singapore airport tour 2023

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Free Singapore Tour for transfer and transit passengers returns from 3 April

Transit and transfer passengers flying through Singapore Changi Airport can once again experience the Free Singapore Tour, this time with refreshed itineraries and a new Changi Precinct tour.

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group

SINGAPORE, 3 April 2023 – Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) re-launched the Free Singapore Tour today after a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Three of the existing tours available since pre-Covid-19 - the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest. A brand-new Changi Precinct tour will introduce travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day.

With transit and transfer passengers accounting for about 30% of passenger traffic at Changi Airport pre-pandemic, the tour was first introduced in 1987 to enhance the airport’s attractiveness as a transfer hub and to entice transit and transfer passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination. In 2019, over 80,000 passengers went on the Free Singapore Tour. The top markets were India, Australia and Indonesia, with Indian and Australian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants.

New Changi Precinct tour to showcase eastern Singapore

The Changi Precinct Tour is a new itinerary that will bring participants to the eastern part of Singapore to visit local community spaces such as the Tampines heartland, and to admire the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach. It offers a glimpse of how local residents live, and tells the tale of Singapore’s history on this part of the island, away from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre.

Refreshed itineraries to offer travellers new experiences

At the Jewel Tour, in addition to visiting popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, participants can now discover more about Singapore’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden, and sample local snacks at the same time. Another new component of the tour is a free guided walkthrough of a digital attraction - Changi Experience Studio - for participants to experience some of its airport-themed games and interactive exhibits.

New pit stops in the City Sights Tour include the Civic District, where travellers will get an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments including the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge and The Padang. The bus route will also pass through the new Marina Bay Financial District enroute to Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Arab Street and Haji Lane, for participants to gain a more in-depth understanding of Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage.

The refreshed itineraries also highlight sustainability features at some of the locations featured in the tours, to give participants an overview of Singapore’s sustainability efforts. These include the Eco Community Garden at the rooftop of Our Tampines Hub (as part of the Changi Precinct Tour), environmental sustainability initiatives implemented at Gardens by the Bay (as part of the City Sights Tour) and Jewel (as part of the Jewel Tour).

Monster Day Tours has been appointed by CAG, SIA, and STB to run the Free Singapore Tours.

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development at CAG, said, “The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel. For travellers who choose to transit or transfer at Changi Airport, the Free Singapore Tour is designed to give them a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer, including the unique attractions and offerings at Jewel Changi Airport and the neighbouring Changi Precinct which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Together with our partners, SIA and STB, we hope to welcome more passengers who fly through Changi Airport to enjoy a slice of Singapore through our new tours and world-class attractions and facilities.”

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, said, “We welcome the timely relaunch of the enhanced Free Singapore Tour, which offers a unique transit experience for our customers. We are pleased to continue working closely with CAG and STB to promote the sustainable growth of travel to and through Singapore.”

Mr Chang Chee Pey, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board , said, "We are delighted to bring back the Free Singapore Tour through our long-standing partnership with CAG and SIA. It is imperative for us to refresh our tourism offerings to meet the demand for wellness and eco-conscious travel, and cater to travellers seeking deeper experiences. We hope that the tour will inspire transit and transfer passengers to plan a longer trip to Singapore in future, and discover much more of what our vibrant city has to offer.”

Book a tour in advance on new portal

Advance booking is now available on Changi Airport’s website. Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours.

For more information, visit the Free Singapore Tour page here .

For the detailed tour itineraries, click here – City Sights Tour , Jewel Tour, Changi Precinct Tour , Heritage Tour .

About Changi Airport Group   

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) ( www.changiairportgroup.com ) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.  

As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 140 cities globally, with over 90 airlines operating more than 5,500 weekly flights. Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of over 550 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 650 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards.   

Follow Changi Airport on social media: Facebook  | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Telegram | TikTok   

About Singapore Airlines

The SIA Group’s history dates back to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways Limited. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways Limited and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysian Airline System. Initially operating a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to 22 cities in 18 countries, SIA has since grown to be a world-class international airline group that is committed to the constant enhancement of the three main pillars of its brand promise: Service Excellence, Product Leadership and Network Connectivity. For more information, please visit www.singaporeair.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board 

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More:  www.stb.gov.sg  or  www.visitsingapore.com

About the Organisation

What industry does your organization fall within, what best describes the key intent of the project that your organisation is seeking funding for, is your organisation a singapore-registered legal entity, is your organisation an association, is the project able to achieve one or more of the following outcome.

• Increase no. of sailings to/from Singapore
• Increase no. of foreign cruise passengers to Singapore through sailings to/from Singapore
• Increase no. of pre/post nights for cruise passengers sailing to/from Singapore
• Increase capability of industry players via cruise-specific industry training programmes
• Strengthen the potential/ attractiveness of cruising in Singapore and/or Southeast Asia

Is the project able to achieve one or more of the following?

• Improve visitor satisfaction (especially foreign visitors)
• Increase footfall
• Increase revenue
• Significant branding and PR value

Is the project able to attract foreign visitors and contribute to foreign visitors' spend?

Who will be the main target audience of your project, is your project innovative and/or a new event in singapore with tourism potential, what best describes your project, does the event have proven track records in singapore or overseas, and/or growth in tourism value such as growing foreign visitorship, and/or enhancement of precinct vibrancy etc, does the project have a clear tourism focus (e.g. tourism-related trainings, tourism companies taking on capability development initiatives or technology companies creating technology products and services for the tourism businesses), what best describes your market feasibility study project.

Based on your selection, the following STB grant/s may be applicable for your project:

Please note that projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board's offer may not be eligible for grant support. Examples where projects are deemed as having commenced include:

• Applicant has started work on the project e.g. tender has been called.
• Applicant has made payment(s) to any supplier, vendor or third party.
• Applicant has signed a contractual agreement with any supplier, vendor or third party.

Changi Airport’s Free Singapore tours are back

Any traveller who’s had a few hours stopover in  Singapore as a transfer or transit passenger is likely to have enjoyed one of the Changi Airport free Singapore tours . We tried this first in 2003 during the SARS outbreak and discovered this great way of spending a few hours in between flights. 

Free Singapore tours return from 3rd April 2023

Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have re-launched the Free Singapore Tour after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. As before, the free tours are available to t ransit and transfer passengers flying through the airport and they come with refreshed itineraries and a new Changi Precinct Tour.

Three of the existing tours, the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour have been refreshed to include new points of interest. The new Changi Precinct Tour introduces travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase these to nine tours a day.

Book a tour in advance on new portal

Advance booking is now available on Changi Airport’s website . Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours. We checked out the advance booking system, which offers dates up to 2 months out from the current date. However, all our tries returned ‘unavailable on that date’. Either the advance slots are being snapped up very quickly, or they’re experiencing teething issues. We’ll try again closer to our planned  travel dates. 

For more information, visit the Free Singapore Tour page here . For the detailed tour itineraries, click here – City Sights Tour , Jewel Tour , Changi Precinct Tour , Heritage Tour .

It’s popular – history

The tour was first introduced in 1987 to enhance the airport’s attractiveness as a transfer hub and to entice transit and transfer passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination. The campaign has been very effective. Transit and transfer passengers accounted for about 30% of passenger traffic at Changi Airport pre-pandemic, with over 80,000 passengers enjoying the Free Singapore Tour in 2019. Travellers from  India, Australia, and Indonesia accessed the tours the most, with Indian and Australian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants.

The newest tour – Changi Precinct Tour

The Changi Precinct Tour takes participants to the eastern part of Singapore to visit local community spaces like the Tampines heartland and the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach. You’ll have a glimpse of how local residents live and hear the tale of Singapore’s history on this part of the island, well away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre.

The refreshed itineraries will also offer travellers new experiences. You’ll have a taste test of some popular local snacks in   the Jewel Tour and a free guided walkthrough of a digital attraction – Changi Experience Studio. 

In the City Sights Tour you’ll visit the Civic District and have an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments including the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge, and The Padang.

The Heritage Tour, available from June, features places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown and along the colourful Haji Lane, showing off Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. You can find out more about them HERE or on their dedicated website . They’re also on Facebook . STB, Changi Airport Group and Singapore Airlines are working with Monster Day Tours to run the Free Singapore Tours programme.

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Free Singapore Tour For Transfer And Transit Passengers Returns From 3 April

Joint Release with CAG and STB 03 April 2023 - SINGAPORE – Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) re-launched the Free Singapore Tour today after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Three of the existing tours available since pre-Covid-19 - the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest. A brand-new Changi Precinct Tour will introduce travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day. With transit and transfer passengers accounting for about 30% of passenger traffic at Changi Airport pre-pandemic, the tour was first introduced in 1987 to enhance the airport’s attractiveness as a transfer hub and to entice transit and transfer passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination. In 2019, over 80,000 passengers went on the Free Singapore Tour. The top markets were India, Australia, and Indonesia, with Indian and Australian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants. New Changi Precinct Tour to showcase eastern Singapore  The Changi Precinct Tour is a new itinerary that will bring participants to the eastern part of Singapore to visit local community spaces such as the Tampines heartland, and to admire the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach. It offers a glimpse of how local residents live, and tells the tale of Singapore’s history on this part of the island, away from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre. Refreshed itineraries to offer travellers new experiences At the Jewel Tour, in addition to visiting popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, participants can now discover more about Singapore’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden, and sample local snacks at the same time. Another new component of the tour is a free guided walkthrough of a digital attraction - Changi Experience Studio - for participants to experience some of its airport-themed games and interactive exhibits. New pit stops in the City Sights Tour include the Civic District, where travellers will get an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments including the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge, and The Padang. The bus route will also pass through the new Marina Bay Financial District enroute to Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, for participants to gain a more in-depth understanding of Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage. The refreshed itineraries also highlight sustainability features at some of the locations featured in the tours, to give participants an overview of Singapore’s sustainability efforts. These include the Eco Community Garden at the rooftop of Our Tampines Hub (as part of the Changi Precinct Tour), environmental sustainability initiatives implemented at Gardens by the Bay (as part of the City Sights Tour) and Jewel (as part of the Jewel Tour). Monster Day Tours has been appointed by CAG, SIA, and STB to run the Free Singapore Tours. Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development at CAG, said, “The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel. For travellers who choose to transit or transfer at Changi Airport, the Free Singapore Tour is designed to give them a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer, including the unique attractions and offerings at Jewel Changi Airport and the neighbouring Changi Precinct which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Together with our partners, SIA and STB, we hope to welcome more passengers who fly through Changi Airport to enjoy a slice of Singapore through our new tours and world-class attractions and facilities.” Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, said, “We welcome the timely relaunch of the enhanced Free Singapore Tour, which offers a unique transit experience for our customers. We are pleased to continue working closely with CAG and STB to promote the sustainable growth of travel to and through Singapore.” Mr Chang Chee Pey, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "We are delighted to bring back the Free Singapore Tour through our long-standing partnership with CAG and SIA. It is imperative for us to refresh our tourism offerings to meet the demand for wellness and eco-conscious travel, and cater to travellers seeking deeper experiences. We hope that the tour will inspire transit and transfer passengers to plan a longer trip to Singapore in future, and discover much more of what our vibrant city has to offer.” Book a tour in advance on new portal Advance booking is now available on Changi Airport’s website. Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours. For more information, visit the Free Singapore Tour page here.   For the detailed tour itineraries, click here – City Sights Tour, Jewel Tour, Changi Precinct Tour , Heritage Tour. 

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Singapore Changi Airport

Exploring Singapore on Changi Airport’s Free City Tour

Goh Jun Cheng

Updated on: August 10, 2023

For travelers with long layovers, Changi Airport offers a fantastic free tour of Singapore. The Changi City Tour gives visitors a chance to take in some of Singapore’s top sights and get a taste of this world-class city.

The tour is completely free and easily bookable on the Changi Airport website. Tours run daily starting from Terminal 2. Buses depart in the morning and afternoon, with each tour lasting around 2-3 hours.

The tour hits many major attractions around Marina Bay and the Civic District. Some of the highlights include Merlion Park, the Esplanade theatres, the Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel , Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay , and Raffles Hotel.

Knowledgeable local guides provide commentary during the tour, sharing fascinating facts and stories about Singapore’s history, culture, and development. The buses make occasional photo stops so visitors can get out and take pictures at scenic spots.

To take part, travelers must have at least 5.5 hours until their connecting flight. Tours must be booked online in advance as they fill up quickly. Participants meet their guide at the departure point in Terminal 2.

The Changi City Tour provides an efficient way to see Singapore’s most famous sites without wasting time traveling from the airport. With comfortable buses, entertaining guides, and no cost, it’s a great option for airport layovers. Visitors get a memorable sneak peek of Singapore before flying home or onto their next destination.

For travelers eager to explore but short on time, Changi Airport’s free city tour is an excellent introduction to unforgettable Singapore.

Goh Jun Cheng is the chief staff writer for SingaporeAirport.com. Jun Cheng graduated with a degree in journalism from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

He has over 5 years of experience writing about aviation, tourism, and lifestyle topics relevant to locals and visitors in Singapore. His articles provide insights into the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions of Singapore. Jun Cheng is an avid traveler who has visited over 15 countries.

When he is not writing or traveling, he enjoys photography, trying new foods, and hiking. As a longtime Singapore resident, Jun Cheng is passionate about sharing hidden gems and perspectives about his home country.

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Singapore's Changi Airport Just Brought Back City Tours for Travelers With Layovers — What to Know

Travelers visiting the airport, who have a minimum of a five and a half hour layover, but no more than a 24 hour layover, will be eligible to choose one of four free tours.

Courtesy of Changi Airports International

For travelers who have debated whether a layover counts as visiting a particular destination, the Singapore Changi Airport will now make sure the answer is always "yes."

The airport, voted number one in the world by Skytrax , restarted offering guided city tours, a traveler favorite that had previously been on hold during COVID-19.

“The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel," Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development, Mr. Lim Ching Kiat said in the statement. "For travelers who choose to transit or transfer at Changi Airport, the Free Singapore Tour is designed to give them a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer,”

Travelers visiting the airport who have a minimum of a five and a half hour layover, but no more than a 24 hour layover, will be eligible to choose one of four free tours. 

The City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour have all been refreshed and updated with new attractions and information. A fourth, new tour titled Changi Precinct has made its debut and will spotlight landmarks east of Changi Airport. The tours take approximately 2.5 hours each, and are offered daily, Singapore’s Changi Airport shared in a statement . 

Availability of the tours is first-come, first-served, and pre-booking is highly recommended on the tour’s new website . There is no charge for the tours, but travelers will need to have valid travel documents and may need an entry visa to enter Singapore for the short visit. 

While the City Sights, Heritage, and Changi Precinct tours take guests on a guided trip outside of the airport, the Jewel Tour stays right inside Changi. The Jewel Tour, which is popular with aviation enthusiasts, takes a walking tour throughout portions of the 1 million square foot airport. Guests of the Jewel Tour will be treated to new attractions that are airport-themed. 

Over 800,000 travelers took one of the tours in 2019, the last full-year of tour operations before the COVID-19 shutdown. 

The airport has been globally recognized for the high volume of attractions and activities inside the airport, including a brand new rock climbing gym for travelers of all ages.

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27 Things to Do During a Layover in Singapore: Explore the city & its airport (2023)

Surprisingly, one of the most exciting things that you can do in Southeast Asia is to schedule a long layover at the Singapore Changi Airport . The airport is ranked one of the best in the world for long layovers. There are enough activities to keep travelers entertained inside the airport for hours. And, most of Singapore’s biggest attractions are a short drive from the airport; making it easy to explore the city during a long layover.

This guide tells you everything you need to know to make the most of a layover in Singapore . Read on to learn how to see the key sites in the city during a short time frame, and how to make the most of the airport’s facilities during your time there.

Disclaimer: Some facilities in the Singapore Airport are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. City-wide regulations that impact whether you can leave the airport to visit during a layover change often. This article is for long-term travel planning & inspiration, as much still remains closed due to COVID-19.

Table of Contents

What to do in singapore changi airport.

Some people say that they would be happy just visiting Singapore Changi Airport on their vacation. That’s because the airport is a tourist attraction in and of itself. It’s the best airport for a layover in Southeast Asia. Usually, a shorter layover is better when you’re going to your final destination, but in Singapore, the longer the layover—the better.

There are many things to do while you wait for your next flight during a layover in Singapore. You can find everything you need to have fun right in Changi Airport. Here is a list of some of the best activities:

• See the World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall: The Rain Vortex is a waterfall located inside the Singapore Airport. It is a massive display; measuring 7 stories tall.
• Visit the Butterfly Garden: The Singapore Airport Butterfly Garden has over 1,000 butterflies.
• Spend Time in the Entertainment Hall: You can play video games & watch movies here.
• Watch a Movie in the Theatre: Go see a new movie at the Singapore Airport Movie Theatre.
• Check Out the Flora & Fauna: There are many parks and gardens inside the airport with different plants and flowers. There is a Cactus Garden, Enchanted Garden, Hedge Maze, Orchid Garden, Pedal Garden, and more!
• Look at the Art Exhibits: There are countless art installations & exhibits at the airport. Some favorites are The Memory of Lived Space & Singapore Rojak .
• Take a dip in the pool & jacuzzi: Pay a day rate to spend time in a rooftop pool & jacuzzi.
• Get a Spa Service: Indulge in a spa treatment at the airport spa.
• Go Grocery Shopping: At most airports, you can find small food vendors with basic items. However, Singapore airport features a full-blown supermarket where you can find almost any food you might want.
• Bring Your Kids to the Family Zone: Keep your kids busy in the family zone. The area has a small playground, books, and games.
• Jump Around on the Bouncing Net: There’s a giant trampoline in the airport that visitors can bounce on.
• Watch the Latest Sporting Events or TV Programs: Watch TV or Sports Programming in the TV & Xperience areas. 

Facilities to Use During a Layover at Singapore Changi Airport

If you have a layover in Singapore Airport, there are a lot of great facilities available to make your time easier. Here are some of the best ones:

• VIP Lounge Access: There are over 20 VIP lounges in the Singapore airport. Some of these lounges allow passengers to pay for access. If you want to use a lounge, here is a list of lounges in the Singapore airport and how you can pay for access when you arrive.
• Baggage Storage: If you want to explore Singapore during your layover, you can leave the airport and store your baggage at a facility. There are several locations throughout the airport. Just go to a baggage storage room, fill out some paperwork, and let them inspect your bag. When you return, you’ll have to pay a fee to get your luggage back. Keep in mind that if you drop off your baggage in a location outside of your terminal, you’ll have to take it through security before re-entering the terminal.
• Free Rest Areas: If you need to take a nap but don’t want to spend money on a VIP lounge, the free rest areas in Changi airport are perfect. There are comfortable chairs where you can relax and sleep. This is a great place to relax if you have a long layover in Singapore and don’t want to spend much money.

How to Explore Singapore During a Layover

There are two ways to see Singapore during a long layover: on an organized tour or by exploring on your own.

• Take the Free Singapore Tour from Changi Airport: If you would like to see Singapore via an organized tour, then this is the way to go. The tour is free to all travelers with tickets that route through the Changi Airport. You must have a layover in Singapore for at least 5.5 hours to join the tour. The tour itself is about 2.5 hours long, but you will need that extra time to check-out and in the airport. When you arrive at the Singapore Airport, you can register for the tour. Normal tour operating hours are 7 AM to 6 PM. There are three different itineraries that you can choose from, and they vary due to COVID-19 regulations. Click here to view the current Singapore tour itineraries offered from Changi Airport .
• Explore Singapore Independently: If you want to see something different than what the free airport tour offers, or if you want to spend more than a few hours exploring Singapore, then exploring the city without an organized tour group is a good option. Be sure to read Singapore’s current COVID-19 regulations before setting out on your own. Mass transit is efficient and affordable in Singapore. The best way to get from the airport to the tourist attractions is by taxi. You can hail a public taxi at the airport and then use taxis to get to different locations when traveling through Singapore alone. If you choose to explore Singapore on your own, it is recommended that you start your tour at Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bay Sands. These two locations are in central locations and easy to find.

10 of the Best Attractions to See During a Stopover in Singapore

During a lengthy delay in Singapore, it’s simple to get a feel for the city since most of the major attractions are near to one another and accessible from the airport. If you don’t want to take the free Singapore tour provided by the airport but rather develop your own itinerary, consider these options:

• Marina Bay Sands : This is one of the most unique hotels in the world. The top of the hotel looks like a boat and there’s an infinity pool on the roof. You can visit the top of the hotel by paying a small entrance fee. Once at the top, you can order a cocktail and take in some of the best views of Singapore.
• Gardens by the Bay : This is one of the top attractions in Singapore. It’s a combination of lush, natural plants and man-made structures that look like flowers. The park is open during the day and at night. At night, the man-made structures light up, creating a unique and dazzling illumination. One benefit of visiting Singapore alone, vs via the airport tour, is that you’ll have the opportunity to see sights like this light up at night.
• Merlion Park : This park is in front of Marina Bay. You can sit in the park and enjoy the views of the city from in front of the bay. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking to relax during your Singapore tour.
• Night Safari : If you have a long layover in Singapore and it’s during the night, you can go on a night safari. The safari is about 30 minutes away from Changi Airport. You’ll be able to see animals that are active at night, like Asian elephants, lions, and leopards. The park helps protect the animals and also prevents their species from becoming extinct.
• National Gallery Singapore : If you’re an art fanatic, then visit the National Gallery in Singapore. The gallery is full of South Asian art and is a short 15-minute drive from the airport.
• Kampong Glam : This is a neighborhood in Singapore that’s full of culture & heritage. If you’ve got some time during your tour, walk around the neighborhood. You’ll see markets with Southeast Asian goods & restaurants with different cuisines.
• Haw Par Villa : This is a great place to learn about Singapore’s culture, eat great food, see some sculptures, and people-watch. There are live performances throughout the day and night. It is a 30-minute drive from the airport. You can make this your only stop or add it to your itinerary if you have a lot of time to spare during your layover.
• St. Andrews Cathedral : For travelers who enjoy seeing cathedrals from around the world, adding a trip to St. Andrews Cathedral to your itinerary is a must. The church and its surroundings are beautiful.
• East Coast Road : This is one of Singapore’s most popular areas, and it’s a favorite foodie destination. Grab a coffee or some ice cream if you’re on a budget. If you’ve got some more cash to spend, consider dining at one of their renowned eateries.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens : One thing Singapore is well-known for is its lavish gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are massive and a stroll around them will immerse you so much in nature, that you’ll wonder if you’re still in the city.

Suggested Tour Itinerary for an 8-Hour Layover in Singapore

You might be wondering how to structure your Singapore tour if you choose to explore the city on your own. If you take the free tour from Changi airport, it will take 5.5 hours. If you go it alone, then 8 hours is the recommended amount of time to have available. This extra time is for “figuring it out” on your own, which can take some time in a foreign country.

If you have more than 8 hours to spend in Singapore, use this as a guide to help structure your trip. You can swap out or add any of the attractions listed above into your itinerary, as they are all within a 30-minute driving range.

• Hours 1 to 2: Arrive at Changi Airport, get your bearings, and leave your luggage in an airport baggage storage facility.
• Hours 2 to 2.5: Hail a public taxi from Changi Airport and instruct them to take you to Gardens by the Bay . It will take you a maximum of 15 minutes to locate a taxi and 30 minutes to drive from the airport to Gardens by the Bay. In total, the entire process should take you around 45 minutes.
• Hours 2.5 to 4: Walk around Marina Bay Sands, which is located next to Gardens by the Bay. There are a lot of things to see within Marina Bay Sands, and the recommended amount of time to spend there is 2 to 4 hours. Because you’ll be on a time crunch, settle for only being able to see a glimpse of it and spend 1.5 hours there.
• Hours 4 to 5.5: Take a taxi from the Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands. It will take about 10 minutes in total. (5-minutes to hail a cab and 5-minutes to drive there.) Spend about an hour at Marina Bay Sands. Get a ticket to the rooftop and have a cocktail while there. You can take great pictures of the city from the top of the hotel.
• Hours 5.5 to 6: Hail a public taxi, and take it back to the airport.
• Hours 6 to 8: Get your baggage from storage and check it back in at the airport for your flight. You’ll need three hours slotted at the end of your itinerary for this, as that’s the amount of time needed to check in at the airport for an international flight from Changi Airport.

So, Where Are you Headed After Your Layover?

Singapore is the best layover spot in Southeast Asia because of its geographical position and the variety of things to do both inside and outside of the airport. You’ll have a lot of fun whether you choose to remain at the airport or go out while on your layover.

There are plenty of places to go in Southeast Asia that you may fly between with a stop in Singapore. Thailand , Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia, and Vietnam are some of the greatest countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Check out the guides below for inspiration for your trip to Southeast Asia.

Read More Inspiration for a Trip to Southeast Asia

The 10 Best Temples in Chiang mai, Thailand & The Surrounding Area

Bali Monkeys: How to See Them & Avoid Confrontation

Meditation Retreat in Thailand: My life-changing Experience & Recommendations for your journey

18 thoughts on “27 Things to Do During a Layover in Singapore: Explore the city & its airport (2023)”

Hi, Could you make some suggestions for a 13-hour layover at night? We’re arriving at 6:40 on Friday, 30/6 🙂 We’ll go and see the Gardens by the Bay. What else can we do? Swim at Marina Sand’s Infinity Pool? Will they let us in, not being a guest? Cheers, Lin 🙂

Hi there! There’s a lot that you can do inside the airport itself at that hour. There are many bars that will be open, as well as some lounges. There’s also a movie theater that may have evening/nighttime showings. As far as Gardens by the Bay – you can see the nighttime show there. And for marina Bay Sands, you can have a drink by the pool. For all hours and availability, I recommend clicking the links for each and consulting with the website directly as those will have the most current information. Enjoy your trip!!

Hello! We have a 34 hour layover in Singapore to the USA. Our flight arrives in Singapore at around midnight, is there a hotel that we can check in at the airport? Can we explore Singapore on our own during the day without a visa, considering that we are US citizens? Thank you.

Hi Lou, Yes – there is the Singapore Airport Hotel which I’ve heard is great. I suggest reaching out in advance of your arrival to book a reservation to guarantee a room. You’ll need a visa to enter Singapore, and can read the rules about how to obtain this on the USA Embassy Website. When I went, I obtained one upon entry at the airport but I suggest looking into the current rule & regulations with the embassy prior to arrival, as things change often.

Hii, Could you make some suggestions for a 7-hour layover at Evening? I am arriving at 24th August 5:40pm. No slots are available for Free Singapour Tour.

Hi there! I recommend taking a taxi to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens at the Bay. They’re located next to one another and light up beautifully at night. Depending on what time your layover is of course, so please check the hours of operation of each prior to heading over. No tour is needed, you can explore this area and others at night independently with a taxi in the evening. It’s very safe and efficient.

Hi Jess, I would appreciate your suggestion for our 18-hour layover in Singapore tomorrow. We will arrive at 7 am. We want to explore the city, I don’t know if we should do the tour ourselves or take the free tour offered by Changi Airport or do both. Cheers.

Hi Ivy! With that length of time, I definitely recommend doing it yourselves. The tours are only a few hours and if you go it on your own then you can spend the full day in Singapore before returning to the airport. The only thing with going it alone is that you will have to pay taxi fees to/from each location that you want to explore. If that’s within your budget, then I recommend going that route. I hope that helps!

Hi Jess, We have a 22 hr lay over and planning to just do our own tour, how expensive is a taxi from the airport to the Gardens and garden to marina bay? thank u

Hi Stacey, When I went it was the equivelant of about $16 USD each way from the airport to Marina Bay Sands. Note that the cost can increase due to traffic, etc. so expect a range of about 15 – 40 per way. Hope this helps!

Hi Jess, arriving Singapore via cruise ship. They kick us off the morning of 1/16/24 and trsfr to airport. Flight not until 11.30pm. How do we access the free tour. I want to store our bags until the airline is open at 8pm. Do I pass thru security and do all this on the other side. I’ll have my tkt and visa for Singapore. Just trying to figure this out. Can I take two tours? Thanks a bunch.

Hello Dominic, there are many storage lockers throughout the airport that you can use for your things so that you don’t have to carry them around all day. There are also storage lockers at some of the tourist spots in the center (like at Marina Bay Sands, for example). With as much time as you have to spare; I suggest exploring Singapore on your own (without a tour) and taking a cab into the city independently. The free tours offered by the airport are for passengers in transit (with a layover flight to flight) only.

Hi Jeass, is there any complimentary shower facilities at the airport?

There are showers in some of the lounges. You’ll need either access to the lounge through a membership such as priority pass , or to pay a day rate for one of the lounges to shower.

We will have a 7 1/2 hour layover in Singapore arriving mid afternoon. We thought about doing the free tour and having dinner in the famous Singapore area. We will need to get back to the airport about 8 pm – three hours before our flight leaves. Do we need a visa for such a short visit. Do we need to get that beforehand or can we get one at the airport?

Hello Erica, Visa requirements vary by the country that you have a passport from. As a US citizen, I did need a visa to enter into Singapore and explore. I was able to obtain this visa within minutes upon arrival at immigration. Have fun!!

Australian Pass do e need a visa to ener Singapore

Thank you for sharing, hopefully this is helpful for Australian citizens that read this. With visa requirements constantly changing and differing from country to country, I try to stay away from listing specific requirements and rather recommend travelers check with their embassy prior to booking.

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City Sightseeing

DISCOVER SINGAPORE ON AN OPEN-TOP BUS TOUR

The best way to see Singapore is on the City Sightseeing open-top bus tour. With one bus arriving every 15 minutes, the hop-on and hop-off bus system allows you to tour major attractions at your own pace. City Sightseeing tickets and major attraction tour packages are available at our counters located in Terminals 2, 3 and 4.

[Notice] T2 and T4 operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.

Sightseeing Tours

Combination tours, wrs packages.

Please visit  https://www.safarigate.com  for more information.

*Please note transfers included in WRS packages depart from Suntec City to the parks and back.

Arrival Hall

Opening hours: 07:00 AM–11:00 PM

+65 6546 5910

+65 6214 9123

+65 9321 7400

Traveling to/from India via Singapore? You can Take a Free Singapore Tour or Explore Changi Airport during Layover

The Free Singapore Tour is back for international transit travelers after three years of the pandemic. Of all major airport layover tours, the Singapore Changi Airport transit tour is the most interesting one . A free city sightseeing tour or a walking tour across the airport is the best to kill a layover (minimum 5.5 hours) at Changi Airport while traveling on Singapore Airlines flights between India and USA . The Free Singapore Tour comprises two city sightseeing itineraries (City Sights Tour), one itinerary exploring the airport (Jewel Tour), and a newly added residential town & village beach tour (Changi Precinct Tour). You can pre-book either of the four tour itineraries.

What are the eligibility requirements for a free Singapore airport or city tour?

All international transit travelers are eligible for the Free Singapore Tour, regardless of their nationality. The first and foremost condition is the layover period or transit time that must be between 5.5 hours to 24 hours. Your transit schedule at Changi Airport should correspond with the tour timings.

How to register for a free Singapore transit tour?

You can register online for the Free Singapore Tour, a guided service. You can pre-book a tour itinerary of your choice under the ‘Airport Guide’ section of the website ChangiAirport.com. Do note that registration or booking is absolutely free.

Is an entry or transit visa required for the Free Singapore Tour?

US citizens do not need an entry or transit visa for a Changi Airport tour or a Singapore City sightseeing tour. Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) to Indians in transit to or from any third country via Changi International Airport. Indian passport holders with a valid US/UK/Canada/Japan/Australia/NZ visa and valid onward flight tickets are eligible for 96-hour visa free transit in Singapore. An entry visa to Singapore is required for an airport layover/city transit tour, if Indian transit travelers do not meet the eligibility criteria for the visa-free transit facility.

PC: Wikipedia (left) | Caroandbram.com (right)

Changi Airport Precinct Tour  

Among free Singapore airport layover tours for transit travelers, the 2.5-hour Changi Precinct Tour will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tour will let you explore a “uniquely designed residential town and a quiet village.” the tour starts with a visit to Tampines, the residential town which was once a forested area with swamps.  The town won the UN World Habitat Award for being an exemplary model of local Singaporean life.

The Changi Precinct Tour goes through Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub with environment-friendly space for food and leisure services. The next stop on the tour is Changi Chapel & Museum where the story of the prisoners of World War II is preserved.

Changi Village and Beach Park is the most beautiful part of Changi Precinct Tour for international transit travelers in Singapore. It is a recreational getaway with pristine white beaches immersed in tranquility, where you can breathe in fresh air, listen to your heartbeats, and drink to natural beauty. This is also a popular place for plane spotting.

Changi Airport Jewel Tour

A 2.5-km walking tour across Changi International Airport. Exploring the world’s best airport (in 2023), from the Control Tower to Canopy Park to the forest valley and indoor waterfall in the Jewel complex, is the best thing to do during transit in Singapore if your layover falls short of city sightseeing. Changi Airport’s Jewel tour starts from the Jewel complex where you can breathe in the calm of the lush green landscape inundated with natural light.

The world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport is the prime attraction of the Jewel Tour. The cascading waterfall doubles up as a light-and-sound show in the evenings. Family travelers with kids can see the magic of aviation through interactive games and immersive projections in the Changi Experience Studio. The Jewel tour ends at Canopy Park on the topmost floor of the Jewel complex sprawling 14,000 sqm. The Canopy Park is a recreational wonderland with a number of attractions for children.

Singapore City Sights Tour

A City Sights Tour makes the Free Singapore Tour a lot interesting for international transit travelers. The 2.5-hour City Sights Tour showcases the modern landscape of Singapore as a most vibrant city. The tour starts from City Hall where there are the Parliament House and the Supreme Court within spitting distance from. It takes travelers through the Civic District where the old national monuments are juxtaposed with the modern skyscrapers.

The Jubilee Bridge is a significant landmark that commands vivid views of the Marina Bay and the city skyline during the City Sights Tour. The tour includes a 30-minute stopover at the Merlion Park, a major tourist attraction without any entry fee. There are many beautiful spots to take photos and selfies for Instagram. Another 30-minute stopover is at the Gardens by Marina Bay where more than 500,000 plants make a horticultural oasis. The Avatar-like Supertrees that add to the dazzles of the night sky are a must see during this tour.

Singapore Heritage Tour

A 2.5-hour Heritage Tour transports you back to the colonial past of Singapore. It includes stopovers at Chinatown and Kampong Gelam home to many architectural marvels. A heritage tour for international transit travelers in Singapore starts from Marina Bay and continues through Central Business District where the city’s iconic hawker center and a thriving night street food zone are located amid modern high-rises.

Integral to the colonial history of Singapore, Chinatown is a 30-minute stopover during the heritage tour. Street murals depicting the lives of locals in the bygone decades do not go unnoticed. This free Singapore tour for transit travelers includes a visit to the Singapore River and its quays, where the economy of the country is believed to have been cradled. Glimpses of the bustling life in this part of old Singapore are simply unmissable.

The next stopover is Bugis, the early settlement of Europeans in Singapore during the colonial era. Some of the country’s oldest churches with towering spires are situated here. This area is also known as Arts District. The heritage tour culminates at Kampong Gelam where the lifestyle of locals is an interface between the traditional and the trendy. This neighborhood is home to some of Singapore’s swanky cafes and ultramodern art galleries.

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39 thoughts on “ traveling to/from india via singapore you can take a free singapore tour or explore changi airport during layover ”.

I have a layover for about 10+ hours at Changi Airport, I’m a UK citizen holding a British passport. can I do immigration and go inside the city and do the tour on my own and come back to pick up my later flight? Please advise.

Hi Ramesh! In our knowledge, British citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Singapore during transit/layover at Changi International Airport. Kindly note that this is subject to approval by the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority at the airport. We have little idea whether international transit travelers can go out of the airport for city sightseeing, without joining a free tour conducted by the airport.

We are going to India for US stamping, so we don’t have valid US Visa stamped on passport in that case we have to apply for Singapore e-visa or transit visa? Also while returning to US we will have valid US stamp in that case no need to apply for any Singapore visa? Please Advice.

Hi Harika! No Singapore visa is required while returning to the USA with a valid US visa. You may not need a Singapore e-visa or transit visa if you stay within the transit area of Changi Airport and do not go through immigration while traveling to India via Singapore.

Hi we are going to hongkong and transit at Singapore. We have induan passport. We have 6 hours layover at singapore. Is it possible to visit the jewel changi airport without singapore visa?

Can I use a Canadian PR card to enter Singapore for < 96 hours when I am traveling from USA to India via Singapore with Indian passport?

Hi Sumithra! In our knowledge, you can.

If I choose a free singapore city tour as a transit passenger, then I want to know regarding whether I need to buy seprate ticket for entry in garden by the bay and Marina bay and Jubilee bridge?

Hello, this is Babu and we are travelling to India with my kids ( myself, Indian national with US work authorisation / Advance Parole and no visa stamped and my 2 kids, who are US citizens) and I do have 12 hour layover in Singapore while travelling from US to Indian so do I have to apply e-visa/ transit / visa on arrival/ free.

Appreciate your help.

Thanks, Babu

Hi Babu! Your sons being US citizens don’t need any sort of visa for Singapore. If you hold a valid US visa, you are eligible for Singapore’s 96-hour visa-free transit. We have little idea whether an Indian national with advance parole requires an e-visa/transit visa for Singapore.

Hi , i am an indian travelling back from china and have a layover of 14 hours. I only have chinese visa stamped on my passport. How can i take the singapore city sightseeing tour ? Please advise. _/\_

Hi Snigdhendu! In our knowledge, Indians having a Chinese visa are not eligible for visa-free transit in Singapore. You need to apply for an entry visa to Singapore for city sightseeing.

I am traveling with a single Journey visa to China through Singapore. One the return back to India, am I eligible for Visa Free Transit facility for 96 hours? I have a US Visa that is valid till 2032. I intend to meet few of my company’s customers in Singapore with a valid return ticket to India within 96 hours. Do I need an invite from the customer to avail the Visa Free Transit Facility?

Hi Anand! In our knowledge, you are eligible for Singapore’s 96-hour visa free transit on the way back to India.

Hi. I am a Medicine student currently studying in Philippines. I am going on a vacation to India this month through Scoot airlines and have 20 hours layover in Singapore airport. As an Indian Passport holder, am I eligible for the Visa free Transit Facility?

Hi Ayesha! We are not sure whether Indian passport holders with the Philippines visa are eligible for Singapore’s visa-free transit facility.

Hi we’re travelling from India to Thailand via Singapore Air and have a 10 hour layover to explore Singapore, are we eligible for the visa free transit?

Hey Rowllah, I wish I could help you, I am trying to understand the same, Please advise if you find something out, Thanks

Hi, I am an Indian passport holder traveling from UAE to Indonesia. I have a 9 hrs layover and want to do the transit Singapore tour. Do I need to get a visa for that?

Hi, I am an Indian passport holder with a valid US visa. I am traveling to Thailand via Singapore through Singapore Airlines with a layover of over 23hrs. Am I eligible for a Singapore transit visa?

Hi Shiv! In our knowledge, you are.

Hello sir Maine Indian passport dharak hu mujhe Australia jana hai to Kya Maine Ek din Singapore ruk kar ghum sakta hu bina visa k

Can I just stay on the bus for the entire duration?

Hi, I’m an Indian Passport Holder travelling to Bali, Indonesia via Singapore through FlyScoot Airlines with a layover of 9hours.

Am I eligible for visa free transit facility (VFTF)???

I am in Indian passport holder with a valid NZ visa, travelling to India from Auckland with a 12 hour layover in Singapore. I am interested in doing the Free Singapore city tour offered by Chengi Airport during layover. Do i need any sort of entry visa to avail that ?

Thanks in advance

I am an Indian passport holder with a valid Australia PR, traveling from India to Melbourne with a 12-hour layover in Singapore. traveling via different carriers (IndiGo & Singapore Air I need to go out to collect baggage from IndiGo and a boarding pass from Singapore Airlines, Does this consider a transit Visa?

My Name is MJ, currently indian passport holder with permanent residency in UK. Travelling to London from Indonesia, but planning to stay in singpaore for 3 days. According to the official site I can get transit visa, but when I contacted the Singapore High commission in London they mentioned that official at entry point can deny as its not a 100% gurenteed. Not sure what’s the best case scenarion in this. Shall we take a chance and soldier on as I have all teh requirements to get the 96 hours Visa anyway.

Thanks in advance MJ

Hi Praveen! We are not much knowledgeable about this. All we can say is that if you are traveling with Singapore Airlines, you can contact the airline.

My name is Shubham. I am from India. We have pre-booked the Singapore city tour at Changi airport. However, I do not have visa for any of these countries – US/UK/Canada/Japan/Australia/NZ. Will I be able to get the transit visa to go on a free city tour offered by the airport? Or do I need to apply for the Singapore visa?

Hi Shubham! We have little knowledge of this.

Hi, I am visiting flying 5 Nov- Mumbai- Singapore ( 3 days stay in Singapore) 8 Nov Singapore- Malaysia( 3 days in KL) 11 Nov Malaysia- Mumbai I hold valid US and Canada Visa. Since I am in Singapore for less than 96 hrs and leaving Sg by air, can I enter Singapore under VFTF? Is the VFTF process smooth? Will immigration authorities in India check my passport for Singapore Visa before allowing me to leave?

Hello! I am going to Bali from New Delhi in the month of February 2024. I have two connecting flights with different airlines one is with Air India and the other is with Jetstar. And the layover is more than 9hrs. Do I need to have transit visa for that. And while returning also these two connecting flights.

I am in Indian passport holder with a valid Australian visa, travelling to Australia from India with a 15 hour layover in Singapore. My husband is an Australian passport holder travelling with me. We are interested in doing the Free Singapore city tour offered by Changi Airport during the layover. My husband is eligible due to Australian passport. Am I also eligible to do the free Singapore city tour with him??

Hi, I will be traveling to Bali from Mumbai in the month of February 2024. I have two connecting flights with different airlines one is with Air India and the other is with Jetstar. And the layover is more than 9hrs. Do I need to have transit visa for that. ??? And while returning also these two connecting flights. Please respond ASAP !

I am Dr.Selvaraj, Indian passport holder, working in China (holding Chinese visa). We would like to return back to India on January, and transfer through changi airport after 5.55 hours waiting period. Please let me know, do you we need to get transit visa even we are not going out from airport.

My wife and I will be traveling from Delhi, India to Bali, Indonesia in March 2024. We have connecting flights with the same airline (Singapore Airlines) and the layover is more than 11 hours. Do we need to have a transit visa for that? Additionally, is any visa required for the Free Singapore Tour – City Sights Tour? I hold an Indian Passport.

Hi, I am an Indian. I am going to Bali, Indonesia for one week trip, while returning from Bali layover at singapore, Almost 23hrs time with me to next flight which is from Singapore to India. Can I get transit Visa? please suggest me.

regards, Mani MN

HI, I’m an Indian citizen with valid US visa who is flying from India to Australia. I was wondering if I need a visa for the Free Singapore Tour.

My wife and kids will be travelling from India to Australia via Singapore where they will have 15 hrs of lay off. They have PR visa for Australia. So, are they eligible for free Singapore city tour?

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Heathrow strikes to cause 'widespread disruption': Full list of dates and which departments are walking out

Here's what you need to know about when all the strike days are and which staff are set to walk out.

Monday 29 April 2024 17:36, UK

Strikes at Heathrow Airport are taking place over the next two weeks, with the first one already under way.

Staff at the UK's biggest airport are staging a series of walkouts - and one union has warned of "widespread disruption".

Here's what you need to know about when the strikes are, what disruption is expected and which departments are taking part.

Border Force officers

They are walking out for four days from now until Thursday 2 May over changes to their working conditions, according to the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union.

The union said more than 300 of its members working at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the airport are striking.

The effect of this strike is on arrivals rather than departures.

The action is taking place because around 250 Border Force staff will lose their jobs at passport control under new roster plans, the union says.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members are angry and disappointed at being forced out of their jobs.

"While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.

"The Home Office should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff - not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system."

A Home Office spokesperson said it had "robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption" during the strikes and "keeping our borders secure remains or top priority".

The spokesperson said they were "disappointed" with the union's decision but remained "open to discussing a resolution".

"The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns and improve the service to the travelling public," the spokesperson added.

Almost 800 staff in various departments

Unite members in the following departments at Heathrow are set to take part in a week of strike action in May:

• Passenger services - who assist travellers to catch connecting flights

• Trolley operations

• Campus security - the security guards who are responsible for all workers at Heathrow and vehicles being checked before entering Heathrow

• Firefighters

• Airside operations

The walkouts will take place on the following days:

• Tuesday 7 May

• Wednesday 8 May

• Thursday 9 May

• Friday 10 May

• Saturday 11 May

• Sunday 12 May

• Monday 13 May

Unite says the strike action "will inevitably cause widespread disruption across the airport, leading to delays and disruption".

It says the airport has announced the work of passenger services, trolley operations and campus security is set to be outsourced by 1 June in a "cost-cutting exercise" that Heathrow has stated will save it £40m.

"This cost reduction will lead to a substantial reduction in the number of workers, which raises serious security concerns, given the safety critical nature of much of the work undertaken," Unite says.

Its firefighters and airside operation members are also striking because they fear they "may be next in line" to have their work outsourced, the union adds.

Read more on Sky News: Train strikes in May - full list of lines affected Which countries are unsafe to travel to amid Middle East tensions?

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Heathrow Airport's actions are deplorable, it is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.

"Unite is fully focused on defending its members jobs, pay and conditions and our members at Heathrow will receive the union's unrelenting support during this dispute."

A Heathrow spokesperson said: "We are reorganising our operations to deliver better results for our customers. There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.

"Unite's threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly, just like we have in the past."

A strike involving refuelling workers, which was set to affect more than 30 airlines from 4 May to 6 May, has been called off after they accepted a new offer on pay and conditions.

Related Topics

• Heathrow Airport

World's Best Airports: How India fared

W orld's Best Airports: 13 turned out to be unlucky for Singapore's Changi airport, which with its Jewel’s Canopy Park, larger-than-life art pieces and high-end luxe brands among other attractions had won the Skytrax World Airport Awards for the 12th time last year.

The prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of the airport industry, have long been dominated by a tight race between Singapore Changi, one of the busiest passenger hubs for south east Asia, and Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

But in 2024, there's a new champion and that's Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

Hamad International Airport, the main airport for the city of Doha, is said to be about a third of the size of Qatar's capital city spread over 600,000 square metre that is equal to 75 football fields. While Hamad International Airport secured the second rank last year, it was described as the most architecturally significant terminal complex in the world and also the most luxurious one at that.

In great news for Asia, Seoul Incheon Airport secured third place in the rankings. It was also named the most family-friendly airport of 2024. Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports came in fourth and fifth place.

Hong Kong Airport had a big improvement, jumping up 22 spots to reach 11th place. This boost came after the city recovered from the effects of Covid-19 and more passengers started using the airport.

As for Indian airports in the list of world's best airports, just four made it to the top list, while just 1 was in the top 50 rank.

Delhi airport retained the 36th rank in the list, while Mumbai airport just managed to hold on to a place in the top 100 best airports list with its rank dropping to 95 from 84 last year.

Bengaluru airport jumped 10 ranks though in the top 100 best airports list, climbing to 59 from 69 last year. Hyderabad airport too climbed to 61th place from being the 65th best airpot in the world in 2023, according to the Skytrax World's Top 100 Airports for 2024.

The list is prepared based on votes from air travellers around the world in the 2023/2024 World Airport Survey.

Dubai airport, which however was submerged in water recently after the glitzy city witnessed unprecedented rainfall pouring 1.5 years of rain in 24 hours , made a remarkably jump in the world's best airports lis. It climbed to the 7th rank from 17 last year.

Hong Kong airport also moved to 11th rank this year from 33 in 2023.

Once more, US airports didn't make it near the top of the list. Seattle-Tacoma, the highest-ranked US airport, dropped six spots to 24th place.

Meanwhile, Europe kept its strong presence, with Paris Charles de Gaulle, Munich, Zurich, and Istanbul all staying in the top 10.

Here's the list of the top 20 airports in the world according to Skytrax, and their ranks last year:

• Doha Hamad (2)
• Singapore Changi (1)
• Seoul Incheon (4)
• Tokyo Haneda (3)
• Tokyo Narita (9)
• Paris CDG (5)
• Istanbul (6)
• Hong Kong (33)
• Rome Fiumicino (13
• Vienna (11)
• Helsinki-Vantaa (12)
• Madrid-Barajas (10)
• Centrair Nagoya (16)
• Vancouver (20)
• Kansai (15)
• Melbourne (19)
• Copenhagen (14)

For more news like this visit The Economic Times .