Ah, Singapore passports - the little red booklet that's more powerful than it lets on!

A symbol of pride for many Lion City residents, this passport opens doors worldwide and often rolls out the red carpet, too.

Packed with advanced features and recognized globally, it's safe to say that the Singapore passport is more than just a travel document; it's a ticket to seamless global adventures.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities? 

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

What Are the Key Features of Singapore Passports?

Singapore, known as the Lion City, isn't just renowned for its impressive skyline, economic strength, and cultural richness; it also boasts one of the most powerful passports globally.

A Singaporean passport is a testament to the nation's significant role in the international community, and our experts are here to unpack it for you.

Read on.

What Are the Design Features of Singapore Passports?

The Singaporean passport has a vibrant bi-fold design with the state crest and the word "PASSPORT" embossed in gold on its deep red cover.

Inside, the Asia Pacific passports pages feature illustrations of iconic Singapore landmarks, telling a story of the nation's progress and heritage.

How Do Biometric Security Features Enhance Singapore Passports?

Singapore is at the forefront of adaptive technology, and its passport is no exception. 

Introduced in 2006, the biometric passport, or "BioPass", carries an electronic microprocessor chip.

Additionally

This chip contains the passport holder's personal data and facial and fingerprint biometrics, ensuring secure verification and reducing the chances of forgery.

What Advantages Do Holders of Singapore Passports Enjoy Internationally?

Owning a Singaporean passport has many benefits for its bearers, which you need to know about.

Here's a list of the benefits:

• Visa-free access: You can enter over 190 countries and territories without a visa or by getting a visa when you arrive.
• Internationally recognized: The Singaporean passport is a sign of trust and respect around the world. Its strong reputation ensures that holders are often treated with a degree of courtesy and respect at border controls.
• Smoother immigration process: With the advanced security features embedded in the passport, many countries facilitate quicker and more seamless immigration checks for Singaporean passport holders.
• Consular assistance: Singaporean passport holders can seek help from Singaporean embassies and consulates worldwide in emergencies or unforeseen situations abroad.
• Access to special immigration programs: Some countries have mutual arrangements or programs with Singapore allowing expedited clearance for passport holders.
• Economic and business opportunities: Given Singapore's significant role in global business, its passport often simplifies travel for business and trade purposes.
• Travel safety: Due to Singapore's neutral stance and friendly relations with many nations, its passport holders often find their journeys abroad safe and free from major political biases.
• Frequent traveler advantages: For those who travel often, especially in Asia, many countries offer frequent traveler programs or lanes that Singaporean passport holders can use, leading to faster clearance and less waiting time.

Who Is Eligible for a Singapore Passport as a Non-Resident?

Regarding passport eligibility in Singapore, there are clear distinctions based on residency and citizenship status.

Here’s a breakdown for you:

• Permanent residents: Permanent residents (PRs) aren’t eligible for a Singaporean passport. They must travel using passports from their countries of origin.
• Work pass and S pass holders: These are individuals in Singapore for employment purposes. They aren’t entitled to a Singaporean passport and must use their national passports for travel.
• Student pass holders: Foreign students studying in Singapore hold a student pass but aren’t eligible for a Singaporean passport and must travel with the passport from their home country.
• Long-term visit pass holders: These are individuals allowed to stay in Singapore for longer durations, often family members of Singaporean citizens or residents. Despite their extended stay, they, too, aren’t eligible for a Singaporean passport.
• Dependent pass holders: Dependents of individuals working or studying in Singapore fall under this category. Like all non-citizens, they’re ineligible for a Singaporean passport.

Singaporean citizens are the only individuals who can apply for and obtain a Singaporean passport by birth, descent, or naturalization.¹

Non-residents and non-citizens must rely on their home country's passport for all international travel.

How Does Dual Citizenship Affect Singapore Passport Issuance?

Singapore doesn’t recognize dual citizenship.

Singaporean citizens who obtain citizenship of another country must renounce their Singaporean citizenship and will no longer be eligible for a Singaporean passport.

What Are the Important Regulations Governing Singapore Passports?

General rules also apply to Singapore passport holders.

These regulations include:

• Always ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months when you travel.
• Report lost or stolen passports immediately to stop people from abusing them.
• Stay informed about visa requirements for your destination to ensure smooth travel.

What Are the Costs and Fees for Singapore Passport Application?

When applying for a Singaporean passport, the price varies based on the applicant's age.

Let’s have a look:

Passport Type	Application in SG	Application Overseas
Ordinary (aged 16 and above)	SGD 70	SGD 80
Ordinary (below 16 years old)	SGD 30	SGD 40
Official and Diplomatic	Covered by government	Covered by government

What Are the Different Types of Singaporean Passports?

Singapore issues 3 different types of passports to cater to its citizens' and officials' varying needs and statuses.

These passports all have different duties and responsibilities and are used for different things.

Here's a deeper dive into the 3 main types:

What Distinguishes an Ordinary Singapore Passport?

This passport is for personal travel, tourism, business trips, and other non-official overseas visits.

All Singaporean citizens are eligible to apply for this passport, which is generally valid for 5 years for applicants aged 16 and above and for 2 years for children below 16.

It can be renewed upon expiration.

Furthermore

It features the iconic red cover with the state crest and the word "passport" on the inside, and it has designs showcasing Singapore’s landmarks, heritage, and achievements.

What Features Define an Official Singapore Passport?

Government officials use the official passport when they represent Singapore in an official capacity but not at the diplomatic level by attending conferences, seminars, official meetings, etc.

Government employees or officials who don’t qualify for a diplomatic passport but need to travel for official tasks are eligible for this passport. 

The validity often aligns with the duration of the official task or mission but is generally shorter than that of an ordinary passport.

But wait, there’s more…

Distinct from the ordinary passport, its cover may indicate its 'official' status, making it easily recognizable to foreign authorities.

What Benefits Come With a Diplomatic Singapore Passport?

Diplomatic passports are for representatives of the Singaporean government on diplomatic missions, including ambassadors, consuls, and high-ranking officials on assignments that require diplomatic recognition.

Diplomats representing Singapore, high-ranking government officials, and specific individuals designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can apply for it.²

Like the official passport, its validity usually aligns with the diplomatic assignment's duration, but the exact duration might vary based on the role and assignment.

Typically

The diplomatic passport is of a different color or has distinct markings to differentiate it from ordinary and official passports, which ensures that bearers receive the diplomatic privileges and immunities they’re entitled to.

What Is the Global Power of Singapore Passports?

The Singaporean passport ranks 1st in the world as of October 2023, according to VisaGuide Passport Index.³ 

The strength of a passport isn't just about its security features; it's also about the freedom it offers its holders.

Here's what you should know about the power of a Singapore passport: 

Which Countries Offer Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access for Singapore Passports?

Singaporean passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, including popular travel destinations like the EU Schengen zone, Australia, and the USA.

How Is the Global Passport Ranking Determined for Singapore?

​​Regularly ranking high on the global index, the Singaporean passport is often in the top tiers, competing closely with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Germany for the top spot. 

This ranking attests to its wide acceptance and high international regard.

That being said

As of 2025, Singapore passports are ranked in 6th place worldwide.⁴

What Is the Process for Renewing a Singaporean Passport?

Singaporean citizens can renew their passports online through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) website.

They'll need to submit an application, pay the renewal fees, and sometimes provide a new photo.

Once approved, the passport can be collected at the ICA or mailed.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

In the world of passports, Singapore stands out as a beacon of prestige and accessibility. 

Its holders are privy to smooth travel, fortified security features, and the recognition of being associated with one of the world's most progressive nations.

Whether you're a proud owner or an envious onlooker, one thing's for sure: the Singapore passport truly is in a league of its own.

Enjoy your trip, and may it be as interesting as the passport that you’re carrying!

Learn More: World's Most Popular Passports