Singapore — Living: Safety

Key facts

• 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.
• Crime: Violent crime and theft are rare in Singapore.
• Laws and cultural differences: The public display of the national flags or emblems of other countries is illegal except where a specific exemption has been granted.
• Transport risks: If you are planning to drive in Singapore, see information on driving abroad and read the Singapore Highway Code .

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. … (continues on the FCDO page)

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.

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