Singapore

Demonstrations and protests

Unauthorised public demonstrations are illegal.

You need a police permit for:

• a public gathering to which the public has been invited, even if you are the only person demonstrating or protesting
• a public procession of 2 or more people to which the public has been invited

Public demonstrations are only allowed at Speakers Corner in Hong Lim Park. Non-permanent residents need a permit to join any activities at Speakers Corner. Penalties can be severe.

More information:

• Singapore Police Force
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Pickpocketing and street theft can occur at the airport, tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport.

Watch your belongings, especially in tourist areas and on public transport.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Scams and fraud

Impersonation scams happen regularly.

Scammers are using automated voice calls or text messages or impersonating local government officials (e.g. from the Ministry of Health or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority), bank or telco staff. Calls ask for personal details and often use scare tactics (such as claiming you have committed an offence or have account issues). You should hang up immediately if the caller cannot identify themselves correctly. Always verify the information or request through official websites or call the company/department hotline before offering any personal information. Delete text messages immediately. 

Property rental scams happen.

Con artists pretend to be landlords on property websites and offer fake rental properties.

To protect yourself from property scams:

• research the property and landlord before agreeing to a property rental or purchase contract. See the Singapore Land Authority for information.
• don't make large payments in cash
• only use accredited property agents
• make sure landlords and agents are present when you sign tenancy documents

Be wary of dishonest retailers of mobile phones, electrical goods and cameras.

Information about known scams is available on the Scam Alert website.

If you live in Singapore, go to the Consumers Association of Singapore to lodge a complaint.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information, including advice on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping: 

• Kidnapping

Terrorist attacks could happen in Singapore. Attacks could be random and may affect places that Westerners frequent. 

Singapore has enhanced security measures, including:

• strong border controls
• security and police surveillance
• restrictions on access to some public venues

Ministers have issued public warnings about the seriousness of the terrorist threat.

The Singapore government has developed the SG Secure app to help prevent terrorist incidents and alert people to security or other threats. 

Possible terrorist targets include businesses and public areas popular with travellers. 

These include:

• hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars
• schools
• places of worship
• outdoor events and markets
• tourist areas
• transport hubs, such as train stations
• places associated with the Singapore Government

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for new threats
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Singapore experiences severe weather, including severe rainstorms. 

The monsoon seasons are from December to March and June to September. Strong winds and heavy rain happen.

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media, weather reports and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas

Earthquakes in the region can affect Singapore.

Singapore is a major flight hub. Natural disasters in other parts of the world may affect flights. These include volcanic ash plumes.

Contact your airline or travel agent for flight updates.

The Singapore government's myENV app provides updated weather information and advice on other situations, such as flash floods and earthquakes.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. 

Medical care is expensive. If you're not insured, you may find yourself paying thousands of dollars for medical treatment. 

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave. 

If you become mentally unwell and become a public nuisance or a danger to yourself or others, you could be detained and hospitalised to receive psychiatric treatment. You may not be able to leave treatment until you are well again or can have someone collect you from the hospital.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Singapore, and if it is, take enough medicine for your trip.

Strict rules control the ingredients/composition of medication. Some medications, including ones for ADHD and prescription pain medication, need prior approval before being brought into Singapore. Medicinal marijuana is not permitted. Check the Singapore Health Sciences Authority for a list of controlled substances, including how to apply for approval at least 10 working days before you arrive.

You don't need pre-approval if you don't leave the airport transit zone (without clearing Singapore immigration). However, cannabis and cannabis products are not permitted, even in transit. Be aware that prohibited substances, such as chewing gum, cannabis and products containing cannabis extracts, are not allowed to be brought with you. It is illegal to have cannabis or other illegal drugs in your system, even if consumed outside of Singapore. If you take prescribed medicinal cannabis, you should contact the Singapore Health Science Authority to review your situation and consider alternate travel arrangements. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• Regulations for bringing personal medications into Singapore

Insect-borne diseases

There is some spread of Zika virus. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Outbreaks of other insect-borne illnesses can happen. These include:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis

The risk of insect-borne illnesses increases during the wetter months, from December to March and June to September. Follow the National Environment Agency's advice for preventing and identifying dengue and Zika infection. Dengue fever is endemic in Singapore, and the number of reported cases remains high.

Areas are regularly 'fogged' to stop the spread of insect-borne illnesses. The 'fog' includes toxic chemicals. Don't travel to areas straight after fogging.

To protect yourself against illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Smoke haze may occur from June to October.

Check for haze and any health warnings the Singapore Government issues. Get medical advice if needed.

Singapore's National Environment Agency gives updates when smoke haze happens. It also has information about public health issues.

The standard of medical facilities and care is similar to or higher than Australia.

The cost of medical services is much higher. Get travel insurance before you travel and ensure it covers medical costs and medical repatriation.

You may need to provide up-front payment or a letter of guaranteed payment from your insurer before receiving treatment.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Singapore can impose a jail sentence if you are charged with shoplifting, drink driving and outrage of modesty. Shoplifting is a serious crime, including for low-value items.  

If you commit a crime in Singapore and leave before you're caught, you may be arrested and charged the next time you arrive in or transit through Singapore.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble, stop you from going to jail or get you out of jail. 

Jail sentences will result in the cancellation of your visa/employment pass, and you will be deported from Singapore after you have served your sentence. Your travel plans could be disrupted, and your travel insurance might not cover you. Lawyers are expensive in Singapore, and there are no public defence lawyers. 

If you're arrested, authorities may detain you while police investigate. You can be legally detained for up to 48 hours (including for minors), during which time you may not be allowed to speak with anyone, not even a lawyer or the High Commission. The Police are not required to notify anyone of your arrest during this period, including the High Commission. These laws also apply to minors.

Police confiscate your passport if you're under investigation. There is no set timeline for investigations, which can take several weeks or months. For serious offences, investigations and court proceedings can take years. You won't be allowed to leave Singapore until the investigation is completed. You can't get a replacement passport until legal matters are settled. You must be able to support yourself financially during this time.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in Singapore. The penalties for use, possession or trafficking are severe, including the death penalty. It's illegal to have drugs in your system. This includes traces being found in blood, urine and hair tests. 

You can be charged for consuming drugs even if you took them outside Singapore and, regardless of if you took them in a country where it was legal to do so.

Do not bring medicinal cannabis to Singapore, even during transit. If you take prescribed medicinal cannabis, always carry a letter from your doctor, and you should contact the Singapore Health Science Authority to review your situation. 

Severe penalties for drug offences include the death penalty and caning.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Serious crimes

Serious crimes, such as drug trafficking, murder, abduction, firearm and weapons offences, can attract the death penalty.

Corporal punishment involving caning is regularly practised in Singapore. This is a penalty for crimes including:

• outrage of modesty (molestation)
• rape
• rioting
• extortion
• visa offences
• vandalism
• robbery
• unlawful possession of weapons

Singapore has strict laws for 'outrage of modesty' (also known as molestation) cases. You should avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation. This includes:

• inappropriate touching or grabbing (whether drunk or not)
• inappropriate language

Penalties include jail, fines, and caning.

Drunk and disorderly conduct in public is an offence.

You could be arrested for:

• being found drunk in public
• fighting and becoming a nuisance in public
• resisting arrest, assaulting, or hurting a public servant (this includes police and taxi drivers)
• drinking beyond the prescribed hours and in the allowed areas.

Penalties include jail, fines, and caning.

Minor crimes

Singapore has strict laws and penalties for things that are legal or are minor offences in Australia.

These include:

• smoking in public places or indoor restaurants
• spitting
• importing or chewing gum
• chewing tobacco
• littering
• jaywalking

Racial crimes

Penalties are severe for crimes that affect social, racial or ethnic harmony. These include racial insults and promoting ill-will and hostility between different races or classes.

If you want to speak publicly on racial, communal, religious or political topics, you must apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass from the Ministry of Manpower.

Alcohol and vaporiser (vape) laws

Serious penalties, including detention or jail, apply for these illegal activities: 

• being drunk, behaving badly or using offensive language
• importing vaporisers, such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars, and refills into Singapore, including for your own use
• driving under the influence of alcohol
• drinking alcohol in public places between 10.30pm and 7am
• drinking alcohol in a Liquor Control Zone

Liquor control zones include specified areas in Geylang and Little India. Additional restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays.

Copyrighted and prohibited material

Material that is legal in Australia may be illegal in Singapore. Serious penalties apply, including detention or jail, for bringing:

• pirated copyright material
• printed and recorded material considered obscene or prohibited

National Service

If you are or have been a Singaporean Permanent Resident or a dual Australian Singaporean citizen under the age of 21, or either of your parents are or have been Singaporean Permanent Residents or Singaporean citizens when you were a child, know your obligations regarding National Service requirements before deciding to travel to, transit through or live in Singapore. There have been instances of people visiting Singapore years after living there being arrested on arrival for not completing national service requirements. Renouncing your citizenship or permanent residency may not result in National Service requirements being waived. 

If you fall into any of the categories above, are already in Singapore and intend to leave for an extended period of time, you may wish to seek legal advice on any possible exemptions you may need to obtain prior to departure.

See Central Manpower Base (CMPB) National Service and OneNS - National Service for further information or seek legal advice before you travel.

Other laws

Serious penalties, including detention or imprisonment, apply for these illegal activities:

• illegal immigration
• overstaying your visa
• being caught with weapons, military souvenirs, replica weapons or ammunition, including empty cartridges
• working without a valid work pass — (see 'Travel')
• taking photos of official buildings where there are signs banning photos

Same-sex acts have been decriminalised in Singapore, however the law does not recognise same sex partners or marriage. This extends to how same-sex partners are treated under Singapore's visa and immigration policies. 

You should be aware of local sensitivities. Behaviour standards are conservative, and public displays of affection may offend.

If you're working in Singapore, your work pass may be cancelled if you break the law.

More information:

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Singapore Customs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

Behaviour standards are conservative.

Public displays of affection may offend.

When eating at food stalls, locals will "chope" a table by placing an item such as a tissue packet or an umbrella to reserve the table while they are collecting their food. After eating, be sure to tidy your table and return your food tray to a return station. It is against to law to not do so. 

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Singapore doesn't recognise dual nationality for people aged over 21 years.

Male citizens and permanent residents between the ages of 16 and 50 must do 2 years of national service. They must also do further training after completing national service.

If you are or have been a Singaporean Permanent Resident or a dual Australian Singaporean citizen under the age of 21, or either of your parents are or have been Singaporean Permanent Residents or a Singaporean citizen when you were a child, know your obligations regarding National Service requirements. There have been instances of people visiting Singapore years after living there being arrested upon arrival for not completing national service requirements. Renouncing your citizenship or permanent residency may not result in National Service requirements being waived.

If you're a dual citizen or want permanent residency, know the national service requirements before deciding to travel to, transit or live in Singapore. Failure to complete national service may result in penalties, including custodial sentences.

If you fall into any of the categories above, are already in Singapore and intend to leave for an extended period of time, you may wish to seek legal advice on any possible exemptions you may need to obtain prior to departure.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Central Manpower Base (CMPB) National Service
• OneNS - National Service

Visas

In most circumstances, such as tourism, travel for business meetings or conferences, Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Other passport holders should check with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority if they need a visa to enter Singapore. ICA | Check if You Need an Entry Visa 

At immigration, you may have to show:

• a passport with at least 6 months validity
• evidence of enough funds for your intended stay
• a confirmed onward or return flight ticket
• a valid visa to enter your next destination
• yellow fever vaccination certificate, if required ICA | Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate of Singapore for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain, cane and/or deport you.

Employment Visa

You'll need to apply for a visa to be employed or study in Singapore. Check work visa information with the Ministry of Manpower.

Border measures

On arrival in Singapore, you'll need to show:

• your completed Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) (there is no charge for the SGAC). This can be completed within three days of your arrival in Singapore. There are scam websites that ask for payment. Make sure you use the official ICA website.
• a yellow fever vaccination certificate, if needed

More information is available on the ICA | Entering, Transiting and Departing website.

Be careful of scam websites imitating official Singapore Arrival Card website.

Transit through Singapore

See Changi Airport website for more information on transiting.

Do not bring medicinal cannabis to Singapore, even during transit. If you take prescribed medicinal cannabis, you should contact the Singapore Health Science Authority to review your situation. 

Check flight schedules directly with your airline. Confirm your arrangements with your airline or travel agent before travelling.

Expect to be screened during your transit in Singapore. You may be security screened when boarding your flight to Singapore and before boarding your connecting flight. See Changi Airport website for further information on transit requirements.

Check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website or Changi Airport for the latest advice.

You may need to scan your thumbprints each time you arrive and depart Singapore. Children aged under 6 years don't need to.

Medication

If you're carrying medication that's controlled in Singapore, you'll need an import permit to show on arrival (See 'Health').

Validity

Some countries, including Singapore, won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

You can easily exchange Australian dollars for SGD in Singapore.

You must declare amounts over SGD20,000 or the same amount in foreign currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATMs are available across the country. Hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards.

Food stalls known as 'hawker centres' and small retailers may not accept credit cards. Cash may be required.

More information:

• The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Driving permit

To drive, you must be at least 18 years old and have an Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

If you stay longer than 12 months, you'll need a Singaporean licence.

If you're a permanent resident, get a Singaporean licence within 3 months of getting residency.

More information:

• Singapore Government

Road travel

Road conditions and driving practices are similar to those found in Australian capital cities.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

You need a licence to drive a motorcycle.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Safe, metered taxis are available from official taxi ranks.

Rideshare services are legal and widely used.

Always be respectful to taxi drivers. Penalties for swearing or assaulting drivers can be severe.

Public transport

Singapore's efficient rail network Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) runs throughout the island between 5:30am and midnight.

There's also a large network of public and private bus services.

More information:

• SBS Transit
• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas around Singapore.

If you're travelling by boat, take safety precautions.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Singapore's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel​​

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 995.

Medical emergencies

Call 995 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Singapore.

Australian High Commission, Singapore

25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507 
Phone: (+65) 6836 4100 
Website: singapore.highcommission.gov.au
Email: consular.singapore@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Singapore
X: @AusHCSG 

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia