smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Singapore
| Singapore overall | This Advice is current for Saturday, 17 May 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Airline Safety (intoxication on flights), Entry and Exit Requirements (importation restrictions) and Health Issues (dengue fever website). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Singapore, because of the risk of terrorist attack.
There is a risk of terrorist attacks against Western interests in Singapore. Possible terrorist targets include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, markets, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. Premises and symbols associated with the Singaporean Government are also possible targets.
Singapore authorities have strict security measures in place which include strong border controls, security and police surveillance and restrictions on access to some public venues.
Unauthorised public demonstrations are illegal in Singapore. A police permit is required for a gathering of more than four people and anyone breaking those laws is liable to arrest and possible prosecution. Organisers face hefty fines, imprisonment and deportation. Participants can be fined.
Violent crimes against tourists are rare. Petty crime such as pick pocketing and street theft occurs at the airport, tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport.
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Singapore. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. You should also read our travel advice on shipping and ports. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.
Pilots must seek permission before flying into Singapore's airspace.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Passengers travelling through Singapore's international airport may now also be asked to surrender duty-free alcohol, perfume and cosmetics and other items exceeding 100ml in their carry-on baggage. Where possible, you should pack liquids, aerosols and gels in your checked baggage. Contact your airline for further information.
Airline passengers who make flippant remarks or jokes about security or terrorism in the presence of airline or airport staff, either in the air or on the ground, may be arrested and charged with criminal intimidation. Penalties can include hefty fines and imprisonment.
Airline passengers who become intoxicated during a flight may be arrested on arrival in Singapore. Penalties include a fine and/or imprisonment.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Tremors emanating from earthquakes in the region can affect Singapore. All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis. In the Indian and Pacific oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Singapore, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Serious crimes, such as murder, abduction and weapons offences, may also attract the death penalty.
Corporal punishment (including the rattan cane) may be imposed for other offences, including rape, rioting, extortion and vandalism.
Homosexual acts, including kissing between men, are illegal in Singapore and penalties include imprisonment.
Shoplifting and theft are considered serious offences in Singapore. Australians visiting Singapore and transiting Changi airport have received jail sentences for such offences. Shopping centres, including at Changi airport, have sophisticated surveillance equipment to prevent shoplifting.
Singapore has strict laws and penalties against a variety of actions that may not be illegal or may be considered minor offences in Australia, including smoking in public places or indoor restaurants, spitting, chewing gum, littering and jaywalking.
A wider range of lesser offences, such as outrage of modesty (which is considered in Singapore to be inappropriate behaviour by men towards women), carry corporal punishment (the rattan cane) and/or imprisonment.
Crimes that disrupt racial or ethnic harmony, such as racial insults, may attract severe penalties.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Singapore and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Sentences can be up to 10 years in prison.
Items such as weapons and military souvenirs require prior approval for importation into Singapore, including in transit at the airport. The nearest High Commission or Embassy of Singapore can provide advice on import requirements.
You should obey signs prohibiting photography of official buildings.
The Singapore Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses has been deregistered. Followers can practise their religion, but cannot participate in public meetings, engage in missionary work or distribute religious publications.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Standards of behaviour in Singapore are generally conservative. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Public displays of affection may cause offence.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of Singapore, for the most up to date information.
Singapore authorities require all travellers (including those transiting Singapore) to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports. Many Australians with less than six months validity on their passports have been refused entry to, or exit from, Singapore.
People carrying controlled drugs require an import permit before entering Singapore. Permits may be required for medication available over-the-counter in Australia. For more information, contact the Health Science Authority in Singapore.
The importation of pirated copyright material is prohibited. Offenders may be fined and/or jailed. Printed and recorded material legal in Australia may be considered obscene and prohibited under Singaporean law. For details, visit the Singapore Customs website.
Chewing gum (including chewing tobacco), cigarette lighters shaped like firearms and firecrackers are illegal. Entering Singapore with weapons, replica weapons and ammunition, including empty cartridge shells, may be prohibited or controlled. For more information, visit the Singapore Police Force website or the Singapore Customs website.
Singapore does not recognise dual nationality for individuals over the age of 21. Male citizens and permanent residents between the ages of 16 and 50 are liable for two years of national service and further periods of training. If you are a dual Australian-Singaporean citizen or considering taking up permanent residency in Singapore, you should familiarise yourself with the provisions before deciding to travel to or live in Singapore. For further advice contact the Singapore Ministry of Defence.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure contains further information for dual nationals.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas. See also Entry and Exit Requirements.
The standard of health facilities in Singapore is comparable with that in Australia. Singapore health care costs are very high. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for services. Patients are usually required to provide a deposit or guarantee of payment prior to admission.
Smoke Haze: There is smoke haze across some parts of Singapore usually during the July to October period. This haze can cause health problems for some people, particularly those with respiratory problems. Keep up to date with advice of local authorities and seek medical advice on appropriate precautions. Regular air quality reports are available from Singapore’s National Environment Agency.
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis, occur. A very high number of people have contracted dengue fever following a prolonged wet season. We recommend you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent. For more information about dengue fever, visit the Singapore National Environment Agency website.
Japanese encephalitis is found throughout many regions of Asia. Japanese encephalitis vaccine is currently unavailable in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to make a vaccine available as soon as possible. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your doctor.
Decompression chambers are located at the Singapore Naval Base in Sembawang, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the Camden Medical Centre.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
The World Health Organisation has confirmed deaths from avian influenza in the region. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Singapore for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Singapore for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.
If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Singapore should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Singapore should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.
The Australian Government has decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at most of its overseas missions. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. It is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.
In Singapore, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian High Commission
25 Napier Road
SINGAPORE 258507
Telephone: (65) 6836 4100
Facsimile: (65) 6737 7465
Website: http://www.singapore.highcommission.gov.au/
If you are travelling to Singapore, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
