Hey all, partner is applying for a tourist entry visa (Chinese national) for an upcoming trip with a ~110hr stopover in Singapore (MLE-SIN-SFO). In the worst case that the visa is denied or isn't issued in time, we were considering trying to use the 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) by having her wait to enter customs until the T96 from departure.

From what I've read, this strategy won't be an issue with the border agent - but convincing SQ to allow her to board without a valid visa might be. Does anyone have experience with this or is the only option to have a connecting onward flight as evidence of transit that could be cancelled? Although a RT flight ex-SIN might be a good backup if the VFTF is denied, regardless...