Singapore Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Singapore

There have been reported cases of the coronavirus in Singapore. To contain the spread of the virus a series of measures have been taken, entry to foreign travellers is banned, the use of face masks is mandatory in public, social gatherings are limited to 8 people indoors and outdoors and people must download and use the TraceTogether app to record any visits to any shops or public facility. Further to this, social events including sporting programmes and religious services have been suspended.

See our healthcare section to see advice on preventative measures against the virus.

The current travel advice for Singapore is to remain cautious of petty crime as with all popular travel destinations. Singapore is an island city-state off southern Malaysia, the threat level in Singapore has been at its Medium level now for quite some time. The Singaporean government has put in place extensive counter terror measures to combat the current threat. Several terror suspects have been arrested in recent years but to date, there have been no terrorist incidents in the country.

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2019 has seen a rise in terrorist activity in the Philippines.

Other than terrorism be aware that there is a small risk of street crime, this is relatively low though. One of the most common crimes includes bag snatching and car theft. Don’t leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Always take particular care of your passport, it is best to keep it with you at all times somewhere where it can’t been seen or taken easily. Other valuables are best kept in hotel safes, but make sure it is a reputable hotel if you do decide to leave things in your room.

Recent Security Risk Events
There have been terror plots in the past to attack the embassies in Singapore by Jemaah Islamiyah (an Islamist terrorist organisation) to bomb the diplomatic establishments and target personnel of the United States, Australia, Israel, and UK workers based in Singapore. The plans of this particular attack where uncovered before they actually happened and 15 militants from Jemaah Islamiyah were arrested before they could flee Singapore. Within a month another 26 more suspects were arrested.

Singapore is hosting the 2017 Grand Prix in September at the famous Marina Bay Circuit. One terrorist plot has already been uncovered by the police. Six suspected Islamic State fanatics were planning a rocket attack on the waterfront from Indonesian-controlled Batam island ten miles away from the circuit.

Security Risks
Singapore has become safer over recent years, of course the best travel advice for Singapore is be vigilant and follow the right safety precautions and your trip to Singapore should both risk free and enjoyable.

There have been several recent attacks against small sea vessels in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Straits. Those who plan to go on boat trips or own yachts and are planning on using them around the country, should be extra vigilant and take appropriate counter piracy precautions. When possible do not travel via water at night, ensure you know where the safety areas onboard your vessel are, and be familiar with how to contact the local costal authorities.

Singapore is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement. Singapore and Malaysia separated in the mid 1960’s but still maintain a historical and diplomatic relationship with each other. As part of its position in the UN, Singapore held a seat on the UN Security Council in 2001. The country has also participated in UN peacekeeping roles in Kuwait, Angola, Kenya, and Cambodia during the genocide in 1975.

The road conditions in Singapore are good, and you should have no problems driving around the country in a normal car. In the unlikely event that you are involved in a collision, by law, you should remain at the scene until the police have arrived. The police are generally very efficient and always friendly towards tourists.

Air pollution levels in Singapore can significantly heighten between June and September which can cause issues with air transport and public health. Visitors who suffer with medical conditions should keep this in mind when travelling to the country.

Police services: 999
Fire and Ambulance: 995

Official languages: English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin
Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity
Currency: Singapore Dollar
Time now in Pula Ujong:

U.S. Embassy Singapore
27 Napier Road,
Singapore,
258508
Telephone: +65 6476 9100
Email: singaporeacs@state.gov

British High Commission Singapore
100 Tanglin Road,
Singapore
247919
Telephone: +65 6424 4200
Email: singapore@fco.gov.uk

Most nationalities do not need any visa in order to enter Singapore for anything under 30 days for tourism or business. Recent changes also mean that women who are more than six months pregnant no longer need to get permission before entering the country. Always check with your local embassy before travelling.

Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Singapore. There is no vaccination against coronavirus and protection is through preventive measures. To avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, apply good hygienary practices, maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel.

It is advised that visitors to Singapore are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus which is usually administered when you are a young baby.

Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in Singapore, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of the disease, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

The healthcare in Singapore is very high quality but also very expensive. If you have a medical condition you should take enough medication to cover your stay. It is highly recommended you have medical travel insurance also.

Dengue fever and malaria are also a risk in Singapore so it is impeccable you seek advice into the prevention of both of these. More information on Dengue fever can be found here: Dengue Fever facts