ESTA USA - ESTA VISA APPLICATION FOR CITIZENS OF SINGAPORE
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA USA) is an online application platform for citizens of Visa Waiver countries. Citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may apply to visit the United States for stays up to 90 days. This travel authorisation permits travel for tourism, business, medical purposes or short-term study programs, without applying for a tourist visa at the US Embassy. Some travellers refer to this travel document as an ESTA visa.
Singapore has strong ties with the US, enjoying extensive military, economic, cultural and commercial relations. The country joined the VWP in 1999, making it easier for Singaporeans to travel to the US. ESTA was established in 2009, as an added requirement for travellers from countries in the VWP. Using ESTA is a faster and easier way to obtain authorisation for entry to the US. In the US fiscal year of 2014 (October 2013 – September 2014), 144,351 Singaporean nationals travelled to the US under the VWP.
Singaporean passport holders who intend to travel to the US may fill in and submit the ESTA visa form online. It is recommended to apply 72 hours before departure. Certain requirements must be met. The validity of successful applications lasts for two years. Citizens of Singapore who travel to the USA as part of the VWP are required to fly with a signatory carrier. Singapore Airlines, for example, is a signatory member.
If an ESTA visa application is unsuccessful, citizens of Singapore may apply for a B1 or B2 visa by visiting the US Embassy in Singapore.
Signatory Carriers for travelling to USA under the VWP
Well-known airlines that fly to the US from Singapore:
- Singapore Airlines
- Qantas
- Jetstar Airways
- British Airways
- Swiss International Airlines
- Lufthansa
- KLM
- Air France
- Emirates Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways
Well-known cruise ships:
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Costa Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Silversea Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line Limited
- Fred Olsen Line, Ltd.
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Saga Shipping Company, Ltd.
More Information
The American Embassy in Singapore:
- The US Embassy in Singapore was moved to 27 Napier Road on November 1, 1996.
- Website: https://singapore.usembassy.gov/
- The American embassy in Singapore offer services for both American and Singaporean citizens.
- Applicants for consular services must make payments in Singapore currency or by credit card. The US Embassy in Singapore does not accept U.S. currency. Charges on credit cards will be made in $US.
- Visa interviews are held at an appointment basis only, at the US Embassy in Singapore.
Singaporean passports:
- All Singaporean passports have to be machine-readable to use the ESTA system (e-passport), and the passport should be valid for at least 6 months prior to departure to the USA. Citizens of countries listed on the Six Month Club are exempt from the 6 month rule.