Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to Singapore.

 

Crime

 

Be aware of the risk of street crime, particularly bag snatching. Take particular care of your passport. Leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Don’t leave valuables in unattended vehicles.

 

Violent crime is rare.

 

Road travel

 

Road conditions in Singapore are generally good. If you are involved in an accident, you should remain at the scene until the police have arrived.

 

You can drive in Singapore using an EU driving licence for up to 1 year. If you are staying in Singapore for longer than 1 year or become a Permanent Resident you should get a Singaporean driving licence.

 

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Singapore. The traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Sentences can include a fine or imprisonment. 

 

Air travel

 

The Singaporean authorities will prosecute cases of air rage within their jurisdiction.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been attacks against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Straits. Be vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Reduce opportunities for theft, establish secure areas onboard and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.

 

Local laws and customs

 

The death penalty exists for certain offences, including murder and drug trafficking. There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Singapore. Trafficking is defined by possession of drugs above a certain amount (500g in the case of cannabis).

 

As of 1 April 2015, it’s illegal to drink alcohol in a public place between 10.30pm and 7am. You can drink alcohol between these hours in restaurants, bars and cafes, the outdoor areas of private condominiums and chalets, and outdoor events that have obtained a permit. Geylang and Little India are designated as ‘Liquor Control Zones’ where drinking in public places is prohibited all weekend, on public holidays and the eve of public holidays. Offenders will be fined up to SG$1,000 (approximately £500). Repeat offenders may be fined up to SG$2,000 (approximately £1,000) or imprisonment for up to 3 months.

 

Penalties for overstaying your visa include fines, imprisonment, corporal punishment (the rattan cane) and deportation depending on the length of overstay.

 

A wide range of offences, including ‘outrage of modesty’ (inappropriate behaviour by men towards women) and vandalism carry corporal punishment (the rattan cane).

 

You should avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation. Scams involving false claims of molestation are thought to exist. Usually once the complaint is made by the victim and the accused is arrested the police will not allow the accused person to travel and their passport will be confiscated while investigations are carried out. This can take several months.

 

A police permit is required for any outdoor public assembly or procession. You should avoid street gatherings and public demonstrations as they might be illegal. Filming an illegal public gathering is also forbidden, as is the wearing or displaying of any ‘cause related’ material without permission.

 

Approval from the  Ministry of Manpower is required for a foreign national to give a talk on ‘racial, communal, religious, caused-related or political topics’.

 

The public display of national flags or national emblems is illegal except where a specific exemption has been granted.

 

Male homosexual acts are illegal in Singapore, but in a statement to Parliament in 2007 Singapore’s Prime Minister stated that ‘The Government does not act as moral policemen’ and that ‘we do not proactively enforce’ the law on this issue. Openly gay and lesbian support groups and social venues exist.

 

Both public and private Jehovah’s Witness meetings are illegal in Singapore. It is also against the law to possess any Jehovah’s Witness publication, including a Jehovah’s Witness bible. Similar measures exist against the Unification Church.

 

On-the-spot fines are common, and can be given for a wide range of behaviours which are tolerated in the EU. You will be fined for smoking in any public place or indoor restaurant, for chewing gum on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system or littering.

 

Thorough checks may be carried out on departing travellers’ vehicles and fingerprints may be scanned at border exit points.

 

The use of false ID is illegal.

 

There is zero tolerance for bribery. Any attempt to bribe or to otherwise prevent an official from carrying out their duties can result in arrest.

 

Dual nationals and Permanent Residents

 

Singapore does not recognise dual nationality beyond the age of 21. All male citizens of Singapore are liable for National Service. All male children granted Permanent Resident status as part of their parent’s Permanent Resident application are also liable for national service. National Service is normally served for a period of 2 years from the age of 18, with additional reservist requirements lasting until the age of 40 (50 in the case of officers).

 

From the age of 13, male Singapore citizens and permanent residents must apply for an exit permit to travel outside Singapore for 3 months or more. On reaching 16 ½ years of age all male Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents must register for National Service.

 

A minor citizen (defined as below the age of 21 years) is allowed to hold dual citizenship until the age of 21 whereupon they are required to relinquish either one of their citizenships. A minor citizen can’t renounce their Singapore citizenship when they are below 21 years of age and their parents cannot renounce their child’s Singapore citizenship on their behalf.

 

If a male child holds dual citizenship and wishes to renounce his Singaporean citizenship without serving National Service it may be possible for his parents to ask the Singapore government to first defer his National Service until he reaches 21, depending on the specific circumstances. In 2006 the then Minister of Defence told the Singapore parliament that “only those who have emigrated at a young age and have not enjoyed substantial socio-economic benefits are allowed to renounce their citizenship without serving National Service”.

 

Money

The local currency is the Singapore Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and department stores. Credit card fraud is not a major problem in Singapore, but you should check your statements carefully.

 

Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality and expensive. You should take enough medication to cover your stay and carry it in your hand baggage. Not all  prescribed drugs are available in Singapore. Some over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen need a prescription. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

From June to September Singapore can experience high levels of pollution (haze) from fires in Indonesia. You should monitor the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) updates and health advisories from the Singapore Government.

 

Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and chikungunya virus occur all year round. The last two years have seen relatively high numbers of dengue cases. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is common in Singapore with more serious outbreaks from time to time. Young children are particularly at risk.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 995 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

You don’t normally need a visa to enter Singapore for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business discussions or social visits. Women who are more than six months pregnant no longer need to get permission before travelling, but the final decision on the length of stay permitted rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Prior entry clearance is required for women intending to give birth in Singapore. 

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore. If you are intending to transit Singapore to neighbouring countries, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. You may be refused entry or turned away by airlines if your passport does not meet this requirement.

 

The Singaporean authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Customs regulations

 

Importing certain controlled drugs and pirated copyright material is prohibited and there are restrictions on entering with items like replica guns, radio communications equipment, and weapons and ammunition (including empty cartridge cases and air guns). For more information visit the travellers section of the Singapore Customs government website.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Medication

 

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Singapore. You must apply for prior authorisation and a permit at least ten working days before your travel date from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority in order to bring any such medication into Singapore. For medicines that do not contain a controlled substance, you may bring up to three months’ supply into Singapore without prior approval, but must bring supporting documents such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of the prescription as proof that the medicines are for your personal use. For more information, please consult the Health Sciences Authority website. If you have questions please email hsa_info@hsa.gov.sg

 

Arriving from the Middle East

 

If you’re arriving from an airport in the Middle East, you may be subject to screening for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). If you display symptoms, you may face quarantine or further testing.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Singapore. Your ETD should be valid for a period of at least 6 months. No visa is required on an ETD when entering or transiting Singapore.