Singapore to USA Guide 2026

Singaporeans remain eligible for the **Visa Waiver Program (VWP)**, but 2026 brings stricter digital requirements.

• New ESTA Fee (2026): The official application fee has increased to **USD 40**.
• Mobile App Mandate: Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the **ESTA Mobile App** for mandatory "Live Selfie" biometric verification.
• Social Media Vetting: You must now provide social media handles used in the last 10 years for admissible screening.
• Ineligibility Rule: If you have visited Cuba after Jan 2021 or North Korea after Mar 2011, you are ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a B1/B2 visa.

The **U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement** provides a special quota of H-1B1 visas for Singaporean professionals.

• The Advantage: Unlike the standard H-1B, this is not a lottery system. 5,400 visas are reserved solely for Singaporeans each year.
• Academic Proof: Requires a post-secondary degree (minimum 4 years of study) in your specialized field.
• Labor Certification: Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor first.

Starting early 2026, the US CBP has fully implemented a nationwide biometric entry-exit program.

• Facial Recognition: All non-US citizens will undergo facial biometric collection at airports and seaports both upon entry and departure.
• Digital Arrival Card: Singaporeans may still be asked to complete a digital US arrival declaration to confirm identity consistency.
• Privacy Tip: While mandatory, CBP facial comparison technology has a 98% accuracy rate to streamline bottlenecks at Changi departures.

Customs protocols are strictly enforced for all international arrivals.

• Food & Snacks: You must declare all food items, even small snacks. Fines for non-declaration are high.
• Currency: Cash or monetary instruments exceeding **USD 10,000** must be declared.
• Medical Exam: For immigrant or student visas, a physical exam in Singapore (including X-rays and blood tests) is mandatory before the interview.