Singapore travel advisory today

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.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you enter Singapore. This also applies to passengers in transit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: required

The Ministry of Manpower allows work pass exemptions for certain activities. If you qualify for an exemption, you must notify local authorities through their e-notification system.

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may also approve, under certain circumstances, an extension of the 30-day stay period.

Useful links

• Visa extensions – Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore
• Work pass exemptions – Ministry of Manpower of Singapore
• Entry security requirements – Singaporean Immigration and checkpoints authority

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

All travellers are required to submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), which can be done online up to 3 days prior to arriving in Singapore. The SGAC also asks for your travel details as well as health status.

Your biometric information (iris, face and fingerprints) will be scanned and recorded as you enter and exit Singapore.

From January 30, 2026, Singapore authorities will enforce a No-Boarding Directive (NBD) policy for any travellers who pose health, security, or immigration threats to the country, including travellers who have:

• past entry refusal or a criminal record
• invalid visas, insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months)
• not complied with health protocols or are missing required vaccine documents
• links to fraudulent activity
• been named on any watchlist

Information on Singapore Arrival Card – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Government of Singapore

Health entry requirements

Canadians planning to study, work or reside in Singapore for longer than 6 months must undergo a complete medical examination that includes a chest X-ray and a test for HIV. Issuance of an employment pass, long-term immigration pass or permanent residence is subject to the outcome of the medical report.

All testing must be completed in Singapore.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).