Employment Pass approved, return flight to Singapore needed?

[IanE]

I have a hopefully quick question.

I've had my Employment Pass approved (hurrah!), I will get the Employment Pass issued when I arrive in Singapore and I am now looking to book my flight to Singapore.

If I get a one way ticket to Singapore, will I be able to get through immigration and into Singapore?

The reason that I ask is that I would imagine that I would initially get a tourist visa on arrival at Singapore airport, so I really don't want to get to Singapore and find myself turned away!

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Strong Eagle]

Just bring a copy of your AIP letter.

[JR8]

If I get a one way ticket to Singapore, will I be able to get through immigration and into Singapore?

The reason that I ask is that I would imagine that I would initially get a tourist visa on arrival at Singapore airport, so I really don't want to get to Singapore and find myself turned away!

I was a little surprised that this was not directly addressed on the www.ica.gov.sg website. You know like, 'Entry requirements: Onward or return ticket, and proof of adequate funds for intended duration of stay'. That used to be a pretty standard requirement in many countries...

Almost everyone moving to SG arrives on a one way ticket. I expect some volume of tourists do too; people yet to decide on and book onward travel etc.

The Disembarkations/Embarkations 'white card' [IMM 27E] does not require the purpose of your stay. However it does ask for the duration of your stay. The average visitor to SG stays 2.5 days, so what about your situation? I think this is where you would write 90 days [which by itself, signals that you're something very different from average], and then be ready to show the officer your EP-IPA.

p.s. Don't stress yourself about it, the SG government machine has checked you out and approved you. You're much more of a known/approved quantity than 90% of the people in the queue.
You can't get your EP issued until you arrive here, and the IMM27E form is arguably framed more at tourists rather than people in your position. But have a copy of your EP approval at hand, and you're away...

... oh, and welcome to the forum!

[ecureilx]

but, if you are coming from certain Asian countries, they will not allow you to depart without proof of return -

just sayin ..

if you are coming from Europe/US, previous replies apply ..

[the lynx]

but, if you are coming from certain Asian countries, they will not allow you to depart without proof of return -

Do not confuse the OP. The AIP would still apply for this case, regardless.
If OP is as paranoid as ecureilx, s/he can personally check with the airline before the flight, just to be sure.

[ecureilx]

but, if you are coming from certain Asian countries, they will not allow you to depart without proof of return -

Do not confuse the OP. The AIP would still apply for this case, regardless.
If OP is as paranoid as ecureilx, s/he can personally check with the airline before the flight, just to be sure.

sorry, maybe your country and my country doesn't care much .. a lot of countries immigration won't allow you to leave, if you dont' have a return ticket - and they will go on to insist AIP - approval, you haven't collected it yet- which is truly and legally correct. and that's how those Immigration sees it ..

Forget the airline, the Immigration folks in a few countries will stop you even if you get past airline

My answer stands. if he / she is from 'most' Asian countries ..

[JR8]

My answer stands. if he / she is from 'most' Asian countries ..

I don't suppose many Asians would be called Ian and write 'I've had my Employment Pass approved (hurrah!)'

[ecureilx]

My answer stands. if he / she is from 'most' Asian countries ..

I don't suppose many Asians would be called Ian and write 'I've had my Employment Pass approved (hurrah!)'

well, in another forum, there was guy who called himself David Max - but somebody found out he was from a nearby Asian country (perils of posting from Facebook .. )

so my answer : but, if you are coming from certain Asian countries, they will not allow you to depart without proof of return

[sundaymorningstaple]

If I get a one way ticket to Singapore, will I be able to get through immigration and into Singapore?

The reason that I ask is that I would imagine that I would initially get a tourist visa on arrival at Singapore airport, so I really don't want to get to Singapore and find myself turned away!

You answer is just confusing the question which I believe is whether or not SINGAPORE immigration would require an onward ticket. Which, if he has the AIP in hand, he does not.

[IanE]

Thanks all for your responses, I will bring my AIP letter with me.

And to confirm the other point, I will be going to Singapore directly from the UK, so not via Asia.

[JR8]

Bottoms up and hurrahs all 'round!

Have a good flight!


http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... asc-0.html
http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ptopic79193.html
... and more and more!

Search on 'What to bring' [via the top right 'Search website' box], I'd not realised how very many topics there have been on this over recent years.

Last chance to stock up!!

[IanE]

Thanks, I'm just looking at booking the flights now.

And thanks for the links, it's all useful stuff to know, especially from people who have gone through the same thing!

[Saint]

Thanks, I'm just looking at booking the flights now.

And thanks for the links, it's all useful stuff to know, especially from people who have gone through the same thing!

When you check in at Heathrow they will question how long you are intending to stay in Sginagpore, why you don't have an onwards/return ticket and your Singapore immigration status. I get asked every time

[JR8]

When you check in at Heathrow they will question how long you are intending to stay in Sginagpore, why you don't have an onwards/return ticket and your Singapore immigration status. I get asked every time

Yes, I believe that this is related to the airline not wanting to potentially get collared with unticketed compulsory deportation cases.

But I believe there are legitimate cases that you could make-

- 'I'm leaving by train from SG to KL/Malaysia, and I can only get the tickets in Singapore.
ref: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/t ... ID=2322437
- Ditto for many coaches up to Malaysia

re: the rest, just say you're a tourist and plan to stay a week.



p.s. I'm surprised that you of all people get asked this! I recall I used to too, but I don't recall being asked departing from other EU airports.

[IanE]

When you check in at Heathrow they will question how long you are intending to stay in Sginagpore, why you don't have an onwards/return ticket and your Singapore immigration status. I get asked every time

I'll make sure that I have my AIP letter on hand when I check in at Heathrow too, so hopefully I should be okay with a one way flight - I've bought one now, so I hope so!