singapore changi transit tour

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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.

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• Singapore Sightseeing | Free tour of Singapore while transiting through Changi Airport

How to score a free tour of Singapore while transiting through Changi Airport

12 Dec 2019

Heard about Singapore,  but haven’t had the opportunity to visit? Or perhaps you’ve transited at Singapore Changi Airport, but never got to see the country? Well, don’t miss out the next time you have a stopover at the airport in Singapore!

This ethnically diverse island city-state is culturally rich with lots to see, eat and do. Given its small geographical size, you can actually get to do quite a bit of sighting-seeing while on a layover ! Simply sign up for a free city tour when you’re at Changi Airport. And who knows, this glimpse of the city may just inspire you to plan for a proper trip to Singapore in the future!

The Free Singapore Tour is a special programme for Changi Airport’s transit passengers. It brings tour participants who have a minimum of 5.5hrs of transit time on a 2.5hr guided tour of Singapore. There are seven daily tours to choose from and seats are on a first-come-first-served basis.

There are two types of bus tours to choose from – a Heritage Tour that offers a glimpse of the different cultures that can be found in Singapore; and a City Sights Tour that offers a quick summary of key tourist attractions.

1. Heritage Tour – for an immersive, cultural experience

Get a glimpse into Singapore’s various cultures on the Heritage Tour route.

As the name suggests, this tour gives you a glimpse of the various cultures that make Singapore a melting pot. This tour brings you to Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and the Merlion Park, with a short stop at Kampong Glam and Merlion Park for photo-taking! Chinatown, like all other international cities around the world, is where you’ll get a full-blown experience of the local Chinese community and its heritage. Little India is the heart of the Indian community and Kampung Glam is the Malay-Muslim quarter in Singapore. Each of these places has unique characteristics representing the different cultures – a must visit if it’s your first time here!

Pro-tip: if you are transiting through Singapore during the festive periods of Lunar New Year, Deepavali or Ramadan/Hari Raya, these areas will be decked out with colourful lights along the streets. There will also be night markets set up to celebrate these important cultural events. Tours to these locations will give you a fantastic opportunity to take lots of photos as you breeze through the streets in the Free Singapore Tour bus.

2. City Sights Tour – for lovers of modern architecture

Night shot of Singapore’s CBD area at night

The Singapore skyline is a sight to behold and you’ll be amazed to hear the story of how this bustling modern city was once a small fishing village. Singapore is also often voted as one of the best cities for international businesses. This tour route will bring you to the Central Business District, parts of the renowned Orchard Road shopping belt, the Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay . Participants can expect a short stop at Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay for photo-taking.

Excited to hop onto the Free Singapore Tour bus? Here are some other information you’ll need to know before your adventure begins.

How do I register for the Free Singapore Tour?

In case you’re wondering how the sign up booth looks like, this is it!

As this tour is highly popular, reservations are not allowed to avoid no-shows. You are encouraged to head to the tour counters as soon as you arrive to book the tour slots. If you have some time before the tour, you can also explore other parts of the airport to find out why it’s been so highly rated by travellers around the world.

Pro-tip: if you’re flying with Singapore Airlines or SilkAir, you can contact your local Singapore Airlines office to make a booking for you.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities require a visa for the Free Singapore Tour, while some nationalities are eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility. You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website to check on visa requirements.

Can I leave the tour midway and venture around Singapore on my own?

You are not allowed to leave the tour midway as the tour operator must send everyone back to the airport. However, once you return to the airport, you are free to continue your adventure in Singapore should you wish to. Wherever you go, please ensure that you factor enough time to return to the airport for your connecting flight.

Plan early for best results

To make the best of your Free Singapore Tour, do plan your trip early and do some research. Check out what other tour participants have posted on Instagram using #FreeSingaporeTour and on TripAdvisor - both are good resources for reading about their experiences. (P/S: Do share the love by contributing a review on TripAdvisor so other travellers can hear about your experience too.)

Got more questions?

Most of the commonly asked questions and answers on Changi’s website should address your needs. If you have other questions on the tours which are not found online, send your questions to [email protected] and the team will be happy to assist.

Happy travels!

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• Deutschland

Transit in Singapore: What to do

Published on 26 jul 2018..

It’s not a stretch to suggest that a full-day layover at Changi Airport is a cause for celebration. A world-class airport that proudly provides world-class facilities, top-notch entertainment and global retail brands, Changi Airport Singapore is a destination to be explored in its own right.

Whether you’re stopping over in the Lion City for a few hours or an entire day, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive transit guide to Changi Airport Singapore. Hop on the Skytrain and zip between Changi Airport’s conveniently connected terminals, while mixing and matching our recommendations below.

Singapore No. 1 Rated Tour Operator | Over 4500+ customer reviews - >>> Click here  

1,180 Reviews

PRIVATE TOUR:

Changi airport & jewel guided tour.

A landmark of Singapore and a gateway to the world. What makes Changi Airport the World's Best Airport since 2013? What keeps it going? Discover the stories behind its development and learn about the daily operations, innovations and sustainability features that make it the pride of Singapore. Presenting to you, the insider tour of Changi Airport and Jewel Changi.  On top of learning more about this airport, enjoy attractions, dining and wellness offerings during the tour. Expect to explore the free amenities and gain behind-the-scenes knowledge of modern architecture in the picturesque Shiseido Forest Valley and Rain Vortex.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Changi Airport

Learn about the history & features that makes it the world's best Airport

Storytelling

Hear amazing stories of the Changi Airport by our expert tour guides

Instagrammable Spots

Snap stunning views and Instagram worthy shots, literally everywhere

Canopy Park

Enjoy admission to this 14,000 recreational wonderland

Layover or Transit?

Have a layover or transit with just 4 to 5 hours? Our tour offers the ideal solution for a memorable experience

What's Included

- Guided Changi Airport Tour - English-speaking Tour Guide - Admission Ticket to Jewel Canopy Park

Tour Details

Date & Time:

Daily (9:00 am to 5:00pm)

Meeting Point:

Changi Airport MRT Terminal 3 Departure Hall (Row 11), Next to Starbucks

HEAR WHAT OUR

Customers say, beautiful airport.

I have travelled quite extensively around the world and when I knew I was coming to Singapore & they had the best airport, I thought to join Monster's Airport tour to check it out. And I was literally blown away! Compared to many airports around the world, Changi Airport is not only beautiful in this design, there are many lifestyle, dining and shopping options available not just for tourists but locals as well. On the tour, you also get to learn from the tour guide interesting features that make the airport "click" and be one of the best airports in the world. There are also opportunities to take photos and the tour also include admission to the canopy park, giving some sightseeing and play time there. Highly recommend anyone coming to Singapore to spend a few hours at its airport, otherwise you don't know what you miss.

SINGAPORE FOOD AND CULTURE TOUR

SINGAPORE PRIVATE WALKING TOUR

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About Xplore SG Walking Tour

Experience the sights and sounds of Singapore with Xplore SG Walking Tour. Uncover the historical heritage sites and modern attractions of this vibrant city and gain fascinating insights into its rich history as you walk with our engaging and friendly tour guides. Join us on our mini local adventures, available from 3pm to 6pm daily! Booking your full 3-hour tour is a breeze – book online or purchase this deal at any of the Changi Recommends counters at Singapore Changi Airport Arrival / Transit Halls. Plus, get a FREE EZ-Link Card ($5 preloaded value) with every purchase of a 3-hour tour that includes a 40-minute Singapore River Cruise Boat Ride, allowing you to conveniently navigate the city's public transportation system. Hop on our Xplore SG Walking Tour and embark on an unforgettable adventure today!

Discover Singapore on this short Xplore SG Walking Tour to visit historical heritage sites and modern attractions of this vibrant city with friendly tour guides.

Download & see our brochure today!

Testimonials

Tour details, what is xplore sg walking tour and what can be expected, where is the meeting point, where is the ending point of the tour, what must we bring.

• a bottle of water,
• an umbrella in case of rain,
• your wallet if you want to purchase souvenirs (at the end of the tour), and
• a phone or camera to take pictures.

What is the difference between the 1hr tour and 3hr tour?

• Arab Street,
• Sultan Mosque and
• (ends at) Kampong Glam.
• Sultan Mosque,
• Kampong Glam,
• (River Cruise boarding at Clarke Quay)
• Merlion park

What languages are the tours available in?

How many tours are there per day, what timings are available for the tours, are there alternative time slots for the tour, can i bring my own food and drinks during the tour, do we have time to stop at each attraction, am i able to extend my 1 hour tour, ticket purchase and redemption, how and where can i purchase tickets, how do i redeem my xplore sg ez-link card, how do i make payment for the tour, do i need to book the tour in advance, tour rescheduling and cancellation, what happens if it rains on the day of the tour, how do i amend my booking date, can i cancel or refund my booking, is there a dress code, is there a bus charter between tour locations, can i customise the tour itinerary, are the tours suitable for all age groups, are the tour guides licensed, does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off services, do you provide private tours,  email us,  whatsapp id.

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Airport tours

What makes Changi Airport tick? What’s the special ingredient to create the unique Changi Experience? How does Changi get its busy terminals and airside to work together like clockwork?

Visitors will get a chance to learn about Changi’s people, operations, developments  and more in Changi’s very own Airport Tours!

For organisations based in Singapore, sign up for Changi’s Airport Tours now!

If your organisation is from outside Singapore and you are interested to tour Changi Airport, customised tours can be arranged. Please email us at [email protected] 

Getting to know Changi - Tour 1

Visitors will have a better understanding of how Changi Airport Group designed our terminals and visitor experiences, what makes the airport tick and how we manage to stay the most awarded airport in the world since the airport started operations. 

This is a walking tour of Terminals 3 and 2 for groups (max. of 30), not available for booking by individuals.

(Note: visitors should be at least 18 years old)

Sign up here !

Getting to know Changi - Tour 2

Visitors will learn about what goes behind-the-scenes at Changi, to keep the airport going like clockwork. 

Go on a bus tour in the airside to learn interesting nuggets of information and gain insights to special jobs at the airport. Visitors will also learn about innovations that the airport started trialling over the last few years. 

This bus tour is for groups (max. of 17), not available for booking by individuals.

Sign up  here !

Tour 1 costs S$545 (includes 9% GST) per tour.

Tour 2 costs S$1,090 (includes 9% GST) per tour.

Payment will be made using credit card, via our online platform. We will not be able to issue e-invoice or manual invoice.

There is no minimum group size.

Maximum group size for Tour 1 is 30 persons.

Maximum group size for Tour 2 is 17 persons.

For groups larger than the maximum group size stated, organisations should make additional tour bookings on another day.

Yes, but visitors who require wheelchair assistance should be accompanied by a fellow visitor.

Both tours will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

Tour 1 will start in Terminal 3 and end at Terminal 2.

Tour 2 will start in Terminal 2 and end at either Terminal 2 or 3, depending on the visitor's preference

Yes, you will need to go through security screening as part of the tour.

Please do not bring along any sharp objects, or liquids, aerosols or gel (LAGs) of more than 100ml, as these will be discarded during the security screening process.

Please avoid shorts, slippers or sandals.

Both tours will be conducted indoors.

For Tour 2, the airside tour will be conducted in an air-conditioned bus.

Yes. Please bring along your NRIC or work permit, as you will need to exchange it for your airport pass to enter the restricted area.

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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.

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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.

Related Stories

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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Changi Transit Privileges

Enjoy a transit like no other.

Important Notice: Due to regulations to suspend non-essential service, Changi Transit Privileges is temporarily suspended until further notice.  Your transit experience at Changi Airport is now more rewarding! From now till 30 September 2020, receive  S$20 Changi Transit Voucher to offset your shopping during your transit in Changi Airport, when you travel on Singapore Airlines or Air New Zealand.

WAYS TO SPEND THE TRANSIT VOUCHERS

The Changi Transit Vouchers can be used at all participating retail outlets in transit and public areas of Changi Airport (except for outlets in the Exclusion List and for purchase of tobacco products, and subject to the Changi Transit Vouchers Terms and Conditions) or can be redeemed for one-time access to the Ambassador Transit Lounge located in the transit areas of Terminal 3 for up to two (2) hours. Here are some recommended ways to spend the Changi Transit Voucher, with no minimum spend at all!

ELIGIBILITY

• Passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines (SQ) and/or SilkAir (MI) ticketed and operated flights into and out of Singapore with 13 digits e-ticket numbers begin with 618, 629 or 086 between 01 April 2020 and 30 September 2020 (both dates inclusive). This benefit will also be extended to passengers taking the following flight numbers: SQ4281, SQ4282, SQ4283, SQ4284, SQ4295, SQ4296, NZ281, NZ282, NZ283, NZ284, NZ295 or NZ296 (operated by Air New Zealand) and TR596 or TR597 (operated by Scoot).
• Passengers must be on transit in Changi Airport on both legs of their journey , which means Singapore is neither the point of origin nor the end destination. Transit passengers on one-way journey or ticket are not eligible. For example, a passenger whose journey is:
• Transit means a layover at Changi Airport of not more than 24 hours . This is calculated from the Scheduled Time of Arrival (STA) of the arriving flight into Changi Airport to the Scheduled Time of Departure (STD) of the connecting departure flight out of Changi Airport.
• Passengers who transit at Changi Airport for only one leg of the journey must originate and return to the same country on the abovementioned participating airlines via Changi Airport. Such passenger must present proof of travel by land or sea from/to Singapore (e.g. booking confirmation, invoice, ticket) and three (3) flight sectors via Changi Airport . For example, a passenger whose journey is:

(i) “Mumbai – Singapore, Kuala Lumpur – Singapore – Mumbai” AND Singapore – Kuala Lumpur is by land or sea AND proof (e.g. booking confirmation, invoice and ticket) of land or sea transfers are presented, is eligible; (ii) “Beijing – Singapore, Bangkok – Singapore –Shanghai” AND Singapore – Bangkok is by sea AND proof (e.g. invoice and ticket) of land or sea transfers are presented, is eligible; (iii) “Shanghai – Singapore – Perth, Singapore – Shanghai” in a single ticket BUT “Perth – Singapore” is by none of the abovementioned participating airlines, is not eligible;

• For the avoidance of doubt,
• Passengers must be above 2 years old at the time of collection of Changi Transit Vouchers.
• Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd will need to collect information about you and your flight itinerary to facilitate the collection of Changi Transit Vouchers and improve the products and services CAG offers to you. The data you provide to CAG will be retained and processed by CAG, and will be used by CAG in accordance with CAG’s Privacy Policy  which you acknowledge and consent to. To protect your privacy, Singapore Airlines, Silk Air and Air New Zealand will not provide CAG with data on your behalf save where you have expressly consented otherwise in writing that they may do so for CAG’s purposes. If you have any queries on the retention, processing and/or use of your personal information and data, please contact CAG at [email protected] .
• Passengers who meet the eligibility requirements as set out above are referred to herein as “ Eligible Passengers ”. Eligible Passengers will each receive one S$20 Changi Transit Voucher. Eligible passengers who are also Changi Rewards (“ CR ”) members will receive one (1) additional S$20 Changi Transit Voucher.
• Eligible Passengers whose transit (through Singapore) itinerary was issued over two or more separate e-tickets must present all the e-tickets to the relevant staff for verification. CAG reserves the right to reject any attempts to collect the Changi Transit Vouchers for reasons including, but not restricted to, insufficient supporting documents. In this regard, CAG’s decision shall be final.
• Eligible Passengers can collect the Changi Transit Vouchers only once for each eligible itinerary. The Changi Transit Vouchers must be collected by 30 September 2020. The use of the Changi Transit Vouchers is subject to the Changi Transit Vouchers Terms and Conditions.
• Eligible Passengers can only collect the Changi Transit Vouchers for their current trip. Collections for past trips or advance collection for future trips will not be accepted.
• CAG reserves the rights to amend, modify and/or vary these Changi Transit Privileges Terms and Conditions in such manner as CAG deems fit from time to time. CAG may notify change(s) in these Changi Transit Privileges Terms and Conditions by publishing such changes via the website here ( https://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide/transit/changi-transit-privileges.html ), email or by such other means of communication as CAG may determine in its absolute discretion, from time to time. Any changes in Changi Transit Privileges Terms and Conditions shall be effective from such date as determined and notified by CAG from time to time.

COLLECTION OF VOUCHERS

Terms and conditions, exclusion list, more in this section.

Kris+ privileges

Free Singapore Tour

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Changi Airport’s passenger traffic for Q1 2024 exceeds pre-pandemic levels

SINGAPORE - Some 16.5 million passengers passed through Changi Airport in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels on a quarterly basis for the first time, as China became the airport’s top market for the quarter.

This was a 0.5 per cent increase from what the airport handled in the first quarter of 2019, airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a statement on April 25.

The airport handled 5.43 million passenger movements in January 2024 (96 per cent of the levels seen in January 2019), 5.35 million movements in February 2024 (104.3 per cent of that seen in February 2019), and 5.73 million movements in March 2024 (101.7 per cent of that registered in March 2019).

In the first quarter of 2023, 13 million passengers passed through the airport.

Changi Airport’s top five markets for the first quarter of 2024 were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand. In 2023, these were Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and India, with China in sixth place.

CAG said the roll-out on Feb 9 of a mutual 30-day visa-exemption arrangement between Singapore and China boosted travel between both countries, propelling China to the top spot for the quarter.

For the first three months of 2024, Denpasar (Bali), Manila, Taipei, Seoul and Shanghai were among the top 10 cities that outperformed the first quarter of 2019 by more than 10 per cent. 

For the quarter, 89,400 flights departed or arrived at the airport – 94 per cent of the movements in the first quarter of 2019.

In comparison, there were 74,200 aircraft movements in the same quarter a year ago.

Between January and March, traffic to and from most regions recovered to or surpassed 2019 levels, with North America emerging as the strongest performer, with traffic exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 25 per cent for the quarter.

From January to March, airfreight throughput, or air cargo movements, totalled 475,000 tonnes, up 14 per cent from the same period in 2023, marking the first quarter of year-on-year growth after seven straight quarters of decline.

This was due largely to strong transshipment performance, especially for air cargo flows with China.

Speaking at the annual Changi Airline Awards on April 25 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said Changi’s passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2024 was a significant milestone for Singapore’s aviation industry.

“We look forward to the continued growth of passenger traffic at Changi, and will work towards our goal of exceeding pre-Covid passenger traffic levels for the full year.

“We have seen through the worst of the pandemic and emerged stronger together,” he said at the award ceremony, which honoured the airport’s airline partners for their contribution to Changi Airport’s growth as a global air hub.

Mr Chee outlined several areas to position Changi Airport for future growth, reiterating that construction on the upcoming Terminal 5 is on track to begin in 2025.

The terminal is set to be operational in the mid-2030s.

Aviation workers, he said, will also need to pick up new and relevant skills, and jobs may be redesigned, as the airport taps technology such as automation and assistive tools to augment the human workforce and raise productivity of labour-intensive roles.

Speaking at the ceremony, CAG chief executive Lee Seow Hiang said a shortage of manpower will be a major challenge for Changi Airport in the mid to long term.

“We have done deep automation in the last few years, and we are now on the cusp of a new phase with the impending launch of document-free travel by the end of this year.

“Using your biometrics... as the key to identity verification, we can reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present travel documents... at many touchpoints,” he said.

The improvement will be transformational, Mr Lee said.

“By challenging the conventional norms in our business, we hope to take a step closer to our vision of an airport of the future well before T5 opens,” he added.

Mr Lee also gave more details about a planned new hotel at Terminal 2, the third landside hotel at the airport. Landside refers to areas of the airport that are before immigration clearance and accessible to the public.

He said the hotel – billed as Singapore’s first zero-energy hotel – will be ready in 2028 and have more than 250 rooms, and will be positioned to appeal to the younger set. It will be directly accessible from the terminal’s departure hall via a linkway.

Mr Chee thanked Mr Lee, who will step down on July 1 after 15 years at the helm of CAG, for spearheading Changi Airport’s growth and development.

“Seow Hiang’s vision and steadfast leadership has transformed Changi into a leading global air hub, and taken the airport through the darkest days of Covid-19, and seen through Changi’s recovery after the pandemic,” he said.

Mr Yam Kum Weng, CAG’s executive vice-president for airport development, who has been leading the Changi East project, where T5 will be sited, will succeed Mr Lee.

Mr Lee declined comment when asked by The Straits Times about his post-CAG plans, at the award ceremony.

At the event, CAG named Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines its partner of the year for the carrier’s significant efforts in expanding Changi Airport’s connectivity to China.

The 2023 winner for this category was Singapore Airlines, for its role in driving Changi Airport’s passenger traffic recovery in 2022 as the world rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2023, China Eastern Airlines launched four new links, including a new route from Beijing Daxing International Airport, making Changi Airport its first South-east Asia point. The other new direct links for the airline are to Hefei, Nanjing and Hangzhou.

With the increased services, China Eastern Airlines operated a total of 52 weekly services between Singapore and China as at December 2023.

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