Frequent Traveler Endorsement Singapore

You must have heard of the term ‘Frequent Traveler Endorsement’ if you frequently travel to and from Singapore. The endorsement will basically make life so much easier for those who cross borders now and then. In this blog, we try to explain everything about this endorsement in as simple a way as possible.

1. What is a Frequent Traveler Endorsement?

The Frequent Traveller Endorsement is a special stamp you can add to your passport if you travel frequently. This endorsement makes your travel experience more convenient by preventing your passport pages from filling up too quickly with immigration stamps. Normally, each time you travel in and out of Singapore, an immigration officer stamps your passport. 

For frequent travelers, these stamps can quickly use up valuable passport space. With the travel document page with ICA’s ‘Frequent Traveller’ Endorsement, the officer won’t need to stamp your passport every time, thus saving room and making things easier for you.

2. Why Should You Get It?

This frequent traveller Singapore will be very helpful in case you are one of those people who from time to time travel for work, in order to see your family, or even on vacation. Here is why: 

Saves Space: It saves space in your passport. You will not have to freak out about running out of pages any sooner than expected and getting a new passport.

Convenient: It makes travel very easy. You can easily leave and re-enter Singapore without the hassle of getting your passport stamped each time.

Cost-Effective: If you run out of pages in your passport too fast, you may have to apply for a new passport before it’s time. Getting a new passport in advance can be costly and requires quite an effort. The endorsement saves you from this extra effort.

3. Who Can Apply for It?

The Frequent Traveler Endorsement is mainly for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. In some cases, Singapore grants entry to foreign visitors who travel frequently for business or other reasons.

In this case, you will typically want to have good travel history and no issues with immigration. If you have had any issues with immigration, or if your travel history is not all that clear, then you might not get the endorsement.

4. Eligible Countries

The FTP Singapore works if one is traveling to and from Singapore frequently. Though the main applicants are Singapore Citizens and PRs, certain foreigners may apply depending on their travel pattern and upon the agreements between Singapore and the home countries.

The current eligible travellers to get this endorsement are people coming from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. But it is always good to check with the ICA if your country is qualified.

5. Documents Required

The documents required when applying for a frequent traveller endorsement are stated below: 

Valid Passport: Your valid passport should have at least the required number of pages available.

Application Form: You need to fully fill out and download the application form from the website or directly from the ICA office.

Travel History: You should provide proof of frequent travels, such as previous travel itineraries, visa stamps, or other relevant documents.

Identity: In the case of Singapore citizens or PRs, an NRIC or PR card will suffice

Photo: You would have to submit a recent passport-sized photograph.

Ensure that documents you submit should be in English language. If your document are not in English language, then you should go with hiring certified translators that offers you quality ICA translation services Singapore.

Application Procedure

Application procedures for the Frequent Traveler Endorsement are quite simple. Here is how you apply:

Eligibility Check: First, check if you are eligible to apply. As mentioned, it targets the major groups of Singapore citizens and PRs. Every foreigner should check with ICA or their respective embassy if they can apply.

Prepare Your Documents: Get all the documents you will be requiring as stated in the above list. Make sure all these documents are updated and arranged prior to going to the application process.

Application Submission: The applicant will require applying in person by visiting any of the following enrolment centers:

• ICA Building

10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

• Woodlands Checkpoint

21 Woodlands Crossing, Singapore 738203

• Tuas Checkpoint

501 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Singapore 639932

One may require attaching the passport and other relevant documents with a form, which is required to be filled out while making an application.

Pay the Fee: There is a slight fee of money required when applying. Ensure to know how much it is and to have the money ready when you are applying. The fee can normally be paid online or at the ICA office itself.

Wait for Approval: Once you have submitted your application, then comes the waiting. It may take a few days to a couple of weeks, so you need to be very patient. ICA will reach out in case your application has been approved or more information is required.

Get the Endorsement: After an approval, you will be called to visit the ICA and get the endorsement stamped in your passport. Do not forget to carry your passport and any other document that may be asked for.

8. Processing Time

The processing time for the Frequent Traveler Endorsement can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of applications being processed at the time and whether all required documents were submitted correctly. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Standard Processing: Generally, it takes ICA about 5 to 10 working days to process the application. If during peak travel periods or a public holiday, it may take a little more time.

Expedited Processing: Based on urgent need for endorsement, expedited processing, where applicable, may be requested. Additional fees may be payable, and the endorsement can be processed in 1-3 working days.

Collection: If your application is successful, you are informed to collect your passport with the endorsement. This would likely happen on the same day if you were applying in person.

9. How Long Does the Endorsement Last?

The Frequent Traveler Endorsement is usually issued with the same validity period as your passport or when your passport is out of pages. Upon expiration of your passport or if it’s out of pages, you will have to apply for a new passport and a new endorsement.

Note that an application for a new endorsement should also be made in case you lose your passport. It is advisable to take good care of your passport to avoid inconvenience.

10. Things to Remember

Keep Your Passport Safe: Since your endorsement is in your passport, make sure that your passport is always kept safe. If you lose it, getting a new passport and endorsement is time-consuming.

Renewal: If your passport is expiring or all the pages are used up, get a new passport and obtain a fresh FTE if required.

Immigration Checks: You will also get your usual immigration checks while coming in or leaving Singapore. What this only means is that at immigration checkpoints, they would not stamp your passport every time.

Inform Authorities: In case your travelling pattern changes and you find yourself not as frequent as before then it is best you keep the ICA informed about this issue. They may have to make some changes in your endorsement.

11. Benefits of the Frequent Traveler Endorsement

There are a number of benefits that come with the Frequent Traveler Endorsement:

Ease of Travel: The first and foremost thing is that it becomes way easier to travel when you don’t have to go through the hassle of getting your passport stamped every time you travel back and forth.

Peace of Mind: You have the satisfaction of knowing that your passport will last you for a longer duration without having to seek replacements regularly.

Better Organization: Your travel documents will be better organized; after all, you won’t have all those random stamps messing up the pages in your passport.

Conclusion

Frequent Traveler Endorsement will be useful for the ones who frequently travel. You can surely make an application for this endorsement easily by following few simple steps mentioned in the guide. It may be a business tour or a fun journey; this endorsement will help one in many ways and make your journey smooth and trouble-free. Safe journey!

Hire our certified translators

We believe all the above-given details related to the Frequent traveller endorsement is sufficient enough to help you understand how qualified passenger can get hassle-free immigration clearance.

We have a team of certified translators at Singapore Translators that can offer you hassle-free official documents translation Singapore at a low cost. No matter you are looking for a work visa translation service or looking to translate LTVP documents we will always serve you the best.