Planning a holiday from Singapore and want to bring your helper abroad? Check what visas your helper needs to travel with you, and how much it costs to apply.
Planning a family holiday from Singapore? If you’re thinking about bringing your live-in helper along too, there are a few extra things to sort out before you fly. Visa and entry requirements can vary depending on your helper’s nationality, your own immigration status and the destination, so it’s important to check the latest requirements before booking. We’ve rounded up the key information for Filipino and Indonesian helpers travelling to some popular holiday destinations, but always check the relevant embassy or immigration authority before you travel, as visa rules, fees and processing times can change.
Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for applications, particularly if your helper needs to attend an appointment or provide biometrics. Here’s our guide to what you need to know when travelling overseas with your foreign domestic worker (FDW)…
Disclaimer: Visa and entry requirements can change, and eligibility can depend on your helper’s nationality, passport, employment status and the circumstances of the trip. We’ve done our best to provide useful and current information, but always check the latest requirements directly with the relevant embassy, immigration authority or official visa application centre before making travel arrangements.
Holiday visa guide for helpers in Singapore: UK, USA, Canada
Are you heading to destinations in the UK, US or Canada for your holidays? Take note of the regulations about foreign domestic workers. Also, note that these countries might have different terms for FDWs and require proof of employment (employment pass) and proper details about salary and more.
UK
Keen to escape the humidity for a more temperate stroll through London’s Hyde Park? If your helper has worked for you for at least one year, she could be eligible for a visa to enter the UK. Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa takes approximately three weeks to process at time of publishing, and can be applied for up to three months before you’re ready to jet off. You should hopefully get a decision on your visa within three weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
If you are planning to travel from the UK to Europe, make sure to also take note of the 90/180-day rule, a Schengen policy that applies to non-EU/EEA nationals visiting the Schengen Area. This rule determines the maximum amount of time such individuals can spend within the Schengen Area during a specific period. Keep track of the number of days you’ve spent in the Schengen Area with this calculator.
Cost: It’s pricey at £726 for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa, so it’s best to stay in the UK longer to get full bang for your buck. Luckily, the visa lasts for six months. Take note of all the nitty-gritty here.
USA
You may want your helper to come along if only to survive the 24+ hour trek to the USA. US immigration isn’t known for its open-door policy, so applying for a Domestic Employee visa for your FDW is like an obstacle course. The rules depend on the employer’s US immigration status and circumstances, so you need to do your own research on this one. In a nutshell, if you qualify, you must then confirm that your helper has worked for you for over a year. They’ll have to apply online and provide supporting docs. The next stage is an interview at the US embassy, where your helper must reassure the powers that they won’t go M.I.A. or overstay the visa. Those still standing at the end of it all could be rewarded with a six-month visa. Hooray!
Cost: The fees would depend on the employer’s visa status, so best to trawl through the info on the official website and decide which category you would fall under.
Canada
When you alight in Canada, prepare for mind-blowing scenery, from Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains! Your helper will need to meet Canada’s visitor visa requirements if her nationality requires a visa, and should have the necessary supporting documents ready when applying. Don’t confuse the visa with the length of stay: the visa itself is not simply a “six-month visa”, and the period you’re permitted to remain in Canada is determined separately by Canadian immigration authorities.
Cost: The current cost is C$100, as well as a possible additional C$85 biometrics fee for a Visa of up to 6 months.
Holiday visa guide for helpers in Singapore: Australia & New Zealand
Australia
Looking for some leisure time Down Under? If your helper is travelling to Australia for a holiday, she’ll need to hold a visa that allows her to visit Australia. For many travellers, this is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream, although the correct visa depends on the traveller’s circumstances and nationality. Applications are made online, and each traveller needs a separate application. Allow plenty of time for the application, as Australian authorities say processing times are indicative only and can vary wildly.
Cost: Check the current Australian Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator before applying.
New Zealand
Heading to the land of The Lord of the Rings with your precious? Before bringing your helper along, check her individual visa requirements directly with Immigration New Zealand. The Specific Purpose Work Visa should not be assumed to apply simply because she works as a domestic helper in Singapore: it is intended for people coming to New Zealand to work for a qualifying specific purpose or event. Visa requirements depend on the traveller’s circumstances, so check the official New Zealand immigration guidance before booking.
Cost: It’s expensive, fees vary depending on your status.
Holiday visa guide for helpers in Singapore: Europe
Denmark
Did you know that Denmark is famous for its design, architecture and family-friendly attractions? If you’re planning a trip with your helper, she’ll generally need to apply for the appropriate Schengen short-stay visa if her nationality requires one. Applications are submitted through the relevant visa application centre, and you’ll need to check the latest document checklist and appointment requirements before applying.
Cost: The standard adult Schengen visa fee is currently €90, and additional service fees may apply.
France
If you haven’t visited the city of love, AKA Paris, it’s time you did! France is known for its iconic Eiffel Tower, delish cheese, croissants, bubbly Champagne and full-bodied wine, and so much more. If you’re bringing your FDW for a stay of less than 90 days, navigate the République Française website to start the visa application process.
Cost: The fees are based on the trip’s duration and the visa type.
Germany
What better way to celebrate Christmas than in Germany? Bring your helper along for a festive family break by applying for the appropriate Schengen visa through the German visa application process in Singapore. Your helper will need to attend an appointment and submit the required supporting documents, so check the current checklist before applying.
Cost: The standard Schengen visa fee is €90, plus the applicable visa application centre service fee.
Netherlands
Beaut windmills, cheese markets and Amsterdam canals – the Netherlands is the best place for sightseeing and did we mention the Northern Lights? Just wow! You can opt for the short-stay Schengen visa for your helper by completing a hard copy of the online application form. Make use of the tracking feature to keep tabs on your application online or via SMS. A step-by-step guide is provided to apply for visas fuss-free.
Cost: Depends on the country your helper is from. Check the consular fees here.
Spain
Down to live like the Spanish? Mucho gusto! We’re talking beach life, cool sunnies and sexy swimwear. If your FDW has been working for you for at least nine months, she can apply for the Foreign Domestic Worker Visa, which takes a minimum processing time of 15 days.
Cost: The cost includes a service charge totalling S$127.60. So book a trip to Spain and surprise your helper!
Switzerland
Dreaming of being on cable cars in the mountains? Switzerland, here we come! Schengen visas are available for both your fam and helper with an expected processing time of about 15 days (not too bad!). Schedule an appointment in advance, and be sure to complete the declaration form for domestic helpers.
Cost: The standard adult Schengen visa fee is currently €90, with any applicable service fee charged separately.
Holiday visa guide for helpers in Singapore: Asia
South Korea
Annyeonghaseyo! Planning a family trip to South Korea? If you’re hoping to bring your Singapore-based domestic helper, don’t assume she can simply apply for a tourist visa. The Korean Embassy in Singapore has a specific C-3-9 Domestic Helper Tourism Visa, with strict eligibility requirements. Among them, the helper must generally have been employed by the rightful employer for at least six months, and the employer must have a humanitarian reason for bringing the helper, such as caring for young children aged 12 or below or an elderly person over 65. Helpers travelling to Korea for their own personal holiday are not eligible under this route. If approved, only a single-entry visa is issued, and families are generally limited to bringing one domestic helper per trip.
Cost: Check the current fee and application requirements with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore.
Malaysia
Pack your bags and nip across the border with your family and your helper without a worry. There is no need for a visa for your helper to enter Malaysia (no visa is required for nationals of ASEAN countries except if they stay for more than one month). Just make sure you complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
Indonesia
Thinking a spot of shopping in Seminyak is more your speed? Or a lazy getaway to Telunas Island, perhaps? Indonesian nationals need not process any paperwork to enter their home country. Tick! The only available visa for FDWs of other nationalities is the B211 Visa. Better start brushing up on your Bahasa for your weekend hopping around the Flores islands…
Cost: Approximately US$250 (S$336).
Hong Kong
Fancy a frolic in the New York of the Far East? The Hong Kong Immigration Department permits visa-free stays of 30 days for Indonesian passport holders and 14 days for Filipino nationals. Dim sum, here we come. You’ll need our guide to Hong Kong with the kids then. Also, your Frozen-enthusiast will LOVE the brand new World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Vietnam
Good news for those of you who want to taste fresh Vietnamese food: Indonesia and the Philippines are currently on the list of visa-exempt countries, meaning you can use the cash you save for some handmade leather shoes. Don’t forget to read our guide to Vietnam with kids before you head off.
Japan
Imagining imbibing with sake sans kids? With some prior preparation, you can score a three-month Japanese visa for your Filipino helper. Fair warning: the supporting documents can be a bit of a pain. Indonesian helpers can enjoy a visa-free stay of 15 days (if not, they’ll need to apply for the same three-month temporary visit visa).
Thailand
Dreaming of a Thai massage while the kids enjoy some beach time? If you’re travelling with your Indonesian or Filipino helper, check the latest Thai visa-exemption rules for her passport nationality before you go. Thailand’s visa and visa-exemption arrangements can change, so don’t rely on older information about the length or frequency of visa-free stays. Check the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Thai embassy before booking. Phuket, here we come!
Sri Lanka
Sunny Sri Lanka is the place to go for sea, city, safari, surf and sand. Apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a Short Visit Visa (for 30 days) for your family and your helper. There is no need to faff about with passport copies, documents or photographs for the application; just flash your passport, ETA Approval Notice, return air ticket and proof of sufficient funds on arrival to be ushered through immigration.
Cambodia
Channel your inner Angelina because you’re going temple or tomb-raiding in Cambodia! To make things easy and breezy, your Indonesian or Filipino right-hand woman is from the list of visa-exempt countries. And more good news: you can now apply online for visas for the rest of the family. Job done.
Other considerations before getting a visa for your helper
So, now you’re armed with all the info you need for your helper to tag along on holidays. It’s also a good idea to mull over the wider implications involved. First of all, ask her if she wants to come abroad. She may be reluctant to leave her familiar world and support network in Singapore but not know how to broach the issue with you.
Next, think about where she will sleep. It may be as easy as booking an extra adjoining room in your hotel. If you’re heading home, steel yourself for a cringe-worthy conversation with your parents about where she’ll bed down in their house. Also, be prepared for a bit of backlash from relatives and friends. Having a helper is incredible, but it’s not part of the Western psyche, with some thinking it’s tantamount to slavery on one end of the scale and you showing off on the other. Food for thought…
Last, if your helper can’t come with you, don’t fret! It’s totally possible to fly solo with kids, and if he wants to have a good holiday, the husband better pitch in, too!
Happy travelling!
