Summary update
It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places (eg beyond the premises of bars and restaurants) from 10.30pm to 7am and all day at weekends in certain areas. Offenders will be fined. See Local laws and customs
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment, corporal punishment or the death penalty.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. See Terrorism
The offence of ‘outrage of modesty’ (molestation) can result in a fine, jail or corporal punishment. Scams involving false claims of molest are thought to exist. See Local laws and customs
There is a risk from Dengue fever. See Health
Around 450,000 British tourists visit Singapore every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Travel Summary
- There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu, Influenza A (H1N1), in Singapore with confirmed human to human transmission. If you are suspected of having Swine Flu you may be instructed by health authorities to quarantine yourself within your accommodation and not to travel for a set number of days.
- If you develop flu like symptoms you are advised to visit your nearest 'pandemic preparedness clinic' (see map: http://www.street-directory.com/hpb.ppc/) and if possible wear a surgical mask and avoid public transport on the way there. If you are very ill (e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe vomiting) call 995 for an ambulance. Everyone should observe good hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands.
- You can check for updates on Swine Flu on the Singapore government's flu alert webpages: www.crisis.gov.sg/FLU . You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page . Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk .
- You should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty.
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- Around 500,000 British tourists visit Singapore every year (Source: Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority). Most visits to Singapore are trouble-free.
- There is a risk from Dengue fever in Singapore. You should take normal precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. See the Health section of this travel advice for more details.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
The Singaporean Government has put in place extensive measures to combat terrorism and has arrested a number of terrorist suspects.
For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Violent crime is rare. You should be aware of the dangers of street crime, particularly bag‑snatching.
You should:
- take particular care of your passport;
- leave tickets and unneeded cash/travellers cheques in the hotel safe or at (hosts') home;
- when going out, avoid carrying valuables with you, and be aware of your surroundings;
- not leave possessions in unattended vehicles.
Police permission is required for certain kinds of public gatherings in Singapore. You should therefore avoid street gatherings and public demonstrations, which might place you at risk.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Singapore Country Profile
Local Travel
Road Travel
Road conditions in Singapore are generally good. If you are involved in an accident, you should not leave the scene until the police have attended.
A foreign driving licence can be used in Singapore for as long as it is valid. But if you are staying in Singapore for longer than one year you should get a Singaporean driving licence or an annually-renewable International Driving Permit. These are more readily recognised by the Singaporean authorities.
Political Situation
Singapore Country Profile
Local Travel
Road Travel
Road conditions in Singapore are generally good. If you are involved in an accident, you should not leave the scene until the police have attended.
A foreign driving licence can be used in Singapore for as long as it is valid. But if you are staying in Singapore for longer than one year you should get a Singaporean driving licence or an annually-renewable International Driving Permit. These are more readily recognised by the Singaporean authorities.
For further information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
The restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in aircraft cabins, implemented across the EU in 2006, also applies in Singapore and is rigorously enforced. For more general information see Airline Security.
Sea Travel
There have been attacks against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Straits. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
The restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in aircraft cabins, implemented across the EU in 2006, also applies in Singapore and is rigorously enforced. For more general information see Airline Security.
Sea Travel
There have been attacks against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Straits. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions; reduce opportunities for theft; establish secure areas onboard; and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety
Local laws and customs
The mandatory death penalty exists in Singapore for certain capital offences, including murder and drug trafficking. There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Singapore. Trafficking is defined by possession of drugs above a certain amount (eg 500g in the case of cannabis).
Penalties for visa overstayers include fines, imprisonment and corporal punishment (the rattan cane) depending on the length of overstay. A wide range of lesser offences such as "outrage of modesty" (inappropriate behaviour by men towards women) carries corporal punishment (the rattan cane).
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Singapore, and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Sentences for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol can include a fine or imprisonment. The Singaporean authorities will prosecute cases of air rage within their jurisdiction.
On-the-spot fines are common. You will be fined for smoking in any public place or indoor restaurant, for chewing gum on the Mass Rapid Transit (MTR) system or littering.
You should be aware that thorough checks are being conducted on departing travellers' vehicles at checkpoints in Singapore. This includes the scanning of fingerprints.
Penalties for visa overstayers include fines, imprisonment and corporal punishment (the rattan cane) depending on the length of overstay. A wide range of lesser offences such as "outrage of modesty" (inappropriate behaviour by men towards women) carries corporal punishment (the rattan cane).
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Singapore, and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Sentences for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol can include a fine or imprisonment. The Singaporean authorities will prosecute cases of air rage within their jurisdiction.
On-the-spot fines are common. You will be fined for smoking in any public place or indoor restaurant, for chewing gum on the Mass Rapid Transit (MTR) system or littering.
You should be aware that thorough checks are being conducted on departing travellers' vehicles at checkpoints in Singapore. This includes the scanning of fingerprints.
Dual nationals and Permanent Residents
Singapore does not recognise dual nationality beyond the age of 21. If you are male and a citizen of Singapore or you hold Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) status you are liable for national service from the age of 16 up to 50. Male children granted Permanent Resident status as part of their parents’ SPR applications are also liable for national service. For further information see the following websites for Singapore - Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
Singapore does not recognise dual nationality beyond the age of 21. If you are male and a citizen of Singapore or you hold Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) status you are liable for national service from the age of 16 up to 50. Male children granted Permanent Resident status as part of their parents’ SPR applications are also liable for national service. For further information see the following websites for Singapore - Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
You do not normally need visas to enter Singapore for up to 30 days stay for tourism, business discussions or social visits. However, women who are 6 or more months pregnant must obtain permission to enter before travelling. Prior entry clearance is also required to give birth in Singapore. Applications can be made at the nearest Singapore visa issuing office. For further information contact the High Commission for the Republic of Singapore in London.
Passport validity
Singaporean immigration authorities require that you have at least six months' validity on your passport beyond your departure date from Singapore. Likewise, if you are intending to transit Singapore to neighbouring countries, you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months. You may be refused entry or be turned away by airlines if your passport does not meet this requirement. Check departure tax is included in the cost of your airfare.
Customs Regulations
You should be careful to comply with Singaporean customs regulations. Importation of controlled drugs and pirated copyright material is prohibited and there are restrictions on entering with items such as replica guns, radio communications equipment, and weapons and ammunition (including empty cartridge cases). For more information we recommend that you visit the travellers section of Singapore Customs government website before arrival.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. They may want to see birth certificates, a letter of consent from the other parent or some evidence as to your responsibility for the child. For further information contact the High Commission for the Republic of Singapore in London.
Health
There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu, Influenza A (H1N1), in Singapore with confirmed human to human transmission. If you are suspected of having Swine Flu you may be instructed by the health authorities to quarantine yourself within your accommodation and not to travel for a set number of days.
If you develop flu like symptoms you are advised to visit your nearest 'pandemic preparedness clinic' (see map: http://www.street-directory.com/hpb.ppc/) and if possible wear a surgical mask and avoid public transport on the way there. If you are very ill (e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe vomiting) call 995 for an ambulance. Everyone should observe good hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands.
You can check for updates on Swine Flu on the Singapore government's flu alert webpages: www.crisis.gov.sg/FLU. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
You may be placed in quarantine for up to seven days if you arrive in Singapore on a flight on which a fellow passenger is subsequently found to have Swine Flu. The Singaporean government advises travellers arriving from areas with community transmission of Swine Flu to monitor their health and call 993 for an ambulance should they develop flu symptoms with a fever (a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more).
As a preventative measure against Swine Flu the temperature of all people entering Singapore at the airports, at the two bridge crossings from Malaysia and at the ferry terminals are being checked with non-obtrusive body scanners (this is not applied to those who are only transiting in the airport). Those with high temperatures are being sent for further medical examinations.
Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality and expensive. Local hygiene standards are high. You should take enough medication to cover your stay and carry it in your hand baggage. Not all UK prescribed drugs are available in Singapore. Some over-the-counter medications (eg Ibuprofen) need a prescription.
For entry into Singapore a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers (over one year of age) who, within the preceding six days, have been in or have passed through any country where yellow fever is endemic (most tropical African and South American countries - please see http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=95&secid=94 for details).
Singapore periodically suffers from smoke haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia.
Dengue occurs in Singapore. Clusters of chikungunya cases have also been reported in 2008. Chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. For up to date information on the local dengue hotspots please see the website of Singapore’s National Environment Agency at: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=239
During 2008, an increase in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) were reported compared to 2007. The World Health Organisation has advised that there is no cause for alarm and that you should take normal precautions and be vigilant about washing hands.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 4,100 adults aged 15 or over in Singapore were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Singapore and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see the Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of Avian Flu in Southeast Asia but none have been reported in Singapore.
If you develop flu like symptoms you are advised to visit your nearest 'pandemic preparedness clinic' (see map: http://www.street-directory.com/hpb.ppc/) and if possible wear a surgical mask and avoid public transport on the way there. If you are very ill (e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe vomiting) call 995 for an ambulance. Everyone should observe good hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands.
You can check for updates on Swine Flu on the Singapore government's flu alert webpages: www.crisis.gov.sg/FLU. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
You may be placed in quarantine for up to seven days if you arrive in Singapore on a flight on which a fellow passenger is subsequently found to have Swine Flu. The Singaporean government advises travellers arriving from areas with community transmission of Swine Flu to monitor their health and call 993 for an ambulance should they develop flu symptoms with a fever (a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more).
As a preventative measure against Swine Flu the temperature of all people entering Singapore at the airports, at the two bridge crossings from Malaysia and at the ferry terminals are being checked with non-obtrusive body scanners (this is not applied to those who are only transiting in the airport). Those with high temperatures are being sent for further medical examinations.
Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality and expensive. Local hygiene standards are high. You should take enough medication to cover your stay and carry it in your hand baggage. Not all UK prescribed drugs are available in Singapore. Some over-the-counter medications (eg Ibuprofen) need a prescription.
For entry into Singapore a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers (over one year of age) who, within the preceding six days, have been in or have passed through any country where yellow fever is endemic (most tropical African and South American countries - please see http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=95&secid=94 for details).
Singapore periodically suffers from smoke haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia.
Dengue occurs in Singapore. Clusters of chikungunya cases have also been reported in 2008. Chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. For up to date information on the local dengue hotspots please see the website of Singapore’s National Environment Agency at: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=239
During 2008, an increase in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) were reported compared to 2007. The World Health Organisation has advised that there is no cause for alarm and that you should take normal precautions and be vigilant about washing hands.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 4,100 adults aged 15 or over in Singapore were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Singapore and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see the Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of Avian Flu in Southeast Asia but none have been reported in Singapore.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Money
The local currency is the Singapore Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and department stores. Credit card fraud is not a major problem in Singapore, but check your statements carefully. Keep your credit card company’s telephone number to hand: your card may be stopped if they think it has been stolen or cloned.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found on the here.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.
Money
The local currency is the Singapore Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and department stores. Credit card fraud is not a major problem in Singapore, but check your statements carefully. Keep your credit card company’s telephone number to hand: your card may be stopped if they think it has been stolen or cloned.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found on the here.
