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Foreign Travel Advice Singapore

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Foreign Travel Advice Singapore

Contents

  1. Warnings and insurance
  2. Entry requirements
  3. Safety and security
  4. Health

Foreign Travel Advice Singapore

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers guidance on travel risks to assist British nationals in making informed decisions. Explore further details about FCDO travel advice.

ENTER YOUR DESTINATION FOR YOUR CUSTOM TRAVEL BRIEF


 

Before embarking on your Singapore journey: Remember, no travel can be guaranteed as entirely safe. It’s essential to thoroughly review all the advice provided in this guide, along with the support available for British nationals abroad, which encompasses:

  • Recommendations on preparing for travel abroad and minimizing risks
  • Information tailored for women, LGBT+ individuals, and disabled travelers

Stay connected with FCDO travel updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also opt to receive email notifications for updates to this guidance.

Regarding travel insurance: If you decide to proceed with your travel plans, conduct thorough research on your destinations and obtain suitable travel insurance. Your insurance coverage should encompass your entire itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses.

/foreign-travel-advice/singapore
06ffd544-1097-41b1-90b6-b9a74f78669e
FCDO travel advice for Singapore. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
Latest update: Health Section – revised guidance on sources of health information before travel
2018-12-06T12:17:50.513Z
Latest update: This advice has been reviewed in full; Local laws and customs section (E-cigarettes and smoking) - The minimum age for the purchase, use, possession, sale and supply of all tobacco products in Singapore is 19 years old; this will be raised to 20 years old in 2020; failure to comply carries fines
2019-05-08T13:22:27.289Z
This advice has been reviewed in full with updated information to Safety and security (Road travel) and Entry requirements (Visas) sections
2019-12-06T13:28:10.000Z
Local laws and customs (E-cigarettes and smoking) - factual update on the minimum age for the purchase, use, possession, sale and supply of all tobacco products in Singapore
2020-01-03T12:33:09.000Z
Health section and Summary - updated information and advice following an outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region
2020-01-22T16:13:16.000Z
Health section and summary - updated information and advice on the coronavirus outbreak and information on extended measures introduced by the Singapore Government
2020-01-31T18:05:37.000Z
Health section (Coronavirus) - addition of link to advice from the Department of Health and Social Care if returning to the UK from Singapore
2020-02-06T18:13:58.000Z
Addition of information on travel restrictions on visitors with a travel history to South Korea’s Cheongdo county and Daegu city in the last 14 days ('Health' page)
2020-02-26T12:17:02.000Z
Update to information about coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-03T15:54:02.000Z
Update to information about coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-14T16:57:24.000Z
Health - As of 16 March 23:59 local time, all travellers entering Singapore with a recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland and the UK will be issued with a 14-day stay at home order. They will also be required to provide proof of where they will serve the order, for example a hotel or private residence. They might also be swabbed on arrival to test for the virus.
2020-03-15T11:11:18.000Z
Update to information on travel restrictions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-16T14:36:21.000Z
Update to information on travel restrictions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-19T05:36:26.000Z
Update to transit restrictions via Singapore ('Health' pages)
2020-03-19T16:51:40.000Z
Update to transit restrictions via Singapore ('Health' pages)
2020-03-20T08:44:02.000Z
Update to information on travel restrictions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) ('Health' page)
2020-03-20T14:35:56.000Z
From 23 March at 23:59 local time, no short-term visitors from anywhere in the world will be able to enter or transit through Singapore. In addition, the Singaporean Ministry of Manpower will only allow work pass holders and/or their dependents to enter/return to Singapore if they work in essential services. Permanent Residents will be permitted to return to Singapore but will be issued with a 14-day Stay at Home Notice.
2020-03-22T13:27:15.000Z
From 23 March at 23:59 local time, no short-term visitors from anywhere in the world will be able to enter or transit through Singapore. In addition, the Singaporean Ministry of Manpower will only allow work pass holders and/or their dependents to enter/return to Singapore if they work in essential services. Permanent Residents will be permitted to return to Singapore but will be issued with a 14-day Stay at Home Notice.
2020-03-25T12:10:29.000Z
Update to information on social distancing measures and updated advice for people wishing to leave Singapore. ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-03-27T13:57:35.000Z
Latest update: From 29 March, 23:59 local time, all long-term pass holders (those who hold long-term visit passes or student passes, or in-principle approval for a long-term pass) need approval before entering or returning to Singapore. Information regarding British Airways London-Sydney flight.
2020-03-29T15:00:14.000Z
Update to information on scheduled flights and transit in Singapore. ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-03-30T12:07:13.000Z
Addition of information on social distancing measures taken in response to coronavirus. Update to information on availability of commercial flight options to the UK from Singapore. ('Coronavirus' page and 'Return to the UK')
2020-04-03T11:01:23.000Z
Updated information on local restrictions and from 9 April arrivals from anywhere in the world entering Singapore will be required to serve a 14 day period isolated in a hotel room or similar accommodation provided by the Singapore government. ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-04-08T13:32:20.000Z
Update on travel restrictions ('Coronavirus' 'Return to the UK' pages)
2020-04-09T12:08:22.000Z
Measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus page)
2020-04-12T10:57:22.000Z
Updated advice regarding the compulsory wearing of facemasks ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-04-15T07:51:30.000Z
Update of information Lockdown extended until 1 June to combat the spread of Covid-19 ('Coronavirus' page)
2020-04-22T09:27:21.000Z
Addition of information and advice on financial support (‘Staying during coronavirus’ page)
2020-05-20T12:16:13.000Z
Updated information on Changi Airport allowing transit to passengers from 2 June ('Return to the UK' and 'Entry requirement' pages) and the wearing of facemasks and lifting of some restrictions ('Staying during coronavirus' page)
2020-06-01T16:13:20.000Z
New information on rules for entering the UK from 8 June. ('Return to the UK' page)
2020-06-08T12:48:35.000Z
Updated information on flights to the UK, moving around in Singapore and restrictions in response to coronavirus. ('Return to the UK', 'Staying during coronavirus', 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-06-19T03:02:14.000Z
Updated list of countries for self-isolation requirements ('Entry requirement' page)
2020-06-25T08:43:54.000Z
Editorial review to remove ‘Return to the UK’ section and improve ‘Coronavirus’ section
2020-07-02T15:21:08.000Z
Updated information about entering Singapore ('Summary' and 'Entry requirement' pages)
2020-07-03T12:01:02.000Z
From 4 July, Singapore is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
2020-07-03T14:14:31.000Z
Addition of information on self-isolation rules if you transit Singapore to travel to the UK ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-07-09T14:02:07.000Z
Update to information on quarantine requirements ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-07-17T14:16:00.000Z
Updated information on entry requirements, the requirement to wear an electronic tag if you are quarantining at home and information about schemes for essential business travellers ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-08-06T13:25:54.000Z
Update to information on self-isolation requirements if you're returning to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales from Singapore. ('Summary')
2020-08-28T11:26:04.000Z
Update to information on Stay at Home Notices for people arriving in Singapore ('Entry requirements').
2020-09-01T12:26:29.000Z
From 4am on 17 September, Singapore will be added to the list of countries where self-isolation on return to the UK is not required.
2020-09-17T16:11:02.000Z
From 4am on 19 September, Singapore will be added to the list of countries where self-isolation on return to the UK is not required.
2020-09-17T16:26:23.000Z
Addition of information on the requirement from 17 November for travellers to Singapore to obtain a COVID-19 test before arrival ('Entry requirements' page)
2020-11-11T15:25:06.000Z
New information on COVID-19 restrictions for public places and services and additional healthcare information; where to go for COVID-19 PCR test, list of healthcare institutions and how to access medication in Singapore ('Coronavirus' and 'Health' page). Updated information on entry requirements; information on Singapore Ministry of Manpower, travellers that are a spouse, partner, child, relative or contact of a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident must submit a application for entry and for all travellers, once you have permission to enter, you must submit a online health declaration ('Entry requirements ' page)
2020-12-07T12:16:04.000Z
The Singapore government announced that from 23:59 Singapore time on 23 December, all travellers who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days before travel will not be permitted to enter or transit Singapore. Update to local restrictions ('Summary' and 'Coronavirus' pages)
2020-12-22T10:35:21.000Z
Update to information on Singapore government announcement that from 23:59 Singapore time on 23 December, travellers who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days before travel, including for transit, will not be permitted to enter or transit Singapore
2020-12-23T10:47:14.000Z
Update to information on Singapore government announcement that from 23:59 Singapore time on 23 December, travellers who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days before travel, including for transit, will not be permitted to enter or transit Singapore ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2020-12-23T10:49:36.000Z
Update to information on the minimum age for the purchase, use, possession, sale and supply of all tobacco products in Singapore, which is 21 years old ('Local laws and customs' page).
2021-01-12T11:13:26.000Z
Addition of information and advice on pre-departure COVID-19 testing facilities in Singapore (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-01-13T14:17:24.000Z
If you are arriving in the UK from Singapore on or after 4am on 18 January you will need to self-isolate on your arrival, unless you have a valid exemption (‘Summary’ page)
2021-01-16T00:57:05.000Z
Updated information on entry requirements to Singapore; Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to undertake an 14 days in quarantine at a government facility on arrival, followed by 7 days quarantine at their place of residence and short term visitors are required from 31 January 2021 to have medical insurance of at least S$30,000 ('Summary' and Entry requirements' pages)(
2021-01-18T10:08:49.000Z
Editorial amendments to information on coronavirus measures and possible penalties ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-02-16T08:51:56.000Z
New information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you live in Singapore (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-02-16T09:42:14.000Z
New information on notarising your pre-departure COVID-19 test in Singapore ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-03-10T16:37:38.000Z
Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Singapore ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-03-22T16:34:43.000Z
Update to information to reflect the lifting of the ban on travellers from the UK. Some restrictions remain. ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-04-21T13:21:54.000Z
Update to restrictions in public spaces and services. ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-05-07T14:53:32.000Z
Updated information on entry requirements for entry to Singapore; all visitors must be granted permission to enter Singapore by the Singapore government and if granted permission to enter, you will be issued Stay at Home Notice (SHN) for at least 21 days ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-05-11T09:17:06.000Z
Updated information on restrictions in public spaces ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-05-18T07:19:14.000Z
Removal of information on negative PCR test requirements for all travellers expect from Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents when entering Singapore from the UK ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-06-01T12:36:27.000Z
Update to information on travel insurance requirements ('Entry requirements' page). Update to information on groupings between households ('Coronavirus' page).
2021-06-14T15:24:05.000Z
Update to information on COVID-19 restrictions on public spaces and services ('Coronavirus' page). Addition of information on new requirements for travellers who have been in the UK or another ‘high risk’ country up to 21 days prior to entry ('Entry requirements' page).
2021-06-24T13:17:25.000Z
Information about COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Singapore (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-07-13T12:02:54.000Z
Updated information on Singapore's COVID-19 measures; dining out, indoor gyms, outdoor exercise and work restrictions ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-07-19T16:10:55.000Z
Addition of information on the return to stricter COVID-19 restrictions in Singapore from 22 July ('Coronavirus' page)
2021-07-21T15:18:55.000Z
Addition of information on Covid-19 restrictions in Singapore and entry from 10th August 2021 ('Coronavirus' Page and 'Entry Requirements' page).
2021-08-10T14:47:08.000Z
Addition of information on Covid-19 restrictions in Singapore, vaccinations and entry from 10th August 2021 ('Coronavirus' Page and 'Entry Requirements' page).
2021-08-12T10:30:19.000Z
Update to information on local restrictions and the vaccination programme. Addition of information on new entry and COVID-19 testing requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2021-09-08T15:42:07.000Z
Update to information on quarantine requirements and COVID-19 restrictions ('Coronavirus' page). New information on entry rules for foreign crew for ships and small vessels/pleasure crafts ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-09-28T09:19:45.000Z
Update to information on entry permission guidelines and quarantine requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2021-10-08T10:25:00.000Z
Update to information on public spaces and services (‘Coronavirus’ page); and entry permission guidelines (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2021-10-12T16:23:25.000Z
Update to information on domestic restrictions and entry permission guidelines (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2021-11-11T11:02:45.000Z
Update to information on public spaces and services including vaccination status for entry, COVID-19 vaccines and entry permission guidelines (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-11-23T15:25:55.000Z
Update to information on public spaces and and entry permission guidelines (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2021-12-02T17:05:45.000Z
Update on entry restrictions from third countries in to Singapore ("Entry Requirements" page).
2021-12-10T19:43:11.000Z
Update to information on demonstrating your vaccination status domestically, testing and quarantine rules (‘Coronavirus’ page). Updated information on entry requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, quarantine requirements and transiting Singapore (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2021-12-13T11:26:36.000Z
Updated information on quarantine and home recovery if you test positive for COVID-19 while in Singapore, additional information on Singapore's national vaccination programme and entry permission guidelines using the Vaccinated Travel Lane ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-12-20T11:15:19.000Z
Information on bookings for the Vaccinated Travel Lane between 23 December 2021 and 20 January 2022 ('Entry requirements' page)
2021-12-22T10:17:18.000Z
Updated information on quarantine and home recovery and requirements on working (See 'Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-12-27T03:41:32.000Z
Updated information on quarantine requirements and information on work and social gathering restrictions ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2021-12-31T15:42:15.000Z
Updates to COVID-19 vaccination status in Singapore and testing requirements for entry using the Vaccinated Travel Lane ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-01-07T15:22:52.000Z
Updates to public spaces and services; healthcare in Singapore; COVID-19 vaccines if you live in Singapore; Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19); Entry permission guidelines ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-01-24T17:11:49.000Z
Updated information on Singapore's Coronavirus, Entry requirements and Local laws and customs pages
2022-02-24T13:10:25.000Z
Updated information on Singapore's Coronavirus restrictions, entry requirements and liquor control zones ('Coronavirus', 'Entry requirements' and 'Local laws and customs' pages)
2022-03-25T17:43:27.000Z
Update to information on COVID-19 measures including face masks and TraceTogether app ('Coronavirus' page) and vaccination entry requirements ('Entry requirements' page)
2022-04-01T15:57:39.000Z
Updated information on the lifting of some domestic COVID-19 restrictions ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages)
2022-04-25T11:13:38.000Z
New information on Monkeypox ('Summary' and 'Health' pages) and updated information on drug testing on arrival and changes to laws for smoking from 1 July 2022 ('Local laws and customs')
2022-06-28T11:52:35.000Z
Updated information on the need to complete a pre-arrival electronic ‘SG Arrival Card’ form with health declaration if you are travelling to Singapore, action to take if you are entering Singapore with a car that is not registered there, and information on Monkeypox ('Coronavirus', 'Health' and 'Entry requirements' pages).
2022-08-08T13:22:02.000Z
Updated information on local rules of entry for unvaccinated people, local rules on the wearing of facemasks and quarantine rules for those infected with Monkeypox ('Coronavirus', 'Health' and 'Entry requirements' pages).
2022-08-24T15:18:31.000Z
Updated information on COVID-19 measures in Singapore ('Coronoavirus' page).
2022-10-18T12:57:40.000Z
Updated information on removal of remaining COVID-19 travel measures and the requirement to wear masks on public transport ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages).
2023-02-10T14:52:06.000Z
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-22T08:39:55.000Z
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-11-07T13:49:30.000Z
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-05-17T15:32:39.000Z
Singapore
singapore
10

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow and contact FCDO:   

warnings-and-insurance
Warnings and insurance

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Singapore set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Singapore High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Singapore, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you are resident in Singapore, there is no minimum passport validity required. Apply for a renewal before your passport expires.

Dual nationality

Singapore does not recognise dual nationality beyond the age of 21. A citizen of Singapore is required by Singapore law to renounce any other nationalities before the age of 22 in order to retain their Singaporean citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Singapore without a visa for tourism or business. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority decides who can enter Singapore and how long they can stay. The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is normally between 14 and 30 days for British citizens.

Penalties for overstaying

Penalties for overstaying the time allowed include fines, imprisonment, caning and deportation depending on how long you have overstayed. When you leave Singapore, officials can take your fingerprints if they suspect you are involved in any crime.

Checks at border control

You must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before you arrive in Singapore. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. It is illegal to submit a false declaration. Biometric information is also recorded and scanned when you enter and depart Singapore (iris, face and fingerprints).

Screening for drugs

You can be screened for drugs in your system on arrival in Singapore, including if you’re in transit. You can be charged with drug consumption even if the drugs were taken in another country, including countries where the use of that particular drug is legal.

You could be detained without trial and, if convicted, you could be imprisoned, caned or executed.

Ship’s crew

There are different entry requirements if you are crew working on ships, small vessels, or pleasure crafts arriving at one of Singapore’s ports or marinas.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Singapore, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. If you arrive from one of these countries without a certificate, the authorities may put you in mandatory quarantine or refuse you entry to Singapore.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Singapore guide.

Accommodation

There are strict laws that prevent accommodation being used for short-term rental, including for tourists.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Singapore. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It’s illegal to import controlled drugs. If convicted, you could be imprisoned, caned or executed.

The following items are also illegal to bring into Singapore:

  • vaporisers and e-cigarettes
  • tobacco products that are chewed or injected
  • chewing gum to sell
  • weapons and ammunition (including empty cartridge cases and air guns)
  • replica guns, including lighters shaped like a pistol or revolver
  • radio communications equipment

See the complete list of prohibited items on the Singapore Customs website.

entry-requirements
Entry requirements

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Singapore

Terrorist attacks in Singapore cannot be ruled out.      

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Violent crime and theft are rare in Singapore. Take care of your passport. Leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Do not leave bags unattended.

Scams

Online scams and phone scams are common and may involve individuals pretending to be officials or bank employees.

Laws and cultural differences

Public offences

The public display of the national flags or emblems of other countries is illegal except where a specific exemption has been granted. It is illegal to use the Singapore flag and national symbols in ways considered disrespectful.

Police may give you an on-the-spot fine for littering. Acts of vandalism including graffiti carry harsh penalties such as fines, imprisonment and caning.

Disrespecting or intimidating a public official can be illegal. There is zero tolerance for bribery in Singapore and any attempt to bribe or otherwise prevent an official from carrying out their duties can lead to arrest.

Personal ID

Use of false ID is illegal in Singapore. Foreigners living in Singapore are issued with an official identity card.   

Outrage of modesty

You should avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation. Penalties for convicted offenders include fines, imprisonment and caning.

Some scams involving false claims of molestation and extortion have been reported.

Alcohol laws and bans

The authorities do not tolerate drunk and disorderly behaviour. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place, besides restaurants, bars and licensed entertainment venues, between 10:30pm and 7am.

You could be arrested for:

  • being found drunk and incapable in public
  • fighting and becoming a nuisance in public
  • touching someone inappropriately (whether resulting from drunken behaviour or not)
  • driving while drunk
  • drinking outside of allowed hours and areas

Penalties for convicted offenders include fines, imprisonment and caning.

Geylang and Little India are ‘Liquor Control Zones’ (PDF). Drinking in these areas is banned all weekend, on public holidays and on the eve of public holidays.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Singapore. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. Those found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes will have them confiscated and could be fined.

You must be 21 or over to purchase, use, own, sell or supply tobacco products in Singapore.

Smoking is banned at all public parks, all beaches and along certain waterways. Orchard Road is a No Smoking Zone. Make sure you smoke in designated areas only.

Illegal drugs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Singapore, including possession. Trafficking (‘intent to sell’) is defined simply by possession of drugs above a certain amount. The Misuse of Drugs Act sets out the definitions and penalties, which could include detention without trial, a prison sentence, caning or a death penalty.

Arrests and detentions

If you’re arrested, you might not be allowed to speak with anyone, not even a lawyer while you are questioned.

Do not offer money to officials. You can face further charges or penalties for any attempt to bribe or prevent an official from carrying out their duties.

See our guides on Singapore’s legal and criminal system and being arrested or detained abroad to find out how we can help.

If you’re under police investigation, the authorities will take your passport and return it once the investigation is over. If you’re convicted, your passport will be held until you’ve served your sentence.

In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Singapore while the case is open. There is no set timeline for investigations. You must be able to support yourself financially during this period.

The British High Commission cannot interfere in the criminal and legal process in Singapore.

Death penalty

A death penalty is a possibility for some offences, including murder and drug trafficking. Penalties for drug offences are severe and possession of even very small quantities can lead to a death penalty.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Singapore. However, the law does not recognise same-sex marriage and partnerships. This means, for example, that foreign residents cannot easily get a dependant’s pass for a same-sex spouse or partner. A child from a same-sex partnership may not be recognised as the child of one or both parents.

It is possible to change legal gender in Singapore, subject to medical procedures.

LGBT+ support groups and social venues exist in Singapore.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

National Service for British dual nationals and permanent residents

The following are liable for National Service:

  • all male Singapore citizens
  • all male dual nationals aged 20 and under
  • all male children granted Permanent Resident (PR) status as part of their parents’ PR application

Specific questions on National Service can be put to Singapore’s Central Manpower base, email: contact@ns.sg.

For further information, see the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Protests and public demonstrations

Avoid street gatherings and public demonstrations as they will be illegal if they do not have police permission. Foreigners who are not permanent residents are prohibited from attending outdoor demonstrations regardless of police permission. Filming an illegal gathering is forbidden. The wearing of ‘cause-related’ clothing and displaying ‘cause -related’ banners is prohibited in public.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to give a talk publicly on ‘racial, communal, religious, cause-related or political topics’ without a permit.

Religions

Both public and private Jehovah’s Witness meetings are illegal in Singapore. It is also illegal to possess any Jehovah’s Witness publication, including a Jehovah’s Witness bible. There are similar measures against the Unification Church and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Singapore, see information on driving abroad and read the Singapore Highway Code.

You can drive with a UK driving licence for up to 30 days. After that you need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, minimum age and holding an IDP.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. If you’re staying in Singapore on a longer term pass or you’ve become a permanent resident, you must get a Singaporean driving licence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol carries serious penalties including imprisonment. The traffic police regularly carry out breath tests.

If you’re involved in an accident, you must stay at the scene if there has been damage or injury. You must provide contact details and inform the police within 24 hours.

Arriving or departing by car

If you are arriving in a car that is not registered in Singapore, visit the OneMotoring website to apply for a vehicle entry permit.

Vehicles leaving the country will be checked against police records.

Air travel

The Singaporean authorities will prosecute cases of drunken or antisocial behaviour by air passengers on any aircraft registered in Singapore. 

Sea travel

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Strait. Set up secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

safety-and-security
Safety and security

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 995 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in Singapore, including :

  • Zika virus
  • dengue
  • chikungunya

Hand, foot and mouth disease is common in Singapore with more serious outbreaks from time to time. Young children are particularly at risk.

Air quality

From June to October Singapore can experience high levels of pollution (haze) from land clearance fires in Indonesia. The haze can cause disruption to local and regional air travel and may have an impact on public health. Monitor the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) updates and health advisories from the Singapore government.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Check to see whether you need approval from the Health Sciences Authority to bring in medication from the UK.

Not all medicines from the UK are available in Singapore. Make sure you have a prescription from your GP and check with a doctor in Singapore who may be able to issue a prescription for a local equivalent. See the HCI Directory for a listing of licensed healthcare institutions.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Singapore

Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality and expensive. English is almost universally spoken in Singapore, so all hospitals, whether private or public, will have English-speaking medical staff.

Take enough medication for your stay and carry it in your hand baggage. Make sure you have travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and possible medical repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Singapore.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Singapore.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

If you need emotional support during your visit, you can call:

  • National Care Hotline: 1800 202 6868
  • Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444
  • Mental Health Helpline (Institute of Mental Health): 6389 2222
health
Health

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Singapore

Ambulance and fire: 995

Police: 999

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Singapore on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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