Singapore

Demonstrations and protests

Unauthorised public demonstrations are illegal.

You need a police permit for:

• a public gathering of more than 4 people
• a public assembly or procession of 2 or more people to which the public has been invited

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:

• Singapore Police Force
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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.

Scams and fraud

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:

• Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
• Singapore Land Authority

To protect yourself from property scams:

• research the property and landlord before agreeing to a property rental or purchase contract
• 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.

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:

• 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.

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:

• 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:

• Terrorist threats

Singapore experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• severe rainstorms

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:

• 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

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.

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.

Physical and mental health

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 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:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine
• Singapore High Commission in Canberra

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

Cases of dengue have significantly increased in 2019.

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.

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

Novel coronavirus

On 23 January 2020, the Singaporean Ministry of Health confirmed one case of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Singapore. Passengers arriving into Singapore may undergo temperature screening at the airport, ferry terminals and land crossings. If you have symptoms, you may be taken to hospital. If authorities suspect you're infected, you may need to stay in hospital or be quarantined.  

More information:

• Novel coronavirus (Department of Health)
• Novel coronavirus (World Health Organization)

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

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:

• wash your hands frequently
• check Singapore's Ministry of Health for tips on disease prevention

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

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

• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Iran
• Jordan

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:

• Singapore Ministry of Health

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

Serious crimes

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:

• rape
• rioting
• extortion
• visa offences
• vandalism

Singapore has strict laws for 'outrage of modesty' cases. These include:

• assault and offences as a result of being drunk
• men behaving inappropriately towards women
• using inappropriate language
• inappropriate touching

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 laws

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

• being drunk, behaving badly or using offensive language during a flight
• 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. Extra 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

Other laws

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

• illegal immigration
• overstaying your visa
• same-sex sexual acts between men
• shoplifting and theft
• 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

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
• LGBTI travellers

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.

There are local sensitivities about same-sex sexual acts between women.

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

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

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:

• Dual nationals
• Singapore Ministry of Defence
• Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
• Email Singapore's Central Manpower Base: cmpb@starnet.gov.sg

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

You don't need a tourist or business visa to stay up to 90 days. 

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:

• 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
• a yellow fever vaccination certificate, if needed

Other formalities

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Driving permit

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:

• Singapore Government

Road travel

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Safe, metered taxis are available from official taxi ranks.

Rideshare services are legal and widely used.

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

Some international cruise lines stop over in Singapore.

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.

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.

Australian High Commission, 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
Instagram: @AusHC_SG

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