Orientation briefing in Singapore

A Malay trading port known as Temasek existed on the island of Singapore by the 14th century. The settlement changed hands several times in the ensuing centuries and was eventually burned in the 17th century, falling into obscurity. In 1819, the British founded modern Singapore as a trading colony on the same site and granted it full internal self-government for all matters except defense and foreign affairs in 1959.  Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but was ousted two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries, with strong international trading links and per capita GDP among the highest globally. The People’s Action Party has won every general election in Singapore since the end of the British colonial era, aided by its success in delivering consistent economic growth, as well as the city-state's fragmented opposition and electoral procedures that strongly favor the ruling party.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: 

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Illegal drugs

There are severe consequences for drug related crimes in Singapore. Evidence of drug use in your system on arrival or in transit will lead to refusal of entry or arrest. See Entry requirements and Safety and security pages for more information.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Singapore

Terrorist attacks in Singapore cannot be ruled out.      

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Violent crime and theft are rare in Singapore. Take care of your passport. Leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Do not leave bags unattended.

Scams

Online scams and phone scams are common and may involve individuals pretending to be officials or bank employees.

Laws and cultural differences

Public offences

The public display of the national flags or emblems of other countries is illegal except where a specific exemption has been granted. It is illegal to use the Singapore flag and national symbols in ways considered disrespectful.

Police may give you an on-the-spot fine for littering. Acts of vandalism including graffiti carry harsh penalties such as fines, imprisonment and caning.

Disrespecting or intimidating a public official can be illegal. There is zero tolerance for bribery in Singapore and any attempt to bribe or otherwise prevent an official from carrying out their duties can lead to arrest.

Personal ID

Use of false ID is illegal in Singapore. Foreigners living in Singapore are issued with an official identity card.   

Outrage of modesty

You should avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation. Penalties for convicted offenders include fines, imprisonment and caning.

Some scams involving false claims of molestation and extortion have been reported.

Alcohol laws and bans

The authorities do not tolerate drunk and disorderly behaviour. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place, besides restaurants, bars and licensed entertainment venues, between 10:30pm and 7am.

You could be arrested for:

• being found drunk and incapable in public
• fighting and becoming a nuisance in public
• touching someone inappropriately (whether resulting from drunken behaviour or not)
• driving while drunk
• drinking in public outside of allowed hours and areas

Penalties for convicted offenders include fines, imprisonment and caning.

Geylang and Little India are ‘Liquor Control Zones’ (PDF). Drinking in these areas is banned all weekend, on public holidays and on the eve of public holidays.

Vaporisers, smoking and e-cigarette bans

Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Singapore. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. Those found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes will have them confiscated and could be fined.

You must be 21 or over to purchase, use, own, sell or supply tobacco products in Singapore.

Smoking is banned at all public parks, all beaches and along certain waterways. Orchard Road is a No Smoking Zone. Make sure you smoke in designated areas only.

Illegal drugs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Singapore, including possession. Carrying even a small amount of drugs can have significant consequences.

You can be charged with trafficking (‘intent to sell’) for possessing drugs above a certain amount. You can be detained without trial. Sentences include prison terms, caning and the death penalty, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Singapore have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

See the Misuse of Drugs Act for information on definitions and penalties.

Arrests and detentions

If you’re arrested, you might not be allowed to speak with anyone, not even a lawyer while you are questioned.

Do not offer money to officials. You can face further charges or penalties for any attempt to bribe or prevent an official from carrying out their duties.

See our guides on Singapore’s legal and criminal system and being arrested or detained abroad to find out how we can help.

If you’re under police investigation, the authorities will take your passport and return it once the investigation is over. If you’re convicted, your passport will be held until you’ve served your sentence.

In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Singapore while the case is open. There is no set timeline for investigations. You must be able to support yourself financially during this period.

The British High Commission cannot interfere in the criminal and legal process in Singapore.

Death penalty

A death penalty is a possibility for some offences, including murder and drug trafficking. Penalties for drug offences are severe and possession of even very small quantities can lead to a death penalty.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Singapore. However, the law does not recognise same-sex marriage and partnerships. This means, for example, that foreign residents cannot easily get a dependant’s pass for a same-sex spouse or partner. A child from a same-sex partnership may not be recognised as the child of one or both parents.

It is possible to change legal gender in Singapore, subject to medical procedures.

LGBT+ support groups and social venues exist in Singapore.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

National Service for British dual nationals and permanent residents

The following are liable for National Service:

• all male Singapore citizens
• all male dual nationals aged 20 and under
• all male children granted Permanent Resident (PR) status as part of their parents’ PR application

Specific questions on National Service can be put to Singapore’s Central Manpower base, email: [email protected].

For further information, see the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Protests and public demonstrations

Avoid street gatherings and public demonstrations as they will be illegal if they do not have police permission. Foreigners who are not permanent residents are prohibited from attending outdoor demonstrations regardless of police permission. Filming an illegal gathering is forbidden. The wearing of ‘cause-related’ clothing and displaying ‘cause -related’ banners is prohibited in public.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to give a talk publicly on ‘racial, communal, religious, cause-related or political topics’ without a permit.

Religions

Both public and private Jehovah’s Witness meetings are illegal in Singapore. It is also illegal to possess any Jehovah’s Witness publication, including a Jehovah’s Witness bible. There are similar measures against the Unification Church and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Singapore, see information on driving abroad and read the Singapore Highway Code.

You can drive with a UK driving licence for up to 30 days. After that you need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, minimum age and holding an IDP.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. If you’re staying in Singapore on a longer term pass or you’ve become a permanent resident, you must get a Singaporean driving licence to drive.

Driving under the influence of alcohol carries serious penalties including imprisonment. The traffic police regularly carry out breath tests.

If you’re involved in an accident, you must stay at the scene if there has been damage or injury. You must provide contact details and inform the police within 24 hours.

Arriving or departing by car

If you are arriving in a car that is not registered in Singapore, visit the OneMotoring website to apply for a vehicle entry permit.

Vehicles leaving the country will be checked against police records.

Air travel

The Singaporean authorities will prosecute cases of drunken or antisocial behaviour by air passengers on any aircraft registered in Singapore. 

Sea travel

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Strait. Set up secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 995 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Singapore
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Singapore, including :

• Zika virus
• dengue
• chikungunya

Hand, foot and mouth disease is common in Singapore with more serious outbreaks from time to time. Young children are particularly at risk.

Air quality

From June to October Singapore can experience high levels of pollution (haze) from land clearance fires in Indonesia. The haze can cause disruption to local and regional air travel and may have an impact on public health. Monitor the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) updates and health advisories from the Singapore government.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Check to see whether you need approval from the Health Sciences Authority to bring in medication from the UK.

Not all medicines from the UK are available in Singapore. Make sure you have a prescription from your GP and check with a doctor in Singapore who may be able to issue a prescription for a local equivalent. See the HCI Directory for a listing of licensed healthcare institutions.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Singapore

Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality and expensive. English is almost universally spoken in Singapore, so all hospitals, whether private or public, will have English-speaking medical staff.

Take enough medication for your stay and carry it in your hand baggage. Make sure you have travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and possible medical repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Singapore.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Singapore.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

If you need emotional support during your visit, you can call:

• National Care Hotline: 1800 202 6868
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444
• Mental Health Helpline (Institute of Mental Health): 6389 2222