Visa advisory & travel clearance

In planning for overseas service trips, it is crucial to ensure that all participants meet the visa and entry requirements of the host country. Some destinations have highly complex and time-consuming visa processes for certain nationalities, with no guarantee of visa approval even if applications are submitted on time and in full. This uncertainty poses a significant risk to group planning, logistics, and overall trip integrity.

As such, the school will be imposing pre-determined nationality restrictions on selected trips. Students holding these restricted nationalities will not be eligible to apply for these trips, as we cannot assume responsibility for delays or rejections imposed by the host country’s immigration authorities. This decision ensures that group allocations can proceed smoothly, and that travel risk is managed responsibly.

Following this introduction, please refer to the nationality-specific advisories under each trip heading for detailed guidance. Visa application instructions specific to each trip will be released after the official Trip Roster is announced.

1. Bali Marine Project – Indonesia

Visa Status: e-Visa is available for most nationalities.

Restrictions: None

Priority Notice: Due to visa restrictions affecting other service trips, PRC Chinese nationals will be given priority for this trip upon application.

1a. Indonesia visa application guide

Application window: to be advised.

2. Nagarhole Forest Safari – India

Visa Status: e-Visa available for most nationalities via official Indian government portal.

Restrictions: Nationals of Pakistan and PRC (China) are not eligible for the Indian e-Visa.

Remarks:

• The visa application portal only opens within 30 days of arrival. Do not apply in advance.

• Students must wait for detailed instructions, which will be provided after the Trip Roster is released.

• Once applied correctly, most approvals are granted within one week.

Priority Notice: Students from ineligible nationalities (ie. China and Pakistan) will not be considered for this trip. Applications will be automatically removed from the roster selection.

2a. Travel Advisory Update – India Project

We are aware of recent media reports regarding isolated cases of Nipah virus in India. At this time, there is no travel advisory issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) advising against travel to India (please refer to the latest MFA advisory to India here).

As part of our standard risk management protocol, we have conducted due diligence through International SOS, our global risk advisory partner. Based on current reports and destination-specific risk assessments, Nipah virus has not been flagged as a concern in the region of our programme.

It is also important to note that the reported cases are located in West Bengal, which is approximately 2,000 km from our programme location in Karnataka (Nagarhole/Kabini region). These areas are geographically distant and not connected.

As always, we will continue to monitor official advisories and health updates closely. Student safety remains our priority, and any material changes to the risk environment will be communicated promptly.

2b. India visa application guide

Application window: 24th Apr to 15th May 2026 strictly.

3. Perth Coastal Conservation Project – Australia

Visa Status: ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) 601 is required for most nationalities (incl. Hong Kong passports/see restrictions below).

Restrictions:

• PRC (China), India and Indonesian passport holders face significant challenges in applying for an Australian visa.

• Processing is complex, lengthy, and approval is not guaranteed.

Remarks:

• Students holding these restricted nationalities will not be eligible to apply for this trip.

• This decision is made to reduce the risk of non-approval and ensure travel arrangements are not compromised.

Priority Notice: Students from ineligible nationalities (ie. China, India and Indonesia) will not be considered for this trip. Applications will be automatically removed from the roster selection.

3a. Australia visa application guide

Application window: to be advised.

4. Mongolia Tree Planting Project – Mongolia

Visa Status: Visa-free entry (up to 30 days) is available for most nationalities.

Restrictions:

• No restrictions, but note that PRC (China), Indian and Indonesian passport holders require a visa to enter Mongolia, application fee is about USD$50. 

• Organisation invitation letter will be presented in aid of the visa application. The process is relatively straightforward.

Remarks:

• Students must wait for detailed instructions, which will be provided after the Trip Roster is released.

• Once applied correctly, most approvals are granted within two weeks.

Priority Notice: Students from visa-free countries will be prioritised for administrative ease.

4a. Mongolia visa application guide

Application window: to be advised.