Parveen MagheraAs we all know, Singapore is second in the world’s global ranking for passports. This means that we can visit numerous places without needing a visa. Along with recent developments concerning travels in this year, why not utilise your passport to its fullest potential? Read on for more information on new flights and changes in visa policies in certain countries, and get ready to plan your next vacation.
New flight connections from Singapore
1. Mauritius
Image credit: sheynag
From white sandy beaches, sugarcane fields and volcanic mountain backdrops to ancient Indian temples and colonial houses, Mauritius is indeed a tropical paradise with intriguing spaces of history. The country is now more accessible to Singaporeans with Air Mauritius commencing direct seven-hour flights since early last year that runs three times a week. To further enhance our accessibility, AirAsia has also launched direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, making travel between Mauritius and the region much easier than before!
2. Sunshine Coast, Australia
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Surfers looking for a quiet escape this year can explore Sunshine Coast’s pristine beaches! Located in Southern Queensland, about an hour away from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast will also attract those who have a liking for the Great Sandy National Park where you can see multicoloured sand dunes, mangrove forests and shallow lakes. There is also the Noosa National Park where you can admire waterways and trot along walking trails. Access to Sunshine Coast often requires stopovers at Sydney and Melbourne. If you choose to plan your trip down to Adelaide first, you can take a Jetstar Airways flight to Sunshine Coast, which only commenced last September.
3. Fiji
Image credit: Ben ‘Jimmy’ Angel
Another beach paradise to explore, Fiji is home to crystal-clear waters, spectacular for diving or just relaxing with your partners and families, within its enchanting resorts that offer first-class spas and other splendid amenities. And travelling down to Fiji is even more convenient thanks to Fiji Airways with its twice weekly direct flights to Nadi! No more stopovers, phew!
Also Read: 20 Fun Things to Do in Fiji on Your First Visit
4. Canberra, Australia
Image credit: Simon Yeo
Travelling down to Australia’s capital is now easier via Singapore Airlines. Launched last September, the direct flight will bring you down to the heartbeat of Down Under where you can meet the clouds on hot air balloons, visit world-class museums and galleries and, among all other things, admire the fusion of nature with top-notch urban planning. After the route from Singapore to Canberra, the flight makes another journey down towards Wellington, adding on to more options for those wanting to travel to the capital of New Zealand.
Do look out for Qatar Airways’ announcement of their flights to Canberra in the coming year or so!
5. Dusseldorf, Germany
Image credit: Frank Friedrichs
Apart from Frankfurt and Munich, Singapore Airlines now flies directly to Dusseldorf three times a week, making it the third German city in its network and perhaps a new city for you to explore. Dusseldorf is known for its impressive modern art, high fashion and most popularly, the Altstadt where you could do some amazing bar-hopping, and even try out its great selection of German beers!
6. Iran
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We can’t get enough of Iran, can we? We couldn’t miss this beauty! Routes from Singapore to Tehran often require stopovers since no airlines flies directly from Singapore as yet. But apart from the middle eastern airlines such as Oman Air and Qatar, you can also choose to embark on Thai Airways which launched flights between Bangkok and Tehran in October last year. Moreover, you can also make a trip down to Kuala Lumpur first before flying to Tehran via AirAsia X! To top it off, visa on arrival has been extended from 14 to 30 days! Accessibility to Iran has indeed increased over the years — no excuses for not choosing Iran as one of your next destinations. Trust us, Iran is safe and travel-friendly!
7. Jaipur, India
Image credit: Pedro
One of the best things to look forward to in Jaipur are its majestic forts, among many other marvellous sites. The Pink City is gaining huge popularity recently, and why not? For Singaporeans, Jaipur is accessible via Scoot since late last year and flights run four times a week.
8. Muscat, Oman
Image credit: Adrian Hu
Muscat’s beauty is definitely not to be missed, especially with its ancient forts and magnificent mosques. The capital of Oman is awaiting your arrival for there are now four direct flights to Muscat via Oman Air. The flights have additional connections to places in Europe such as Paris and London, as well as other middle eastern countries such as Tehran (another reason why Iran is getting more accessible).
9. San Francisco, USA
Image credit: Bernard Spragg
From October last year, Singapore Airlines added direct daily flights to San Francisco. This would currently be the longest flight in Singapore Airlines’ network until direct flights to Los Angeles and New York become available in the next few years. Apart from a direct route to visit the rich history and diversity of San Francisco, this new flight will allow easy access to other destinations such as Las Vegas and Seattle.
10. Fuzhou, China
Image credit: Jan
Also known as the “city of Banyans” with its numerous Banyan trees planted around, Fuzhou is a city in South China that is famous for its enthralling sea views, breath-taking mountains and captivating historical sites. Yet, the capital of the Fujian Province is not as well-travelled as other cities in China. Perhaps, it’s time to put Beijing and Shanghai aside and make a trip down to Fuzhou instead where you can enjoy the natural scenery of spectacular forest parks and gardens, and soak in the aura of the past at historic temples and ancient architectures. And there are more options to do so! Adding on to Xiamen Airlines’, SilkAir has joined in late last year! You can take any of the four flights from Singapore to travel down to this beautiful city.
11. Amritsar, India
Image credit: Ronald Woan
Founded in the 16th century, Amritsar is well known for the most sacred Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple. The temple sits in Amritsar amid the city’s rich history, including the Jallianwala Bagh that screams of colonial rule and the unforgiving 1919 Amritsar massacre. Previously, access to the state of Punjab was difficult for Singaporeans who often flew down to Delhi and then travelled seven hours on road to reach Punjab (been there, done that) or took the train. However, with Scoot flying three times weekly to Amritsar since mid last year, Amritsar and the rest of Punjab have become much easier to reach!
Don’t forget to make a trip down to the India-Pakistan border to witness the Guard Changing Ceremony!
12. Leh, India
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Singapore Airlines’ Indian carrier, Vistara, will be launching flights between Delhi and Leh in late March this year, adding on to more route options to Leh should you have this mesmerising city on your bucket list. Moreover, you can even hop on any one of the three weekly flights that connect Chandigarh to Leh (flying since last December) if you happen to plan the first half of your vacation in Punjab!
New visa policies for Singapore passport holders
13. Kazakhstan
Image credit: mariusz kluzniak
With abundant oil reserves and other valuable minerals, Kazakhstan thrives economically, with the best standards of accommodation, restaurants and transport within Central Asia. Apart from chic cafes, attractive shopping malls and enticing nightlife, there are also high mountains and green valleys to hike through, or undergrounds mosques to discover. And what makes all these even better is the fact that Singaporeans visiting Kazakhstan can now travel around the country for 30 days without a visa!
14. Myanmar
Image credit: Roderick Eime
Each visit to Myanmar makes us love the country even more because there’s so much to explore, beyond monasteries, pagodas, temples and palaces. And now travelling to Myanmar is hassle free for Singapore ordinary passport holders who can do so without a visa for up to 30 days, so long as you enter and exit from Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International Airports. Should you be staying for more than 30 days, you can easily apply for an e-visa and receive your approval letter within three days. Thereafter, you can present the letter and your passport to the immigration officer upon arrival and get them stamped. Easy!
15. Belarus
Image credit: Dennis Jarvis
Belarus may not really be one of your top go-to places this year but there is actually a great deal to capture in this country. Indeed, its isolation from the rest of the continent is what makes it interesting to explore, especially for the curious-minded. You’d be a subject of curiosity among the locals but don’t worry, their hospitality is beyond limits. Apart from satisfying landscapes of cornflower fields and thick forests, Belarus is also home to Europe’s largest mammal called the zubr, or the European bison. If you’re still unsure about the country, you can take advantage of the recent changes in Belarus’ visa policy — Singaporeans, among 80 nationalities, will be allowed visa-free entry into the country for up to five days. Perhaps, a short trip to Belarus may be great for a start!
Also read: 22 Experiences Singaporeans are Deprived Of That Fuel Their Wanderlust
So, where are you heading to next?
