Singapore

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Singapore set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Singapore High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Singapore, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you are resident in Singapore, there is no minimum passport validity required. Apply for a renewal before your passport expires.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Singapore-British dual nationals

Singapore does not recognise dual nationality beyond the age of 21. A citizen of Singapore is required by Singapore law to renounce any other nationalities before the age of 22 in order to retain their Singaporean citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Singapore without a visa for tourism or business. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority decides who can enter Singapore and how long they can stay. The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is normally between 30 and 90 days for British citizens.

Penalties for overstaying

Penalties for overstaying the time allowed include fines, imprisonment, caning and deportation depending on how long you have overstayed. When arriving and departing Singapore, biometric details, including your fingerprints are recorded electronically.

Checks at border control

You must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before you arrive in Singapore. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. It is illegal to submit a false declaration. Biometric information is also recorded and scanned when you enter and depart Singapore (iris, face and fingerprints).

Screening: Drugs

Penalties for drug possession, including cannabis, are severe. If you are carrying or transporting drugs, you can be imprisoned, caned or executed.

You can be screened for drugs in your system on arrival in Singapore, including if you’re in transit. You can be charged with drug consumption or detained without trial even if the drugs were taken in another country, including countries where the use of that particular drug is legal. See Illegal drugs

Ship’s crew

There are different entry requirements if you are crew working on ships, small vessels, or pleasure crafts arriving at one of Singapore’s ports or marinas.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Singapore, if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk for yellow fever, or if you have been in such a country in the previous six days prior to arrival, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination. If you arrive from one of these countries without a certificate, the authorities may put you in mandatory quarantine or refuse you entry to Singapore.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Singapore guide.

Accommodation

There are strict laws that prevent private homes being used for short-term rental, including for tourists.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Singapore. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It’s illegal to import controlled drugs. If convicted, you could be imprisoned, caned or executed.

The following items are also illegal to bring into Singapore:

• vaporisers and e-cigarettes
• tobacco products that are chewed or injected
• chewing gum to sell
• weapons and ammunition (including empty cartridge cases and air guns)
• replica guns, including lighters shaped like a pistol or revolver
• radio communications equipment

See the complete list of prohibited items on the Singapore Customs website.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Singapore

Ambulance and fire: 995

Police: 999

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Singapore
• dealing with a death in Singapore
• being arrested or imprisoned in Singapore
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Singapore on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.