Fire and rescue services
Call 995.
Medical emergencies
Call 995 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 999.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Singapore.
Call 995.
Call 995 or go to the hospital.
Call 999.
We advise:
Exercise normal safety precautions in Singapore.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Singapore.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Singapore.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Unauthorised public demonstrations are illegal.
You need a police permit for:
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:
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.
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 quickly.
Property rental scams happen.
Con artists pretend to be landlords on property websites and offer fake rental properties.
To protect yourself from property scams:
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.
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:
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:
Terrorist attacks could happen in Singapore. Attacks could be random and may affect places that Westerners frequent.
Singapore has enhanced security measures, including:
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:
To stay safe:
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:
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:
Earthquakes in other countries 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.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
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:
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. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Strict rules control substances in personal 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. 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:
More information:
There is some spread of Zika virus. There's no vaccination for it.
If you're pregnant:
Outbreaks of other insect-borne illnesses can happen. These include:
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:
More information:
Smoke haze
Smoke haze happens 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.
You may need to provide up-front payment or a letter of guaranteed payment from your insurer before they provide treatment.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
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 or out of jail.
If you're arrested, authorities may detain you while police investigate. You can be legally detained for up to 48 hours, 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. 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.
Singapore may impose a jail sentence if you are charged with shop-theft, drink driving and outrage of modesty. We are unable to stop you going to jail. Jail sentences will result in the cancellation of your visa/employment pass, and you will be deported from Singapore.
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 and urine 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:
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:
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:
Penalties include jail, fines, and caning.
Drunk and disorderly conduct in public is an offence.
You could be arrested for:
Penalties include jail, fines, and caning.
Singapore has strict laws and penalties for things that are legal or are minor offences in Australia.
These include:
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.
Serious penalties, including detention or jail, apply for these illegal activities:
Liquor control zones include specified areas in Geylang and Little India. Additional restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays.
Material that is legal in Australia may be illegal in Singapore. Serious penalties apply, including detention or jail, for bringing:
Serious penalties, including detention or imprisonment, apply for these illegal activities:
Same-sex acts are no longer illegal. You should be aware there are local sensitivities, and behaviour standards are conservative. 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:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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'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.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
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:
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.
You'll need to apply for a visa to be employed or study in Singapore. Check work visa information with the Ministry of Manpower.
On arrival in Singapore, you'll need to show:
More information is available on the ICA | Entering, Transiting and Departing website.
Singapore is open to all transit travellers. 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 younger than 6 years don't need to.
If you're carrying medication that's controlled in Singapore, you'll need an import permit to show on arrival. (See 'Health')
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.
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:
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:
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' may not accept credit cards. Cash may be required.
More information:
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:
Road conditions and driving practices are similar to those found in Australian capital cities.
More information:
You need a licence to drive a motorcycle.
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
Safe, metered taxis are available from official taxi ranks.
Rideshare services are legal and widely used.
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:
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas around Singapore.
If you're travelling by boat, take safety precautions.
More information:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 995.
Call 995 or go to the hospital.
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.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.