11 Countries Requiring a Visa That Singaporean Travelers Should Visit

A Singapore passport allows you to travel far and freely to many countries around the world without requiring a visa. According to the Henley visa restriction index, Singapore is ranked 5th in the world in terms of travel freedom – tied with Japan in Asia. Indeed, this is a great passport to have especially for those with a serious case of wanderlust, more so for those people who have the ambitious quest to visit every country in the world.

Despite this, there are a number of countries where a visa is still required before a Singaporean can visit. Whether you’re a casual holiday-goer or a travel extremist, find out which of them should be in your bucket list here:

Uzbekistan

Mention the word silk road and few other countries would be more closely associated to that term than Uzbekistan. Having served as a bridge between east and west, cities with names such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have captured the imagination of countless explorers over the centuries.

Visa situation: Visa is required prior to arrival. Fortunately, there is an embassy in Singapore which makes the submission process a lot easier. To obtain a visa, you also need a letter of invitation which can be acquired from a hotel or travel agency in Uzbekistan.

How to get there: Uzbekistan Airways flies to Tashkent, the capital, via Kuala Lumpur

Check out more of Uzbekistan here

Bhutan

The land of the thunder dragon is at once enchanting as it is remote. Bhutan keeps minimal diplomatic contact with the outside world and most nationalities (save for Indians for instance) need a visa to get here. While in Bhutan, make sure to check out the mesmerizing Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Located on a cliff, legend has it that a tiger flew onto the cliff with the materials on its back to construct the precariously-perched building.

Visa situation: To get a visa, you need to join a tour with one of the travel agencies licensed to operate in the country. The whole procedure is relatively easy and they tend to do everything for you. The greatest barrier is perhaps the cost which starts at around USD 200 per day in Bhutan inclusive of ground transport, lodging and meals.

How to get there: Very easy. Druk Air, the national carrier, flies to Paro in Bhutan from Singapore

Check out more of Bhutan here

Ethiopia

ethiopia landscape by mariusz kluzniak | cc 2.0

Often regarded as the cradle of mankind, Ethiopia boasts of impressive landscapes, sites that have stood for more than a millennia and biblical old towns. It is one of the most ancient countries in the world and it remains the only country in the African continent that has never been colonized. If you love nature, you’re in for a treat – the Danakil Depression is one of few places in the world where one can go down to see an active volcano’s lava flow.

Visa situation: A visa needs to be applied for in advance for Singapore citizens

How to get there: The major Middle Eastern carries have flights to Addis Ababa from Singapore via one stop at Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi

Ukraine

The largest country that sits entirely in Europe, Ukraine offers a plethora of things to see and do – from the hipster capital Kiev to the mountainous slopes of the Carpathians. In between, you get pretty gingerbread towns like Lviv and fairytale castles such as Kamyanets Podilsky.

Visa situation: Singaporeans need a pre-arranged visa to visit Ukraine but thankfully, there is an embassy here. Requirements are relatively easy for Singapore citizens. For instance, the requirement to present a letter of invitation is waived

How to get there: From Singapore, Turkish Airlines flies to a number of cities in Ukraine including the capital Kiev, via Istanbul.

Check out more of Ukraine here

Russia

Vilyuchinsky from Gorely by kuhnmi | CC 2.0

The largest country in the world by area, Russia is a country that essentially needs no introduction. Most people come for Moscow and St. Petersburg but beyond that, the frozen wonders of Siberia beckons while the diverse peoples of Tatarstan and Europe’s most mysterious “republics” add a pleasantly surprising aspect.

Visa situation: The visa procedure of Russia is pretty straightforward except for the requirement to present a letter of invitation. Most hotels are happy to provide this though so all it needs is an extra email or two to get your paperwork ready for visa application.

How to get there: Singapore Airlines flies to Moscow direct from Singapore

India

Another country that needs no introduction, India is known for its majestic monuments, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and beguiling culture. The country offers a feast to the senses and there is definitely no other nation quite like it. The country is most known for the Taj Mahal but there are an endless number of attractions beyond it. A personal favorite is the placid city of Udaipur.

Visa situation: Very easy. An e-visa which you can apply for online grants you a visa which you get physically once you land in one of India’s major airports

How to get there: From Singapore, several airlines fly to around a dozen points throughout India

Check out more of India here

Iran

The country has opened up in recent years and it is now touted as the next travel hotspot due to attractions like the ancient city of Persepolis, the majestic Imam Square in Esfahan and desert cities like Yazd that have a decidedly Arabian nights feel. Iran is also well-known for its extremely hospitable people and fantastic cuisine.

Visa situation: Greatly relaxed recently. It’s now possible to get a visa-on-arrival when arriving from any of the country’s major international airport (that includes Tehran, Shiraz and Esfahan)

How to get there: The top three Middle Eastern carriers (i.e. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad) fly to various points in Iran with one stop at their respective hubs from Singapore

Check out more of Iran here

Jordan

One word – Petra.

Visa situation: Visa-on-arrival for JOD 40 for a max 2-months stay in Jordan (single entry)

How to get there: The top three Middle Eastern carriers (i.e. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad) fly to Amman in Jordan with one stop at their respective hubs from Singapore

Madagascar

avenue of the baobabs by rod waddington | CC 2.0

Madagascar has captured the world’s imagination thanks to depictions in popular media. Stereotypes aside, the country is indeed a place brimming with out-of-this-world landscapes and exotic wildlife so it definitely should be in every nature lover’s bucket list. The capital, Antananarivo, is a colorful amalgamation of chaos and history in a picturesque hilly setting.

Visa situation: Very easy. Visitors just need to obtain a visa-on-arrival which is free if the stay is for 30 days or less

How to get there: From Singapore, one transit point is required via Air Seychelles or Air Mauritius

Maldives

Conrad Maldives resort by Daphne Go

A mere 5 hour flight from Singapore, the sunkissed islands of Maldives transport you into what looks like an outdoor swimming pool with unbelievably turquoise waters. The resorts in the country are some of the most luxurious and over-the-top in the world. Popular as a honeymoon spot, the country has recently revamped their infrastructure a bit to cater to friends traveling together and even solo travelers.

Visa situation: Very easy. Visa-on-arrival can be had at the international airport in Male

How to get there: Tigerair and Singapore Airlines both fly to Maldives direct

Sri Lanka

hikkaduwa beach by Iris Liu | CC 2.0

A relatively small teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known in equal measure for – hold your breath – its safaris, tea plantations, ancient temple ruins, beaches and colonial towns. The country has so much to offer that it is sometimes hard to believe it only measures a little bit more than 65,000 square kilometers in area. Tourism has essentially exploded since the end of civil war in 2009.

Visa situation: Very easy. Available on arrival, free of charge.

How to get there: Sri Lankan Airlines flies daily to Colombo from Singapore.