Singapore already has one of the most powerful passports in the world — we enjoy visa-free access to about 158 countries across the globe. Well, at least according to the 2017 Passport Index. Wait, make that 159, as Qatar has just announced it will allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, including Singapore, to be effective immediately.
Singapore passport holders will now get a multi-entry visa waiver of up to 30 days upon arrival, with an option to extend the waiver for an additional 30 days (60 in total) from the date of issue. All you need now is your passport — with a minimum validity of six months — and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Other countries on the list include India, New Zealand, Lebanon, South Africa and the US.
Just last November, Qatar introduced a free transit visa that allows all passengers transiting in the country for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days).
This move — a bid by Qatar Airways and the Qatar Tourism Authority to boost tourism by easing entry into the country — comes two months into a boycott levied on the Gulf state by its neighbors Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Ever since the boycott, Qatar has been attempting to strengthen its diplomatic and trade ties beyond the region. This visa programme is the latest initiative intended to help the country prepare itself for long-term economic independence.
