Transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport requires passengers to meet specific rules, including having both flights booked under the same itinerary and holding any required visas if applicable. Most travellers are considered in transit if their journey involves a layover with both flights in the same booking, and they remain within the transit area without clearing immigration.
For passengers on low cost carriers or with separate bookings, it’s sometimes necessary to clear immigration to collect onward tickets or checked baggage. A sensible minimum for transit time at Changi is two hours, giving enough time to move between gates and complete any transfer formalities.
Those needing a visa or special transit facility must also ensure their onward travel out of Singapore is confirmed and departing within 96 hours. These conditions help maintain a straightforward experience for most transfer passengers through Singapore’s airport hub.
Essential Transit Rules at Changi Airport
Passengers using Singapore’s Changi Airport as a transit point must meet specific requirements set by government authorities and airlines. These rules focus on eligibility, movement through immigration, and the process for connecting flights.
Transit Eligibility Requirements
All transit passengers must have a valid booking on a connecting international flight departing from Changi Airport. Singapore is not considered a final destination for these travellers. Travellers from many countries do not require a visa for airport transit provided they remain in the transit area and do not clear immigration.
Some nationalities, however, are subject to specific transit visa requirements. Passengers should confirm with their airline or the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore whether any transit visa is necessary before travel. Airlines must grant permission to board a connecting flight.
Table: Common Transit Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Ticket | Confirmed onward flight from Changi within 24hrs |
| Visa (if needed) | Only for certain nationalities/long layovers |
| No Entry to SG | Passenger remains in airport’s transit area |
Immigration Checks for Transit Passengers
Most transit passengers at Changi Airport do not pass through Singapore immigration. This means they do not enter Singapore and stay within the transit area. A valid boarding pass for the onward flight is mandatory.
Some airlines, especially low-cost carriers, require their passengers to clear immigration to collect checked luggage or re-check for their next flight. In this situation, ordinary Singapore entry requirements apply, including any visa obligations. Travellers must check with their airline if landside transfers or luggage collection are needed.
Transit without immigration clearance is possible if the journey is booked on a single ticket, and luggage is checked through to the destination. Inter-terminal transfers within transit security are available for international connections.
Connecting Flights and Transfers
For most connections at Changi, passengers simply follow the green “Flight Transfer” signs upon arrival. Airport staff can provide directions, and digital displays list upcoming departures. Passengers should allow at least two hours between flights to transfer without stress.
If flights are on separate tickets or with certain airlines, passengers could need to collect luggage and check-in again, in which case they must clear immigration. Multiple terminals are linked by Skytrain, making movement between terminals straightforward within the transit zone.
Layover amenities, baggage transfer desks, and airline customer service counters are available in each terminal’s transit area. Always check the latest connection requirements with airlines before departure to confirm final arrangements.
Entry and Visa Considerations
Most passengers transiting through Singapore Changi Airport do not need a visa if they stay within the transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket. Extra steps are often required for those holding separate tickets or needing to collect checked bags between flights.
Singapore Visa Exemptions
Travellers from many countries can transit through Singapore without obtaining a visa, as long as they do not clear immigration. The transit area covers all four Changi terminals. If a passenger leaves the transit zone or requires an overnight stay outside, regular entry rules and visa requirements apply.
Key points:
- No Singapore visa is needed if remaining inside the transit area.
- Immigration clearance is required only if a traveller exits to collect luggage or switch terminals externally.
- Citizens of some countries qualify for a Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF), allowing a short 96-hour entry with a valid onward air or sea ticket.
Singapore requires passengers to complete an electronic Singapore Arrival Card when entering the country. This step is not necessary for travellers who stay airside in the transit zone.
Requirements for Travellers with Separate Tickets
Travellers flying on separate tickets with different airlines, especially low cost carriers, are often required to obtain their onward boarding passes from check in counters, which may be outside the transit area. To do this, a passenger may need to clear immigration and formally enter Singapore.
Steps to plan for:
- Check if your airline allows airside transfer of checked baggage. If not, you must collect your bags and re-check them, which means clearing immigration.
- Prepare required documents for Singapore entry if a visa is needed, including the completed Singapore Arrival Card.
- For some foreign nationals, the VFTF may be an option, but only if the onward journey departs within 96 hours and meets eligibility criteria.
Failing to meet proper entry requirements may result in denied boarding on the onward flight or being turned back at Singapore immigration. Always check airline policies and Singapore immigration requirements before departure.
Baggage Handling and Security Procedures
Travellers passing through Singapore Changi Airport must follow specific procedures related to baggage transfers, security checks, and transit services. Many transiting passengers need to know whether their baggage is sent directly to their final destination or if they must collect and re-check it.
Tagged-Through versus Self-Transfer Baggage
When luggage is tagged-through from the origin airport to the final destination, passengers do not have to pick up their bags during transit. Instead, the airline automatically forwards the baggage onto the connecting flight.
This process is only available if flights are booked under a single reservation or if partner airlines have interline agreements. Passengers should verify baggage tag information during check-in at the origin airport and confirm with ground staff.
If the ticket involves separate bookings or airlines without agreements, travellers are responsible for collecting luggage at Changi before boarding the next flight. This is known as self-transfer. In these cases, passengers may need to clear customs, claim bags, and check them in again for the onward journey.
Security Screening Guidelines
All passengers, regardless of transfer method, must go through security screening before boarding their connecting flight at Singapore Changi Airport. Luggage within the Departure Transit Area stays secure until the next departure.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in cabin bags must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit within a clear, resealable plastic bag (max 1 litre). Purchases of LAGs within the airport larger than 100ml must be sealed in security tamper-evident bags. These rules apply even if the passenger came from a different country, as Changi maintains strict compliance.
Prohibited items are not allowed and will be confiscated. Passengers should be aware of carry-on baggage limitations before flying.
Collecting and Re-Checking Baggage
For those whose bags are not tagged to their final destination, collection from the arrival baggage belt at Changi is necessary. Passengers must then clear immigration and customs before proceeding to the check-in counters for the departing flight.
Ample transfer time should be allowed for this process, especially if flights are on separate tickets. Some airlines may not open check-in counters until a few hours before departure. After re-checking bags for the onward flight, passengers pass through outbound security and return to the transit area.
Mistakes can be avoided by checking bag tags and clarifying transfer arrangements with both the origin and connecting airlines. This ensures a smoother transit experience and reduces stress during short connections.
Managing Your Layover in Singapore
Layovers at Singapore Changi Airport are typically straightforward. Most passengers will remain in the transit area, but some travellers might have the option to leave the airport briefly if their layover duration allows and they meet specific entry requirements.
Layover Duration Guidelines
The recommended minimum layover when connecting at Changi Airport is two hours. This time allows for smooth transfers between flights, including moving between terminals if needed. For travellers with both flights booked on a single itinerary and checked luggage through to the final destination, the process is much faster.
A layover under two hours may feel rushed, especially during peak travel times or unexpected delays. For those transiting with separate bookings, more time can reduce stress, as re-checking luggage and collecting boarding passes can take extra time.
Changi Airport provides clear signage and efficient transport systems, such as the Skytrain, which links terminals quickly. Transit security checks are typically fast, but flight delays or large crowds can extend waiting times. Passengers should check their airline’s minimum connect time recommendations before travel.
Leaving the Airport During a Layover
Travellers wanting to leave the airport during a layover in Singapore must pass through immigration. Citizens of eligible countries can enter Singapore visa-free for short visits, while others must apply for a visa in advance. All passengers need a passport that is valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel.
Singapore does not require a transit visa if staying inside the transit area. To leave, ensure the layover is long enough to factor in customs processing and travel time to and from the city. A layover of at least five to six hours is generally recommended for city visits.
Re-entry into the secure zone requires completed immigration and security checks. Travellers under 18 without an adult might face restrictions or need extra documentation. Local transport such as the MRT or taxis can be used for quick city trips, but always account for potential traffic or delays.
Flight Connections and Travel Itineraries
Flight connections at Singapore Changi Airport depend on how tickets are booked and which airlines are involved. Passengers’ experiences will differ depending on a single or multiple booking itineraries and whether they are changing airlines.
Flights Booked on One Itinerary
Travellers with connecting flights on a single itinerary often receive both boarding passes at their initial check-in. Their checked baggage is usually transferred directly to the final destination, reducing the need for extra steps at the airport. These passengers stay in the transit area and do not pass through Singapore immigration during their layover.
For international flights at Changi Airport, transit is simple when all legs are booked together. Singapore’s policies allow transit without a Singapore visa for many travellers, provided they remain airside. With a minimum recommended transfer time of two hours, single-itinerary bookings generally allow smooth transitions between connecting flights operated by the same airline or alliance partners.
Changing Between Airlines
Passengers holding separate air tickets or needing to switch airlines may face extra requirements. Some budget carriers or unrelated airlines might not offer through-check baggage transfer, which could mean clearing immigration, collecting bags, and re-checking luggage. This step makes the transit process longer and could require a Singapore entry visa, depending on nationality.
A gap of at least three hours is often suggested for those changing airlines on separate bookings, especially if baggage must be collected and checked in again. Airport staff in the departure and transit areas can provide advice, but ample time should be allowed. Flight schedules and ticketing details should always be reviewed closely before travel to avoid missed connections.
Health and Safety Regulations for Transit Passengers
Transit passengers passing through Singapore Changi Airport are subject to specific health, vaccination, and travel insurance guidelines. Entry requirements may differ from those for passengers entering Singapore, affecting what documents and preparations are needed for a stopover.
Vaccinations and Health Declarations
Travellers transiting through Changi Airport generally do not need to provide proof of vaccination or complete health declarations, unless they are entering Singapore. There is an important exception for those coming from countries with risk of yellow fever. Transit passengers arriving from a yellow fever-affected area must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, even if staying in the airport.
No COVID-19 vaccination or test certificates are required to remain airside for a layover. Entry into Singapore, however, has different public health and entry requirements, which include vaccination proof or additional health checks for some nationalities. Border Authority announcements can change suddenly, so it is recommended to check official channels before travel for any temporary measures.
Travel Insurance Options for Transiting
Travel insurance is not mandatory for passengers who are solely transiting in Singapore, but some airlines or countries at an onward destination could require proof of coverage. Medical emergencies, flight delays, or missed connections during transit can lead to significant extra costs, so many travellers choose comprehensive travel insurance to limit unavoidable expenses.
Key features to compare include coverage for overseas medical treatment, flight disruptions, baggage delay, and trip interruption. Australian insurers and some airlines offer transit-specific policies or add-ons for stopovers. The following table outlines common coverage topics:
| Coverage Type | Included in Transit Policies? |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Usually |
| Trip Delays | Usually |
| Baggage Loss/Delay | Usually |
| COVID-19 Disruption | Sometimes (check policy details) |
Check policy exclusions and claim limits before purchasing, especially if remaining airside and not entering Singapore.
Facilities, Activities and Heritage at Changi Airport
Changi Airport provides multiple ways for transit passengers to rest, enjoy their stopover, and learn about Singaporean culture. Travellers can find both modern amenities and curated heritage displays during their stay.
Relaxation and Leisure Amenities
Travellers passing through Changi can access a swimming pool at Terminal 1, which features poolside refreshments and shower facilities. Resting zones with free recliners and quiet nooks give passengers space to sleep or relax. Pay-per-use lounges are available in all terminals, offering showers, snacks, and entertainment.
There are plenty of children’s play areas and interactive art installations spread throughout the terminals. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of retail stores, while dining venues serve everything from Singaporean hawker favourites to international cuisine. To pass the time, visitors can enjoy free movie theatres or explore the sprawling Jewel complex with its indoor waterfall, gardens, and walking trails.
Experiencing Local Heritage and Events
Changi Airport regularly hosts exhibitions and displays that reflect Singapore’s history and multicultural background. Passengers can discover Peranakan heritage in Terminal 4’s Heritage Zone, which is styled after traditional shophouses and includes educational visuals depicting historic neighbourhoods.
During public holidays such as Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya Puasa, special events and decorations feature across terminals. Some airport activities include traditional performances and craft workshops related to Singapore’s major festivals. Sentosa-themed decorations and events are also occasionally highlighted, giving a glimpse of the city’s famous tourist destinations and local celebrations.
