only memorable but also streamlined and fully compliant with Singapore’s immigration guidelines.
Types of Singapore Visa for Pakistani
Singapore provides various types of visas to Pakistani nationals, with the most prevalent categories being Tourist Visas and Business Visas. Let’s delve into a more comprehensive discussion of these visa types:
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are designed for individuals seeking to travel to Singapore for tourism, leisure, or personal reasons.
Duration: Tourist visas typically remain valid for 30 to 90 days, varying based on the specific type of visa granted.
Application Procedure: To apply for a tourist visa, one can directly approach the Singaporean Embassy or Consulate or authorized travel agents if an invitation from Singapore is not necessary.
Requirements: Applicants generally need to submit their passport, a fully completed visa application form, evidence of adequate funds to cover their stay, a confirmed return flight ticket, and occasionally proof of accommodation. Additionally, a travel itinerary and proof of strong ties to their home country may be required to demonstrate their intention to return.
Extension: Tourist visas may be extended for a short period in exceptional circumstances, but such extensions are typically limited.
Usage Restrictions: Holders of tourist visas are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or business activities during their stay in Singapore.
Business Visa
Business visas are tailored for individuals with the intention to travel to Singapore for business-related purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities.
Duration: Business visas’ durations may vary but are usually valid for short-term stays of 30 to 90 days.
Application Procedure: To apply for a business visa, one can submit the application directly to the Singaporean Embassy or Consulate. Alternatively, authorized travel agents can assist with the application process.
Requirements: Applicants typically need to furnish a valid passport, a fully completed visa application form, an invitation letter from a Singaporean company or organization, proof of ample funds for their stay, and a confirmed return flight ticket. Additionally, they may need to demonstrate business ties and the purpose of their visit.
Extension: Extensions for business visas are possible in cases requiring a longer stay. Such extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Business Activities: Holders of business visas are permitted to participate in specific business-related activities but are generally restricted from seeking employment in Singapore.
How to Apply?
To apply for a Singaporean visa, possessing a Pakistani passport is a prerequisite. If you don’t have one, you need to submit all necessary documents to obtain a Pakistani passport and then proceed to apply for the Singaporean visa.
Once you have a Pakistani passport, submit specific documents for the visa to the Consulate General located at Lakson Square, Building No 2, Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi, Pakistan. The application form can be downloaded from this link: Singapore Visa Application Form.
Applicants are required to provide the following documents:
- A letter addressed to the Consulate General explaining the purpose and duration of the intended visit.
- A letter of introduction, including the name, NRIC (National Registration Identity Card) of the local contact, and the designation of the local contact. This information is essential for letter acceptance.
- A valid return ticket and a valid visa to be presented upon entry into Singapore.
The information provided in the application is submitted to Singaporean Immigration for approval, following which the visa is granted. Visa processing typically takes five working days, although it may take longer under specific circumstances.
For residents outside Karachi, the visa fee of 15,000 PKR must be paid via a ‘Demand Draft Payable in Karachi’ made out to the ‘Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore.’
Application Acceptance and Delivery Timetable
Applications are accepted during the following timings:
- Monday-Thursday:
- Morning: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
- Afternoon: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Friday:
- 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Delivery of Passports
- Days:
- Monday to Friday
- Timings:
- 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Closure:
- The consulate remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Visa Application Process Through Agent
In addition to applying for a visa through the Singaporean Embassy, applicants have the option to use the services of travel agents, especially if they don’t possess a mandatory invitation from Singapore. The applicant is required to provide specific documents to the travel agent to facilitate the visa application.
The travel agent manages the completion of the Visa Application form on behalf of the applicant and specifies the purpose of the visit in the form during the visa application. Upon the visa’s readiness, the applicant is promptly informed and instructed to collect it.
Travel agents typically charge a fee ranging from 7,000 to 12,000 PKR, covering both the consulate fee and the invitation fee. The visa processing period usually falls within 3-5 working days.
Visa Fee
For a Tourist Visa:
If applied directly through the Consulate: 4,600 PKR
If applied through a Travel Agent: 15,000 PKR
For a Business Visa (same as above for Tourist Visa):
Required Documents for Singaporean Business Visa
- Letter of Introduction: Contains company’s address, telephone number, official stamp, and representative’s NRIC.
- Company Profile: Printed copy of Singapore’s registered company profile, not older than 6 months from the submission date. Exemption if invited by a Singaporean government agency.
- Application Form: Must be completed.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- Visit Purpose Letter: A letter from the applicant addressed to the Consulate General, explaining the purpose of the visit.
- Introduction Letter: A separate letter of introduction.
- Travel Confirmation: A confirmed round-trip ticket.
