What World Number One Passport Means to You
Recently, Singapore rises to the top of the world by claiming the world most powerful passport title. What does this mean to someone holding this passport? Yes, it is time to celebrate if you are holding it but how could one could maximize the value of it. . .
No doubt, Singapore passport holders mean that one would be able to travel 162 countries without requiring a visa. This is a great feat considering that there are approximately 195 countries in the world. This removes the hassle of having to go up to the embassy or consular center, filling up application forms, submitting passport sized photos, paying a certain administrative amount in order to get the desire Visa. The best of all is that it saves huge amount of time required to get the Visa. Having said that, do not assume and always check if you would need the required visas to the intended countries. For Singapore passport , do note that you can easily check on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this website below if you need to apply the required visa.
http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/consular_information/for_singapore_citizens/visa_information.html
Making use of this Passport
I heard many Singaporeans were glad when it was declared that they hold one of the most powerful passport in the world. However,unless you take full advantage of what this powerful passport could do, there is nothing to boast about even if you do not travel that extensively. The best way to do justice is travel. When I mentioned travel, it is to use this passport and open up your world to exotic countries. To most Asians, the exotic countries otherwise difficult for other citizens to obtain Visa is to places like Morocco, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Jordan etc.
There are many things one can learn from visiting exotic countries. If you are looking for the list of reasons to convince yourself, visit this link , it is not too late to start!
Forget about the usual destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea. I am not implying that these countries are boring, but there are tonnes of other interesting cultures and scenic places waiting for you to explore. So why not make use of your world most powerful passport on hand and experience what these exotic destinations could offer you. Some of best people I met was in these countries, friends from the Central Asia and Ex-Soviet region (below picture).
Some Common Countries that Requires Visa / Documentation
Australia
One of my favourite country, Australia have so much to offer in terms of scenery. What better way to spend your time than idling in the countryside. Singapore passport holders do NOT require a visa to enter this amazing country. However, except for New Zealanders, all other nationality (include Singapore) requires what we call it as Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). One can easily apply online in a matter of hours, all you need is your passport details. However, I recommend one to get it from the travel agent. Make a trip down to agent office and usually they will assist you to apply for the required ETA. This application can easily be done by the agent who uses the Global Distribution System (GDS) and is free of charge. However, the agency would charge around SGD$10 for such service, nothing comes free after all but is definitely way cheaper than you apply online usually chargeable at SGD$70.
For more articles and tips on visiting Australia region, please click here
Uzbekistan
In a nutshell, Singaporeans need to apply Uzbekistan Visa. Steps to applying Uzbekistan Visa:
- Fill up the online form found on this website: www.evisa.mfa.uz
- Print out 2 copies
- Call Uzbekistan Embassy in Singapore to make an appointment to submit application. (See address below)
- Bring along Two recent passport photographs 3.5х4.5 cm. (You may attach photographs to your printed application forms). Bring along your ticket itineraries to show when you entering and exiting Uzbekistan as well.
- Make your way down to the Embassy. It takes about 3 working days for it to be processed and you can go down to collect your passport with the visa in it.
Uzbekistan Embassy Address in Singapore:
20 Kramat Lane, United House #04-01, Singapore 228773, Tel: 6734 3942
Price: USD 20-60. Price varies according to the type of visa apply.
For more articles and tips on visiting Central Asia region, please click here
India
A country where chaos and buzzing noise makes her even more attractive to the outside world, bringing out her own charm. One of the hidden treasures is the Kashmir region in Northern India where temperatures plunges to below freezing level during winter.
For more articles and tips on visiting India region, please click here
Russia
By far, this is one of the more challenging experience to obtain a visa for Singaporeans. What you need:
- A Russian travel agency or hotel to issue you a Tourist Confirmation Letter. It is a document that is required by the Russian Consulate in order to issue you a Russian visa. Alternatively, you can obtain one by buying it online from agencies to do up a letter.
- Complete the printed and signed online application forms at https://visa.kdmid.ru/ before printing out the e-form, signing it and sending it to the embassy to process.
Applications for visas (except Diplomatic and Service visas) are to be submitted to the Russian Visa Application Centre located at Cecil Street 135, level 8, 069536. Items require include original and photocopies of your passports, Printed and signed online application forms, 1 recent coloured passport size photo, Visa fees will be $ 70.00 per person (single trip) for the normal process which takes 1 week. Embassy accepts only Cash payment.
So keep on travelling and the next time if you are planning to visit an exotic country, you SHOULD! Happy discovering the world out there. Remember, the world out there is not as dangerous as it is deem to be. Friendly people and warm hospitality coupled with unexpected splendid scenery are usually the rewards one gets when visiting exotic countries!
Categories: Inspiration, Travel Tips
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