Singapore travel advice

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Risk level

SINGAPORE - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Singapore

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Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in the following locations:

  • airports
  • hotels
  • public transportation facilities
  • areas frequented by tourists

Ensure that your belongings, including passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occur. When you are using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention when other people are handling your cards
  • use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
  • shop only at reputable establishments where prices are listed
  • check prices before buying goods because some retailers charge foreigners exorbitant prices

Overseas fraud

Property rental scams

Scams involving property rental occur. The scams may include online advertising of properties that are not available for rent or that don’t exist.

You should :

  • book your rental through a reputable service
  • visit the accommodation and meet the landlord before agreeing to pay any money

Information about known local scams - Singapore’s National Crime Prevention Council

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, and targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Singaporean security agencies are on high vigilance.

  • Expect enhanced security measures and border checks
  • Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places

Demonstrations

All demonstrations and gatherings require a permit. Unauthorized demonstrations, even those involving one person, are illegal. The police can arrest, without warrant, any person involved in or suspected of disrupting the public order.

As a foreigner, you may require special permission to attend any demonstrations, even as an observer.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations, political or large gatherings are taking place, such as Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country.

Frequent showers may pose a road hazard.

Vehicles don’t usually yield to pedestrians. Exercise caution when walking on or crossing streets.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around:

  • Singapore Strait
  • Strait of Malacca
  • between Indonesia’s Riau Islands and Singapore

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Singaporean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you enter Singapore. This also applies to passengers in transit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: required

The Ministry of Manpower allows work pass exemptions for certain activities. If you qualify for an exemption, you must notify local authorities through their e-notification system.

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may also approve, under certain circumstances, an extension of the 30-day stay period.

Useful links

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Fingerprints

Immigration officials will fingerprint all visitors upon arrival and departure.

Health entry requirements

Canadians planning to study, work or reside in Singapore for longer than 6 months must undergo a complete medical examination that includes a chest X-ray and a test for HIV. Issuance of an employment pass, long-term immigration pass or permanent residence is subject to the outcome of the medical report.

All testing must be completed in Singapore.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

  • travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
  • making multiple trips to endemic areas
  • staying for extended periods in rural areas
  • visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
  • engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)
Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

 

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Chikungunya

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue
  • In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •  washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent.

Medical services are costly, and payment is required up front.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medications

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, legally available in Canada, may be classified as controlled substances in Singapore.

Consult Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to determine if you must obtain permission to import some personal medications.

Bringing personal medication into Singapore - Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority

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Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Identification

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time. They could detain you while they verify your identification documents.

  • Carry adequate identification at all times
  • Always cooperate with local authorities
  • Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, heavy fines or the death penalty.

Custom officers can subject travellers to a drug screening test at the point of entry to Singapore. If you test positive for drugs, you can be arrested and prosecuted, even if the drugs were consumed prior to your arrival in the country.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol in public places between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. is illegal.

In Liquor Control Zones, the alcohol ban is extended to all day on weekends. Local authorities may impose additional restrictions in these zones.

If you don’t comply, you could face heavy fines and jail time.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Smoking

The legal age for smoking is 21 years old.

Smoking is prohibited in many public spaces, such as:

  • parks and gardens
  • the ABC Water Sites and Reservoir Parks
  • certain public beaches

If you’re caught smoking in prohibited places could face heavy fines.

Overview of Smoking Prohibition– Singapore’s National Environment Agency

Other illegal or restricted activities

Singapore has strict laws and penalties against a variety of actions that may not be illegal or may be considered minor offences in Canada. This includes:

  • jaywalking
  • littering or spitting
  • importing, selling, or chewing gum
  • eating and drinking on the mass rapid transit system
  • inappropriate masculine behaviour
  • using foul language
  • inappropriate displays of affection or molestation
  • shoplifting
  • vandalism

Convicted offenders may expect:

  • corporal punishment, generally in the form of caning
  • imprisonment
  • a fine
  • a combination thereof

Restricted items

Local authorities enforce strict regulations on the import and export of items, such as:

  • weapons
  • e-cigarettes, vaporisers and their refills
  • certain religious material
  • pornographic material
  • videotapes
  • CDs and DVDs
  • software

All luggage is X-rayed at ports of entry, and checked luggage may be inspected for regulated items.

You may be detained if you carry any of these items without permission.

Religious activities

Jehovah’s Witness meetings, including private meetings, are illegal. Possession of a Jehovah’s Witness bible or any related publication is also illegal.

The Unification Church is affected by similar laws.

Ramadan

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

  • drinking
  • eating
  • smoking

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Singapore laws prohibit displays of affection and sexual acts between males. Those convicted can face imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Singapore.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Common-law relationships

Common-law relationships are not recognized. If you are in a common-law relationship, you may have to provide proof to support the claim of your union by common-law to local authorities.

You may draft your own statutory declaration to proclaim your common-law relationship with another individual and request to notarize your declaration at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. However, the High Commission cannot “certify” or “validate” your common-law relationship.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must carry an international driving permit.

If you reside in Singapore for more than 12 months, you must convert your valid Canadian driving licence to a Singapore Driving Licence.

Traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

Drinking and driving is a serious offence. Sentences can be up to 10 years in prison.

Useful links

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Singapore.

However, if you acquire two or more citizenships at birth, you can keep them all, including Singaporean citizenship, until the age of 21. At 21, local authorities may ask you to choose between your Singaporean citizenship or other citizenships.

If you’re a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of Singapore, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there. You may also be subject to different entry or exit requirements, and other national obligations such as military service.

Useful links

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Singapore.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Singapore, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Singaporean court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Singapore to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

Money

The currency in Singapore is the Singaporean dollar (SGD).

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Natural disasters and climate

Typhoons and monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from:

  • December to March in the northeast
  • June to September in the southeast

During this period, even small tropical storm can quickly develop into major typhoons. These severe storms can put you at risk.

These severe storms can put you at risk and slow down the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Singapore during the typhoon season:

  • know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
  • be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • keep up to date with the latest regional weather forecasts
  • carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be particularly hazardous between June and October.

You should monitor air pollution levels, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Air quality information - Singapore’s National Environment Agency

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Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • Police: 999
  • Firefighters: 995
  • Ambulance: 995

Consular assistance

Singapore - High Commission of Canada
Street AddressOne George Street, #11-01, Singapore 049145Telephone65 6854-5900Fax65 6854-5913Emailsporeconsular@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-SingaporeFacebookHigh Commission of Canada to SingaporeTwitter@CanHCSingaporeOther social mediaCanada in Singapour
High Commission of Canada in Singapore
Appointment Book your appointment online

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

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