U.S. Embassy Singapore

27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
Telephone: +(65) 6476-9100
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(65) 6476-9100
Fax: +(65) 6476-9232
Email: singaporeacs@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Singapore for information on U.S.-Singapore relations.

To enter Singapore, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay. If you plan on regional travel beyond Singapore, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter other countries in the region. You do not need a visa for tourist or business visits up to 90 days.

Visit the Embassy of Singapore website for the most current visa information. 

All travelers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration no more than three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore, except: those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and residents travelling through the land checkpoints.

SGAC submission is free of charge. Please visit Singapore’s immigration services website to submit the SGAC.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Singapore. Foreign workers applying for an employment pass are required to undergo a medical screening for HIV/AIDS. A positive test will result in the rejection of a foreign worker’s application.

Please visit the CDC website for immunization information.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Crime: In Singapore, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. Travelers should be aware of the following penalties for certain crimes in Singapore:

• Jaywalking, littering, or spitting - possible arrest 
• Vandalism - mandatory caning (a form of physical punishment).
• Immigration violations - possible imprisonment, caning, or fines
• Drug-related crimes- severe penalties, including the death penalty or caning.
• Illegally possessing or carrying firearms, or committing crimes with firearms – severe penalties.
• Sex crimes or sexually inappropriate behavior – possible imprisonment, caning or fines. Lewd, unwanted behavior, including inappropriate comments, messages, or photography toward women who find it offensive may result in fines and imprisonment (“insulting the modesty of woman”). Laws regarding unwanted physical contact of any kind (“outrage of modesty,” molestation) are gender neutral, and punishments are generally more severe.

Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond the age of 22, and it strictly enforces universal military service for all male citizens and permanent residents. To determine if you have a national service obligation, contact the Ministry of Defense.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (65) 6476-9100. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regard to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. We strongly recommend you purchase medical evacuation insurance.

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, put in prison, or even caned. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

If you are suspected of consuming or possessing illegal drugs, police may:

• Conduct unannounced drug tests and property searches, including upon entry into Singapore
• Require you to provide a urine or blood sample on short notice
  
  
• A positive finding or an unwillingness to participate can lead to:
• Denial of entry into Singapore
• Detention
• Confiscation of your passport while under investigation

Singaporean authorities may arrest and convict any permanent residents of Singapore even if they have consumed illegal drugs outside of Singapore.

Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond the age of 22, and it strictly enforces universal national service for all male citizens and permanent residents. To determine if you will have a national service obligation, you should contact the Ministry of Defense.

Drunk and disorderly conduct can lead to a SG$1,000 fine or imprisonment. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am. The areas of Geylang and Little India are designated as “Liquor Control Zones” where drinking in public places is prohibited all weekends, on public holidays, and on the eve of public holidays.

Public Demonstrations: Public demonstrations are legal only at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park, and most outdoor public assemblies require a police permit. Singapore amended its laws in April 2017 to forbid foreign nationals who are not permanent residents from observing permitted public demonstrations, assemblies, and processions at Speakers’ Corner. The law does not distinguish between participants and observers, so anyone at Speakers’ Corner could be considered part of an event. Penalties may be severe, including large fines and/or imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: The Singapore Convention of Jehovah’s Witness and the Unification Church continue to be banned by the Singapore government. All written materials published by the International Bible Students Association and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, publishing arms of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, remained banned by the government.

See our following webpages for additional Faith-based traveling details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Singapore does not recognize same-sex unions. The Penal Code criminalizes any “act of gross indecency” between two men and prescribes a sentence not exceeding two years for those found guilty under this law. The Singaporean government has stated that it will not enforce this section of the Penal Code, but it remains on the statute books. The government issues permits for open air events that openly champion LGB issues on a limited basis, but new regulations restrict foreign involvement. LGB individuals may have difficulty gaining employment in certain sectors of the civil service. The Ministry of Manpower does not issue dependent passes (work permits) to partners in lesbian and gay relationships, even if legally married in another country.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: Singapore has established a comprehensive code of standards for barrier-free accessibility, including facilities for persons with physical disabilities in all new buildings, and has mandated the progressive upgrading of older structures. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is responsible for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and implementing programs and services in the disability sector.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Singapore dial 995.

Ambulance services are widely available.

U.S. Embassy Singapore maintains information on doctors and hospitals here. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

In certain circumstances, the Ministry of Health may access patient medical records without the consent of the patient, and in certain circumstances physicians may be required to report information relating to the diagnosis or treatment without the patient's consent.

Employment pass holders are subject to medical exams and may be denied or deported on medical grounds, including for HIV infection.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage. Also, check the general Traveler Advice for Singapore. Select your destination in the CDC Travelers’ Health webpage.

• Review all sub-sections. these include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Review the CDC Traveler Advice webpage that provides advice on medical considerations including Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Singapore.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates and ZephAir for additional locations.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country.
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Singapore.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Dengue
• Chikungunya

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Singapore.

Mosquito-borne diseases: Dengue is active in Singapore and can be monitored at the Singapore National Environmental Agency. In addition, most neighboring countries are Zika endemic.

Haze: Air pollution from forest fires in neighboring countries occurs intermittently, usually between July and October. Singapore’s National Environmental Agency’s Haze provides public updates on conditions.

Road Conditions and Safety: Singapore has a highly developed, well-maintained road and highway network. Be aware of motorcyclists, who often ignore lane markings.

The Automobile Association (AA) of Singapore provides roadside assistance, and the Land Transport Authority has rescue vehicles on the road at all hours. In addition, closed circuit cameras monitor all major roads has rescue vehicles on the road at all hours. In addition, closed circuit cameras monitor all major roads.

Traffic Laws: Driving is done on the left-hand side of the road. Laws involving traffic rules, vehicle registration, and liability in case of accident are strictly enforced and violations may result in criminal penalties.

Public Transportation: Public transportation and taxis are abundant, inexpensive, and reliable. Bus stops and trains have panels indicating all routes and stops.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Singapore’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Singapore’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Singapore should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted via to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings.