How to Extend a Singapore Tourist Visa in 2025: Step-by-Step Process with ICA Rules

Singapore is a top travel destination, drawing millions of visitors with its futuristic skyline, efficient infrastructure, and cultural diversity. Many travelers enter on a Singapore Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) — often mistakenly called a "tourist visa" — which allows stays of 14 or 30 days depending on nationality and port of entry. However, if you find yourself needing more time to explore or attend personal commitments, an extension may be possible — but only under specific conditions.

This article will walk you through the detailed process of how to extend your Singapore tourist visa in 2025, including eligibility, application procedures, required documents, fees, processing times, and important restrictions set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Not all travelers are eligible for a visa extension in Singapore. ICA evaluates requests based on multiple criteria:

Eligible applicants include:

• Visitors holding a valid STVP issued upon arrival (typically 14 or 30 days)
• Travelers who are not overstaying at the time of application
• Those with valid reasons such as:
  • Continuing tourism
  • Attending family matters
  • Medical treatments
  • Delayed departure due to travel disruptions

You are not eligible if:

• You’ve already overstayed your visa
• You’ve previously extended and maxed out your allowed stay (usually capped at 89 days per entry)
• You are seeking long-term stay under the guise of tourism (which ICA frowns upon)

Maximum stay allowed:
The total length of stay for a tourist in Singapore typically cannot exceed 89 days from the date of entry, including any extensions.

Automatic issuance:
STVP is issued automatically at the airport or land checkpoints for eligible nationalities. The duration may vary (14 or 30 days).

No guarantee of extension:
An extension is discretionary and not an entitlement. ICA may reject an application without providing specific reasons.

Step 1: Ensure You Apply Before the Expiry Date

Timing is crucial. You must apply for an extension at least 3 working days before your current STVP expires. Extensions requested too late are typically rejected, and overstaying results in serious penalties, including a potential ban from future entry.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

To complete your application successfully, you’ll need:

• Original passport (with at least 6 months' validity)
• Valid STVP (still within validity period)
• SG Arrival Card submission reference
• Justification letter (if needed, explaining your reason to extend)
• Proof of onward travel (e.g., confirmed return ticket)
• Accommodation details (hotel booking or host address)
• Medical documents (if seeking extension for treatment)
• Supporting documents from a local sponsor (if applicable)

Step 3: Apply Online Through the ICA Portal

As of 2025, ICA requires all extension applications to be made online through the ICA e-Service portal.

Steps to apply online:

1. Go to the ICA e-Services site.
2. Select "Visit Pass Extension (Short-Term)".
3. Complete the digital form using your passport details and STVP reference.
4. Upload supporting documents.
5. Submit the form and pay the fee.

Note: You can only apply for yourself. If you are applying for a child or dependent, it must be done under a separate application.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Extension Fee

The processing fee for an extension is SGD 40 (Singapore dollars), payable online via credit/debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

There are no additional charges unless you use third-party services, which ICA discourages.

Step 5: Await the Outcome

Processing time:
Applications are usually processed within 1 to 3 working days. In some cases, it may take longer if additional review is required.

Check status:
You can track your application status through the same ICA e-Service portal using your application reference number.

Approval format:
If approved, the extension will be reflected digitally — no new stamp will be added to your passport. You must download or print the new STVP grant letter and carry it with you.

There is no fixed number of extensions allowed. However:

• ICA generally does not permit more than one extension per entry
• In rare cases, a second extension may be granted, but only for exceptional reasons, such as medical emergencies
• Total stay cannot exceed 89 days from the date of entry, regardless of how many extensions you request

If ICA rejects your extension:

• You must leave Singapore before your current STVP expires
• No appeal process is available unless explicitly allowed by ICA
• You may re-enter Singapore in the future, but frequent back-to-back entries may be flagged

Yes, but only in special circumstances. ICA may ask for a local sponsor in cases involving:

• Elderly visitors staying with family
• Medical reasons requiring support
• Dependents of work pass holders

Requirements for sponsors:

• Must be a Singapore Citizen or PR aged 21 or above
• Must submit a Letter of Undertaking
• Must provide NRIC copy and proof of relationship

Note: A sponsor does not guarantee approval but can support your application’s legitimacy.

Do not overstay:
Overstaying by even one day can lead to fines, detention, and future entry bans.

COVID-19 restrictions:
As of 2025, all pandemic-related measures have been lifted, but ICA retains the right to impose health-related entry controls if necessary.

Do not use third-party agents:
ICA has warned against using unlicensed agents for visa extension services. All applications should be done personally via the ICA portal.

Avoid visa runs:
Repeated visa runs (exiting and re-entering Singapore to reset your stay) are monitored and discouraged. ICA may deny entry if they suspect abuse.

Extensions are granted more often when:

• You are recovering from a medical condition (with documents)
• You have a confirmed flight that was rescheduled or canceled
• You are attending a significant family event
• You are elderly or accompanying someone vulnerable

Avoid generic reasons like “want to explore more” unless backed by concrete plans (e.g., booked tours, tickets).

Conclusion: Is It Easy to Extend a Singapore Tourist Visa?

Extending a Singapore tourist visa in 2025 is possible but not guaranteed. ICA takes a strict, case-by-case approach. If your stay is for genuine reasons, and you provide all necessary documents on time, your chances of approval are good.

Apply early, stay honest, avoid overstay, and never assume automatic approval. Singapore’s immigration system is efficient and fair — but also firm.