Visa
Owing to the great relationship between UK and Singapore, we don't usually face any problems entering UK.
If you're coming over for a visit (less than 3 months), there's no need for you to apply for a visa. For more information, do refer to the links below.
Do I need a visa?
How do I go about applying for it?
What are the fees applicable?
Although it's stated that the process takes 5 working days, it's normally sooner. The British High Commission staff are rather efficient on that. It'll help greatly if you have a UK address handy in the application.
Medical Examination
There's one more thing. Due to the unfortunate outbreak of disease (bird flu, SARS) at our region, there's a need for all Singaporeans staying beyond 6 months to go for a medical examination. That will take place when you touch down at Heathrow Airport but before you cross the customs. If you fail it, you don't go into UK, simple as that.
Now, you can certainly get an X-ray and medical checkup done at your local GPs. But I would suggest that you do not do that. Just join the queue and do your medical examination at the airport clinic. Firstly, it's free. Secondly, your GP's certification may not be recognized anyway. If the queue is short, you're in luck as the actual process is rather short.
Customs
By the time (up to two hours) you approach the customs official, you'll be severely dehydrated and irritated. Please, for the love of god, please put on a smile. If you irritate the customs official, which you don't want to, he/she can make your life miserable. Remember, you're on UK soil now and your Singapore passport will not bring you immunity.
Luggage
Unfortunately, there's a history of lost luggage in recent years. There's really nothing very much that you can do to prevent that. But in order to minimise the inconvenience caused, I would suggest that you pack a day's clothes and carry all valuables (currencies, jewelleries and that yes, all your gold bars as well) in your hand carry. It'll help greatly if you attach your contact information on the outside of your lugguage. Having them inside won't help. If you do not have a UK contact number, please add a +65 in front of your Singapore's mobile number and make sure that you have that mobile with you.
Airport Transfers
There're 4 terminals in all at Heathrow Airport. If you're taking Singapore Airlines, you'll be touching down at Terminal 3. If you're taking British Airways, you'll likely to be at Terminal 1 or 4.
There're a number of ways to get to London Central from Heathrow. You can take a London black cab, National Express bus or London Underground (Tube).
But I would suggest none of those. They're either too expensive or take too long.
If you're laden with many pieces of luggage, which most of us will be, please book a cab. I've tried Addison Lee. They're pretty reliable. You can try calling them at +44 020 7387 8888 while you're queuing up at the customs. Give them your name and there'll be a chap holding a cardboard with your name on it at the departure hall.
Please confirm the fee beforehand with the phone operator. It'll be be around 40 plus pounds. If you can't hear what the operator is saying (due to bad reception or difference in accent), please clarify. Don't assume.
If you're travelling light, I would suggest going into London via Heathrow Express. The trip takes only 15min and leaves at 15min interval.It's almost like a Shinkansen and it's more comfortable. Tickets can be obtained at the boarding point. Just ask around for directions. Please do not take Heathrow Connect as it will stop at a couple of stops in between. A one way ticket to Paddington Train Station (in Central London) will cost 14.50 pounds. From there, you can just hope onto the London Underground to get to a Tube station nearer to your destination.
A few words of comfort
Now, facing the much stronger British Pound, which is worth around thrice the Singapore Dollar, the transport costs sounds terrifying. It is. UK's transport is one of the most expensive in the world. You will soon miss the MRT and cabs (even with the recent price hikes) back home.
Welcome to London!
Owing to the great relationship between UK and Singapore, we don't usually face any problems entering UK.
If you're coming over for a visit (less than 3 months), there's no need for you to apply for a visa. For more information, do refer to the links below.
Do I need a visa?
How do I go about applying for it?
What are the fees applicable?
Although it's stated that the process takes 5 working days, it's normally sooner. The British High Commission staff are rather efficient on that. It'll help greatly if you have a UK address handy in the application.
Medical Examination
There's one more thing. Due to the unfortunate outbreak of disease (bird flu, SARS) at our region, there's a need for all Singaporeans staying beyond 6 months to go for a medical examination. That will take place when you touch down at Heathrow Airport but before you cross the customs. If you fail it, you don't go into UK, simple as that.
Now, you can certainly get an X-ray and medical checkup done at your local GPs. But I would suggest that you do not do that. Just join the queue and do your medical examination at the airport clinic. Firstly, it's free. Secondly, your GP's certification may not be recognized anyway. If the queue is short, you're in luck as the actual process is rather short.
Customs
By the time (up to two hours) you approach the customs official, you'll be severely dehydrated and irritated. Please, for the love of god, please put on a smile. If you irritate the customs official, which you don't want to, he/she can make your life miserable. Remember, you're on UK soil now and your Singapore passport will not bring you immunity.
Luggage
Unfortunately, there's a history of lost luggage in recent years. There's really nothing very much that you can do to prevent that. But in order to minimise the inconvenience caused, I would suggest that you pack a day's clothes and carry all valuables (currencies, jewelleries and that yes, all your gold bars as well) in your hand carry. It'll help greatly if you attach your contact information on the outside of your lugguage. Having them inside won't help. If you do not have a UK contact number, please add a +65 in front of your Singapore's mobile number and make sure that you have that mobile with you.
Airport Transfers
There're 4 terminals in all at Heathrow Airport. If you're taking Singapore Airlines, you'll be touching down at Terminal 3. If you're taking British Airways, you'll likely to be at Terminal 1 or 4.
There're a number of ways to get to London Central from Heathrow. You can take a London black cab, National Express bus or London Underground (Tube).
But I would suggest none of those. They're either too expensive or take too long.
If you're laden with many pieces of luggage, which most of us will be, please book a cab. I've tried Addison Lee. They're pretty reliable. You can try calling them at +44 020 7387 8888 while you're queuing up at the customs. Give them your name and there'll be a chap holding a cardboard with your name on it at the departure hall.
Please confirm the fee beforehand with the phone operator. It'll be be around 40 plus pounds. If you can't hear what the operator is saying (due to bad reception or difference in accent), please clarify. Don't assume.
If you're travelling light, I would suggest going into London via Heathrow Express. The trip takes only 15min and leaves at 15min interval.It's almost like a Shinkansen and it's more comfortable. Tickets can be obtained at the boarding point. Just ask around for directions. Please do not take Heathrow Connect as it will stop at a couple of stops in between. A one way ticket to Paddington Train Station (in Central London) will cost 14.50 pounds. From there, you can just hope onto the London Underground to get to a Tube station nearer to your destination.
A few words of comfort
Now, facing the much stronger British Pound, which is worth around thrice the Singapore Dollar, the transport costs sounds terrifying. It is. UK's transport is one of the most expensive in the world. You will soon miss the MRT and cabs (even with the recent price hikes) back home.
Welcome to London!
Unknown Said,
Hi there, great tips and information! Really helpful, plus you're up-to-date, especially about the increased cab fares part.
I'm a Singaporean soon relocating in London for work. Would you give some advise on salary in London, what would be considered average,etc?What's comfortable?
Secondly,would you also touch on good accommodation places and rent prices? I will be working in SOHO.
Thanks!
Posted on 19 February 2008 at 11:11
Unknown Said,
Hi Jasper,
would be great if you can email me directly at tipsforsingaporeans@yahoo.com. Abit difficult to put that info down in one comment.
Cheers!
Posted on 23 April 2008 at 11:10
b Said,
Visa update: Visa applications are no longer handled by the High Commission but by a private company located in Shenton Way. I believe that visa processing times are quite good most months but not so fast in July/August/September due to the huge spike in applications by students at the start of the academic year. So my application, which would have taken maybe 5 days any other time, took 18 days to process. Also waiting time to submit application was 5-6 hours on bad days.
Posted on 23 August 2009 at 08:29