5 Countries Singaporeans require a visa to enter

Travel Needs: 5 Countries Singaporeans will require a visa to enter

MF editorial team

12 Apr 2016

updated the Tuesday, April 12, 2016

1/5
Myanmar
Before 2010, Myanmar was considered a pariah state under the military junta rule and barely anyone ventured there for tourism purposes.
Things are different now since the country is opening up and the world is rushing to do business there. Myanmar is an undiscovered place that everyone wants to visit. This extraordinary country is scattered with gracefully aging pagodas, stupas and monuments. Pious and highly venerated monks are a common sight across the country. Areas that were previously off-limits are now accessible to the public.
Singaporeans need to apply for a visa that gives 28 days access to stay in Myanmar. The application process takes only a few days and is usually fuss-free.
2/5
Bhutan
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan has a reputation for being mysterious yet magical. This kingdom preserves a traditional Buddhist culture against the Himalayan backdrop. This surreal nation is also known for its Gross National Happiness quotient that kind of makes it the opposite of Singapore.
Bhutan prides itself on a sustainable approach to tourism to safeguard the country from excessive tourists and commercialisation. Hence, tourists need to pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making Bhutan an expensive destination to visit. Do note that this tariff fee is all-inclusive of accommodation, food, transport and an official tour guide.
Bhutan grants visa-free access to visitors only from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Singaporeans require a valid visa and have to book their vacation through a local tour operator. Most visitors usually arrange their own travel itinerary rather than move in a large group.
3/5
Russia
The world's biggest country has everything to offer, from ancient cities to serene countryside to a buzzing nightlife. Despite being a socialist country, there is a liberal art scene in the big cities. Visitors can opt for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and skating. But try to avoid travelling during the brutally harsh winters where temperatures go down to below 15 degrees Celsius.
The visa process is slightly long and confusing. Visitors first need to submit a tourist confirmation form from an authorised travel agency or hotel. Then they need to apply for the visa by filling up another form and sending it with their documents.
4/5
India
For many first timers, India can be as challenging a travel destination as it gets. This South Asian country tosses up the unexpected. The chaos, poverty and bureaucracy can be overwhelming.
But once you overcome it, you will see the underlying beauty. India is filled with a magnificent mix of people, traditions, cultures and languages. There are many religious sites, flamboyant festivals and celebrations to explore and visit. Many people also venture here for soul-searching since spirituality is deeply embedded across the Indian culture.
India grants visa-free access to citizens only from Bhutan, the Maldives and Nepal. Singaporeans need to apply for an e-Tourist visa online that is valid for 30 days. An application must be made at least four days before the date of arrival. If you are of Indian descent, you might be able to apply to be recognised as an Overseas Citizen of India that grants you visa-free travel to India.
5/5
Cuba
Despite Western trade embargoes, Cuba has seen a wide pool of tourists visiting each year. The colonial cities - Havana, Trinidad and Camaguey - haven’t changed much in the last 50 years. The timeworn yet spectacular architecture creates a historical legacy that is deeply admired and awed upon. This Caribbean island offers stunning beaches, scenery, rich history and ecological wonders.
The best time to apply for a visa is 1-2 months before the travel date. A visa request cannot be processed without the original passport. Singaporeans need to send their passport (not a copy) to the embassy since the Cuba visa is stamped on one of the passport pages.

Despite being ranked fifth in travel freedom worldwide, Singaporean passport holders still need a visa to visit some countries.

Singaporeans have earned a reputation for taking getaways and overseas holidays as often as they can. According to the Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study 2015, we take more leisure vacations than our regional and global counterparts.

The good news is that our passport is one of the most widely accepted in the world, offering us travel access to 170 out of 219 countries without needing a visa. Based on the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index 2015, we were ranked number five in travel freedom worldwide for the third year in a row. This may explain why we get to travel to many countries without the hassle of applying or paying for a visa.

We are taken by surprise when we need a visa to travel somewhere, but don’t let this deter you from visiting expanding your horizons. Check out the gallery above to find out more about 5 different countries that Singaporeans will require a visa to visit.

Roshni Kapur

Photos: Getty Images

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Travel Needs: 5 Countries Singaporeans will require a visa to enter

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