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Response to "Visa says two months, ICA stamp says one month..."(Today Online, 16 Dec 2009)
Online Only - Visa validity vs visit pass duration
Today Online
23 Dec 2009
We refer to "Visa says two months, ICA stamp says one month" (TODAY Online, Dec 16).
Mr Raymond Lo may have been mistaken in comparing the visa validity with the visit pass duration granted on a visitor's arrival in Singapore. Visa is an immigration facility to regulate the entry of visa-required nationals.
Generally, a visitor who requires visa to enter Singapore may be granted a single or a multiple journey visa. If the visitor has a single journey visa he could only make one visit. If he wishes to visit again he has to apply for a fresh visa. In comparison a visitor issued with a multiple journey visa to Singapore valid for a period can make multiple visits without the need for applying a fresh visa every time he visits.
Visit passes allow visitors to remain legally in Singapore. The granting of visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. The period of stay granted is as shown on the visit pass endorsement given on the visitor's passport. Visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.
Mr Lo may also wish to note that the possession of a visa does not guarantee a visitor entry into Singapore. This is clearly indicated on every electronic visa approved. All visitors must satisfy immigration requirements which include, amongst others, holding a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return/onward ticket and sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore and entry facilities for onward journey(if applicable).
Mr Lo may also find details on the entry requirements into Singapore on our website at www.ica.gov.sg.
Visa says two months, ICA stamp says one month...
Today Online
16 Dec 2009
Letter from Raymond Lo Wan Mou
The present Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's (ICA) policy and procedure on visa issue and social visit pass is is chaotic and misleading.
My friend from China, a first timer to Singapore, was issued with a 2-month visa before he left. On arrival at Changi Airport, an ICA officer stamped his passport with a small round stamp allowing him to stay in Singapore for only a month. Not only is the stamp hardly illegible because it is among other stamps on the page, the issue of a month-long social visit is at odds with the visa which he had been issued with.
Such a confusion could resulting in unintentional overstaying in Singapore by visitors.
Today Online
23 Dec 2009
We refer to "Visa says two months, ICA stamp says one month" (TODAY Online, Dec 16).
Mr Raymond Lo may have been mistaken in comparing the visa validity with the visit pass duration granted on a visitor's arrival in Singapore. Visa is an immigration facility to regulate the entry of visa-required nationals.
Generally, a visitor who requires visa to enter Singapore may be granted a single or a multiple journey visa. If the visitor has a single journey visa he could only make one visit. If he wishes to visit again he has to apply for a fresh visa. In comparison a visitor issued with a multiple journey visa to Singapore valid for a period can make multiple visits without the need for applying a fresh visa every time he visits.
Visit passes allow visitors to remain legally in Singapore. The granting of visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. The period of stay granted is as shown on the visit pass endorsement given on the visitor's passport. Visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.
Mr Lo may also wish to note that the possession of a visa does not guarantee a visitor entry into Singapore. This is clearly indicated on every electronic visa approved. All visitors must satisfy immigration requirements which include, amongst others, holding a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return/onward ticket and sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore and entry facilities for onward journey(if applicable).
Mr Lo may also find details on the entry requirements into Singapore on our website at www.ica.gov.sg.
Visa says two months, ICA stamp says one month...
Today Online
16 Dec 2009
Letter from Raymond Lo Wan Mou
The present Immigration and Checkpoint Authority's (ICA) policy and procedure on visa issue and social visit pass is is chaotic and misleading.
My friend from China, a first timer to Singapore, was issued with a 2-month visa before he left. On arrival at Changi Airport, an ICA officer stamped his passport with a small round stamp allowing him to stay in Singapore for only a month. Not only is the stamp hardly illegible because it is among other stamps on the page, the issue of a month-long social visit is at odds with the visa which he had been issued with.
Such a confusion could resulting in unintentional overstaying in Singapore by visitors.