Singapore Exhibition 2026: Foreign Exhibitor Guide

Singapore has firmly established itself as Asia-Pacific's undisputed MICE capital, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for international exhibitors. The Singapore tourism sector generated a record S$23.9 billion in receipts in 2025, with the MICE sector emerging as the primary growth driver. International visitor arrivals are projected to reach 17–18 million in 2026, bringing an estimated S$31–32.5 billion in total tourism receipts — figures that reinforce why Singapore remains the #1 gateway for businesses seeking to enter the Asia-Pacific market.

Whether you're flying in from Germany, the UK, the United States, Australia, or Japan, this guide covers everything you need to know: visa-free entry rules, ATA Carnet customs procedures, booth rental costs by venue, local display sourcing strategies, and a pre-event checklist designed specifically for international companies exhibiting in Singapore for the first time.

Why Foreign Exhibitors Choose Singapore in 2026

The Business Case: Numbers That Matter

Singapore ranked 2nd globally on ICCA's Worldwide City Rankings for hosting the highest number of in-person meetings, cementing its status as "The World's Best MICE City." The Singapore MICE market is projected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2024 to USD 6.73 billion by 2033, reflecting a robust CAGR of 8.53%.

In 2025–2026 alone, Singapore has 821 scheduled trade fairs drawing 16.5 million international visitors across its major venues. For foreign companies, that translates into 821 opportunities to meet qualified buyers with genuine purchasing power — and research consistently shows that 81% of trade show attendees hold decision-making authority in their organisations.

Strategic Advantages for International Companies

• Visa-free access for most Western nations — Citizens of EU member states, UK, US, Australia, Canada, and Japan enjoy 30–90 days visa-free entry into Singapore (detailed country breakdown below)

• Direct flights to 400+ cities — Changi Airport, the world's best-rated airport, offers seamless connections from Europe (13–14 hours), North America (18–19 hours), and across Asia (2–7 hours)

• English as the official working language — Unlike most Asian exhibition hubs, all signage, contracts, customs documents, and business communication in Singapore is conducted in English, eliminating language barriers entirely

• Transparent customs and regulatory framework — Singapore Customs operates one of Asia's most efficient clearance processes, with ATA Carnet goods processed directly at checkpoints upon arrival

• STB Government support — The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) actively funds and promotes quality international events through programs like Business Events Inspired (BEiS)

Top Singapore Exhibitions in 2026: Where Foreign Exhibitors Are Heading

Singapore's calendar includes over 60 major exhibitions annually across high-growth industries. These are the key events attracting the most international participation in 2026:

Planning your booth display for any of these events? Read our Exhibition Singapore 2026: Complete Guide + Display Setup for a full breakdown of what you need for each venue type.

Visa Requirements: Country-by-Country Guide for Foreign Exhibitors

Visa-Free Entry for Most Western Nations

The vast majority of foreign exhibitors from Europe, North America, and Oceania do not require a visa to enter Singapore for business exhibitions. Upon arrival, these visitors receive a Social Visit Pass at ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) immigration counters, which covers short-term business activities including attending and participating in trade shows. No additional work permit is required for exhibition participation.

Countries That Require a Singapore Visa

Nationals from certain countries — including India, China, the Philippines, and others — must apply for a visa in advance through Singapore's official e-VISA portal. Required documents include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival, with at least one blank visa page

• Form 14A: Completed and signed application form

• Two recent passport-sized coloured photographs

• Visa Invitation Letter — Request this directly from the exhibition organiser upon registration confirmation; this is a standard document that organisers provide as part of the exhibitor package

• Form V39A (Letter of Introduction) — May be required on a case-by-case basis, particularly for first-time visitors

• Company registration documents and business profile

• Confirmed return travel itinerary

Processing time: 3–5 working days | Visa fee: SGD 30

Important: Holding a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore. Final admission is entirely at the discretion of ICA officers at the port of entry. Always travel with your official exhibition invitation letter, company registration document, and hotel booking confirmation.

96-Hour Visa-Free Transit Facility

PRC and Indian nationals transiting through Singapore may qualify for the 96-Hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) if they hold valid visas or long-term passes issued by Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. This facility does not permit participation as an exhibitor. Details are available at the ICA VFTF page.

ATA Carnet: The Foreign Exhibitor's Most Important Customs Tool

The ATA Carnet is the most-searched topic by European and American exhibitors before arriving in Singapore — and for good reason. Getting this process right can save your company thousands of dollars and prevent significant customs delays.

What Is an ATA Carnet?

An ATA Carnet (Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission) is an international customs document that allows foreign exhibitors to temporarily import exhibition goods into Singapore completely duty-free — without paying GST or filing import permits — provided the goods are re-exported within the permitted period.

According to Singapore Customs' official ATA Carnet guidelines, the Carnet covers goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, and similar events. Excluded items: Intoxicating liquors and tobacco products cannot be covered under an ATA Carnet in Singapore.

For goods falling under controlled categories (medical devices, electronics, food samples), Carnet holders must seek assessment from the relevant Competent Authority before shipping to Singapore.

Step-by-Step ATA Carnet Process

Before Leaving Your Home Country:

1. Apply for your ATA Carnet from your national Chamber of Commerce or authorised issuing body (e.g., the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK; the DIHK for German companies; ICC France for French exhibitors)

2. List all items comprehensively — including value, weight, serial numbers, and descriptions — as Singapore Customs applies strict verification during both import and re-export

3. For controlled goods, complete the Competent Authority pre-assessment before your departure date

Upon Arrival in Singapore:

1. Present the ATA Carnet together with the physical goods to the checkpoint officer at Changi Airport or the relevant entry point — both documents and goods must be presented simultaneously for endorsement

2. Goods are permitted entry for up to 6 months from the date of importation, provided this period falls within the Carnet's overall validity date

Upon Departure (Re-Export):

1. Present the Carnet together with all goods at the exit checkpoint for verification and re-endorsement

2. Any item unaccounted for at re-export will result in GST being recovered from the Carnet holder — maintain an accurate inventory throughout the entire exhibition period

For additional clarification on ATA Carnet procedures in Singapore, the US International Trade Administration's Singapore Temporary Entry Guide provides a clear English-language walkthrough written specifically for international exhibitors.

ATA Carnet vs. Local Sourcing: The Real Cost Comparison

This is where many first-time European and American exhibitors make their most expensive mistake — assuming it's cheaper to ship display materials from home. Here's the actual breakdown:

The smarter approach: Experienced international exhibitors now arrive at Changi carrying only their product samples under ATA Carnet, while ordering their pull-up banners, pop-up display walls, and backdrop stands directly from a Singapore-based supplier like Pullupstand.com. This approach can save €1,500–7,000 per exhibition trip in freight costs alone, while ensuring display materials arrive fresh, undamaged, and ready to set up.

Read our detailed analysis in the APM 2026 Singapore: European Exhibitor Setup Guide, which provides a full cost breakdown of shipping vs. local ordering for maritime exhibitors from Europe.

Singapore Exhibition Venues: Complete Guide for Foreign Exhibitors

Choosing the right venue — or knowing which venue your event is hosted at — is essential for booth planning, accommodation, and logistics.

Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre

The largest indoor exhibition facility in Southeast Asia, with 123,000 sqm across 10 fully column-free halls. Recently completed a SGD 70 million renovation that added 5G network infrastructure, hybrid broadcast studios, and upgraded loading bays. Located at Changi, directly connected to Expo MRT station with a 5-minute drive from Changi Airport — the most logistics-friendly venue for international shipments.

Visit the Singapore Expo official website for current event schedules and exhibitor technical manuals.

• Ceiling height: Up to 10+ meters — accommodates large machinery, vehicles, double-decker stands, and tall pop-up display systems

• Best for: Industrial exhibitions, consumer expos, IT shows, FHA, Fintech Festival

• Shell scheme rental: SGD 400–600/sqm | Space-only: SGD 300–500/sqm

Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre

The premium choice for luxury brands and high-value B2B events, offering 120,000+ sqm across 250 flexible event spaces. Features Southeast Asia's largest ballroom and a cutting-edge 360-degree LED broadcast studio. Because the venue is fully integrated with the luxury hotel, casino, and The Shoppes retail mall, attendees typically remain within the complex — maximising your booth exposure throughout the event.

Visit the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre website for hall specifications and exhibitor services.

• Best for: Premium brand launches, international conferences, luxury and finance sector events

• Shell scheme rental: SGD 500–800/sqm | Space-only: SGD 400–650/sqm

Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre

The CBD choice — 42,000 sqm across 6 flexible halls, with direct MRT access at Esplanade and City Hall stations. Features a Guinness World Record video wall (15m × 60m) and the HybriDome hybrid event facility built for live-streaming global audiences. Directly integrated with Suntec City Mall and surrounded by dozens of business hotels — ideal for multi-day international events with corporate attendees.

Visit Suntec Singapore's official site for floor plans and booking enquiries.

• Best for: B2B conferences, regional industry exhibitions, ITB Asia, HR Tech

• Shell scheme rental: SGD 450–650/sqm | Space-only: SGD 350–550/sqm

Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC)

The only major Singapore venue with substantial outdoor exhibition capability — 40,000 sqm indoors plus 100,000 sqm outdoors. Home to Singapore Airshow and large-scale consumer events. Its proximity to Changi Airport makes it ideal for exhibitors with heavy or oversized shipments requiring direct freight-to-venue delivery.

• Best for: Airshows, automotive displays, outdoor product launches

• Daily rental: SGD 20,000–70,000

For a full venue-by-venue display strategy, see our Exhibition Display Solutions Singapore 2026 guide covering exactly which display types perform best at each Singapore venue.

Booth Costs: Full Budget Breakdown for Foreign Exhibitors

First-time foreign exhibitors consistently underestimate total exhibition costs by 25–45%. This is because booth rental typically represents only 20–30% of total spend — the remaining costs are often overlooked during initial budget planning.

Total Investment Breakdown by Booth Size

Cost-Saving Strategies for Foreign Exhibitors

1. Register 6–12 months early — Super Early Bird discounts commonly reach 10–15% off standard booth pricing for major events like FHA and Singapore FinTech Festival

2. Choose corner or peninsula booth positions — These generate 10–30% more foot traffic at only a marginal price premium compared to inline booths, delivering significantly better ROI per sqm

3. Order display materials locally in Singapore — Eliminates SGD 3,000–15,000 in international freight costs. Order pull-up banners and pop-up displays from Pullupstand.com with 24–48 hour turnaround

4. Share large booth spaces — Co-exhibiting with a Singapore-based distributor or business partner dramatically reduces costs while increasing local market credibility

5. Book hotel early via STB-endorsed partners — Hotels within 500m of exhibition venues (e.g., hotels near Suntec, MBS integrated hotel, Village Hotel Changi) fill up months in advance for major events

Display Strategies That Actually Work for Foreign Exhibitors

The 3-Layer Display System

Professional foreign exhibitors who consistently generate strong leads at Singapore exhibitions follow a proven 3-layer visual strategy:

Layer 1 — Brand Identity (Background Wall)
A large pop-up display backdrop (2.4m × 3m or wider) forms the centrepiece of the booth. This communicates brand identity, product category, and key messaging to passersby from a distance of 5–10 metres. See our Pop Up Display System Singapore Guide for the full range of system options and pricing.

Layer 2 — Product Messaging (Pull-Up Banners)
Two to four pull-up banner stands positioned at booth entrance corners create visual "doorways" that increase visitor entry rates by up to 25%. Each banner targets a specific product line, USP, or call-to-action. Read the Exhibition Display Setup Guide: Brochure Holders to Banner Stands for strategic positioning advice.

Layer 3 — Literature & Takeaways (Brochure Holders + Counter)
A branded counter display combined with acrylic brochure holders increases printed material pickup rates by 35% compared to unorganised stacks on a table. This ensures your brand message continues working after visitors leave the booth floor.

Choosing the Right Banner Stand for Singapore's Climate

Singapore's exhibition halls are heavily air-conditioned (often 16–20°C), which can affect certain display systems differently than European or North American conditions. Retractable cassette-based pull-up stands perform best in these environments, maintaining consistent tension without warping.

Explore our Best Pop-Up Banners for Exhibition Booths guide and the Complete Pop-Up Banner Display Size Guide to match the right display size to your booth dimensions.

For the full design walkthrough covering graphics, typography, and visual hierarchy for exhibition displays, read our Exhibition Design Guide: Pull-Up Banners & Pop-Up Stands Singapore.

Roll-Up vs. Retractable: Which Should Foreign Exhibitors Choose?

If you're ordering locally in Singapore and need to carry the stands back to your home country after the event, our Roll-Up Banners: Portable Trade Show Display Solutions guide covers the lightest and most airline-friendly stand options designed for international travellers.

Pre-Exhibition Checklist for Foreign Exhibitors

Use this master checklist to ensure nothing falls through the gaps:

3–6 Months Before the Event

•  Register as an official exhibitor and confirm your booth position and size

•  Request your Visa Invitation Letter from the event organiser (if your nationality requires a Singapore visa)

•  Apply for ATA Carnet from your national Chamber of Commerce (if shipping product samples)

•  Book your hotel — rooms near Singapore Expo, Suntec, and MBS fill up fast for major events

•  Contact Pullupstand.com to begin designing your display materials — allow 2–3 weeks for design approval, printing, and delivery to your hotel or venue

1–3 Months Before the Event

•  Apply for Singapore visa via ICA's official portal (if required)

•  Finalise ATA Carnet documentation — complete item list with values, weights, and serial numbers

•  Confirm exhibition booth logistics: electrical requirements, rigging limits, access times, build crew contacts

•  Finalise display design files with your Singapore printing partner and approve print proofs

•  Register for the Singapore Tourism Board's Business Events directory for potential co-marketing exposure

2–4 Weeks Before the Event

•  Confirm your display materials delivery schedule with Pullupstand.com (hotel delivery or direct to venue)

•  Prepare printed collateral: brochures, name cards, product catalogues — all printable locally in Singapore for fast turnaround

•  Organise your ATA Carnet goods and create a physical inventory matching the Carnet documentation exactly

•  Confirm flight and travel insurance, including cover for exhibition goods

Day of Arrival in Singapore

•  Present ATA Carnet simultaneously with goods at Changi Customs checkpoint

•  Collect display materials from hotel concierge or confirmed venue delivery point

•  Proceed to venue during allocated move-in window (typically 2–3 days before event opening)

Why Foreign Exhibitors Source Their Displays Locally at Pullupstand.com

Since 2007, Pullupstand.com — Singapore's "Banner People" — has served over 10,000 clients across every industry, including hundreds of international companies exhibiting in Singapore for the first time. Our core advantage for foreign exhibitors is simple: speed, cost, and quality with no freight risk.

• Pull-up banner stands from SGD 95 — Budget-friendly Professional Series through to premium Deluxe Series at SGD 180+ with patented curved base technology

• Pop-up backdrop display systems from SGD 500–1,500 — Complete brand environments delivered to your hotel or directly to the exhibition hall

• Complete exhibition packages from SGD 1,500–5,000 — Pull-up banners, pop-up display, brochure holders, and counter unit as a single order

• 24–48 hour production and delivery — Order on Monday, collect at your hotel on Wednesday before setup day

• No freight, no customs, no risk — Materials are ready in Singapore, for Singapore conditions

For a complete overview of what's available for your upcoming event, visit our Exhibition Display Solutions Singapore 2026 page, or see how other foreign companies have set up successfully in our Singapore Exhibition Guide: Foreign Exhibitor Success Stories.

You can also study industry-specific setup guides, including the China Exhibitor Singapore Guide 2026 and the APM 2026 Maritime Exhibitor Checklist, to see how other international companies have structured their Singapore exhibition presence.

Official Resources & Government Links for Foreign Exhibitors

Ready to exhibit in Singapore 2026? Contact the Pullupstand.com team for a free display consultation and quote. We deliver to all major Singapore exhibition venues within 24–48 hours.