23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 995.
Call 995 or go to the hospital.
Call 999.
Do not travel to Singapore.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
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:
If you're travelling as a group of 5 or more, be careful to not get in the way of others.
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 happens at the airport, tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport.
Watch your belongings, especially in tourist areas and on public transport.
Property rental scams happen.
Con artists pretend to be landlords on property websites and offer fake rental properties.
Get details of a rental property, including the owner, from the:
To protect yourself from property scams:
Be wary of dishonest retailers of mobile phones, electrical goods and cameras.
Scammers are using automated COVID-19 voice calls or impersonating the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) staff or contact tracing teams, asking users to provide personal information including financial details. Verify the authenticity of phone calls by calling MOH hotline:1800-333-9999 before offering any personal information.
If you're affected, lodge a complaint through the Scam Alert website.
If you live in Singapore, go to the Consumers Association of Singapore.
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.
To prevent and deal with the threat of terrorism or other major emergency/incident download the SG Secure app.
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 natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Earthquakes in other countries in the region can affect Singapore.
The monsoon seasons are from December to March and from June to September. Strong winds and heavy rain happen.
If there's a natural disaster:
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. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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.
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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305. Ask to speak to a Lifeline counsellor.
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 take medication, check if it's legal in Singapore. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Strict rules control substances in personal medication. Check the Singapore Health Sciences Authority for a list of controlled substances. It also explains 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.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Singapore. The Singapore Ministry of Health has reported multiple cases and raised its health warning level to 'orange' (level 3 of 4).
Singapore has very robust screening measures and an excellent health care system. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you may be taken to hospital. If authorities suspect you're infected, you may need to stay in hospital or be quarantined. At this stage there is no evidence of widespread community transmission of the virus. See the Singapore Ministry of Health website or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Singapore for details on entry restrictions.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Singapore has strict restrictions in place, including social distancing measures and a requirement to wear face masks when outside of residence. These restrictions may change at short notice. Follow the Government’s advice and stay informed about restrictions and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
For information on Singapore's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to advice by the Singapore Ministry of Health. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
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:
Risk of insect-borne illnesses increases during the wetter months. This is from November to March and from July to September. Follow the National Environment Agency's advice for the prevention and identification of dengue infection. Cases of dengue have significantly increased in 2019 and during 2020.
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.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Serious outbreaks sometimes happen.
Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May, but can continue until October.
HFMD mostly affects children aged under 10 years. However, it's not uncommon in adults, especially young adults.
HFMD is spread by direct contact with discharges of infected people.
To stay safe:
Changi Airport has special passenger screenings for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
If you arrive from an affected country, you may be screened for symptoms of MERS-CoV. These countries include:
If you have MERS-CoV symptoms, you may be taken to hospital. If authorities suspect you're infected, you may need to stay in hospital.
You may also be placed in quarantine. This will happen if you've come into close contact with a person who has symptoms. Close contact is within 2m for 30 minutes or more.
More information:
The standard of medical facilities and care is similar to or higher than Australia.
The cost of medical services is much higher.
Many places will want up-front payment or confirmed 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. Investigations and court hearings can take several months.
Police will probably hold your passport. You won't be allowed to leave Singapore. You can't get a replacement passport until legal matters are settled.
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.
Severe penalties for drug offences include the death sentence and caning.
More information:
Serious crimes, such as murder, abduction and weapons offences, can attract the death penalty.
Corporal punishment includes caning. This is a penalty for crimes including:
Singapore has strict laws for 'outrage of modesty' cases. These include:
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. Extra 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:
If you're working in Singapore, your work pass may be cancelled if you break the law.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Singapore has strict restrictions in place, including social distancing measures and a requirement to wear face masks when outside of residence. If you do not comply with these restrictions, you could face fines, imprisonment, or lose your visa, work pass or permanent residency. These restrictions may change at short notice. Follow the government’s advice and stay informed about restrictions and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Follow the Singapore Ministry of Health website or the latest update.
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.
There are local sensitivities about same-sex sexual acts between women.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
More information:
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:
For work or study, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel. Check work visa information with the Ministry of Manpower.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Singapore for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
At immigration, you may have to show:
Entry to Singapore
All travellers entering Singapore must take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival. A COVID-19 test is not required prior to departing Australia. All visitors applying to enter under the Air Travel Pass (ATP) and Regional Green Lanes (RGL) will need to have travel insurance to meet any COVID-19 medical treatment and hospitalisation costs in Singapore, with a minimum coverage of SGD30,000.
You may now enter Singapore for short-term visits if you travel from Australia. However, you can't leave Australia unless you seek an exemption from Home Affairs. Travellers from Australia who are short-term visitors may apply for an ATP at no charge. Applications must be made between seven and thirty calendar days prior to the visitor’s intended date of entry into Singapore. The Air Travel Pass is valid for single entry into Singapore anytime from the visitor’s intended date of entry and up to seven calendar days after.
You can't enter or transit Singapore if you've been in the UK or South Africa in the past 14 days, even if you had previous approval, unless you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (PR). You'll be subject to an additional seven-day period of self-isolation at your place of residence, following your 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. The returnees from the UK and South Africa will be tested at the end of their SHN (as per the current requirement), and again after they have completed their seven-day self-isolation period.
Expect to be screened when boarding your flight, during your transit in Singapore and before boarding your connecting flight. You will be required to wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing at all times during your journey. See Singapore Airlines for further information on transit requirements.
If you’re a long-term resident and wish to return to Singapore you must get approval from Singapore authorities before commencing your travel. See Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority for up to date information on border control measures.
Singapore has implemented iris and facial biometric scanning as a way to minimise touchpoints during COVID-19. Together with the electronic passenger card “SG Arrival Card e-Service” that also comes with a health declaration function and other contactless technology including proximity touch screens. Singapore is continuously drawing upon advances in technology to help meet the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. Acrylic screens have been fitted at check-in counters to provide a physical barrier between travellers and check-in staff and they are also trialling the use of ultraviolet-C light technology to disinfect handrails on escalators and travellators.
Transit through Singapore
Only passengers travelling with an airline whose transfer route via Singapore has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will be allowed to transit/transfer at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Confirm arrangements with your airline or travel provider before purchasing your flight tickets. More information on transiting through Singapore can be found on Changi Airport’s website.
Singapore has unilaterally lifted border restrictions with a number of countries, including Australia. Transit passengers from these countries/regions will be able to move freely within the transit area during their layover at Changi Airport.
For flight schedules check with Singapore and Silk Airlines, Scoot Airlines or Jetstar Asia directly and confirm your arrangements with your airline or travel agent before embarking on your trip.
Check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website or Changi Airport for the latest advice.
Staying in Singapore
Facemasks are compulsory when outside of the home, except children under 6 years old, when eating or when engaged in strenuous exercise. Social distancing measures are in place.
There are significant penalties for breaching the Ministry of Health’s SHN or social distancing measures. If authorities suspect you're infected, you may need to stay in hospital or be quarantined. See Singapore Ministry of Health website for the latest update.
If you're staying in Singapore, follow the advice of local authorities and take care to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Given medical costs are very high in Singapore, make sure your insurance covers you for your stay.
More information:
At the airport check-in counter, you may need to show the credit or debit card used to buy your ticket. If you don't, airline officials may not let you board. Contact your airline for details.
You need to scan your thumbprints each time you arrive and depart Singapore. Children aged younger than 6 years don't need to.
If you register your thumbprints on BioScreen at the immigration counter on arrival, you can use the self-clearance system for departure.
If you're carrying medication that's controlled in Singapore, you'll need an import permit to show on arrival. See Health
Some countries 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 just 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:
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.
More information:
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
ATMs are available across the country.
Hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards.
To drive, you must be at least 18 years old and have an Australian driver's licence 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:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
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:
Singapore has ceased port calls for all cruise vessels.
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.
Contact your travel provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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
Fax: (+65) 6737 7465
Website: singapore.highcommission.gov.au
Email: consular.singapore@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australian in Singapore
Twitter: @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.