Safety and health in Singapore

Question 1

Is Singapore safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Violent crime and theft are rare in Singapore, and the police say crime remains under control. Scams are the more common problem, often a phone call from someone posing as an official or a bank employee. Leave spare valuables in the hotel safe and keep your bag with you.

Question 2

Is tap water safe to drink in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Singapore's tap water is safe to drink straight from the tap, without any further filtration. Samples are tested daily from the reservoirs to household taps, and the water stays well within World Health Organisation guidelines. We'd carry a refillable bottle and top it up at your hotel before heading out into the heat.

Question 3

Do I need insect repellent in Singapore, and is dengue a risk?

Accepted Answer

Dengue circulates in Singapore and spreads through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, so repellent is worth packing. The Aedes mosquito is most active in daylight, with peaks around dawn and dusk, though it can bite at night in well-lit areas. Choose a repellent with DEET, picaridin or IR3535, which work better than citronella or other plant-based ones.

Question 4

Is it safe for children outdoors when the haze is bad?

Accepted Answer

Children can carry on as normal while the 24-hour PSI is 100 or below. At 101 to 200 the advice is to minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor exertion, and at 201 to 300 to minimise outdoor activity. Check the PSI on NEA's haze site before you head out, and keep an indoor plan like a rainy day in Singapore ready.

Question 5

Is it safe to swim at Sentosa's beaches?

Accepted Answer

Sentosa's three beaches have Good water quality, which makes them suitable for swimming. Swim between the red and yellow flags, where Beach Patrol officers supervise, and stay out of the water in thunder and lightning. Box jellyfish have been spotted along Singapore's coasts, so ask the patrol if you're unsure. We'd start at Palawan Beach, the calm one.

Question 6

What should I do in a lightning storm while outdoors in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

In a lightning storm, seek shelter in a building or a car, and don't shelter under tall trees or small structures such as a tent. Stay away from the sea, pools and other water, and wait at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before carrying on. We'd set up lightning alerts on the myENV app before an outdoor day.

Question 7

What should LGBTQ visitors know about the law in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Sex between men is no longer a crime in Singapore: Parliament repealed section 377A of the Penal Code in 2022. The Constitution lets laws define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and the law does not recognise same-sex marriage or partnerships. LGBTQ support groups and social venues exist in Singapore.

Question 8

What are the emergency numbers in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Call 999 for the police and 995 for an ambulance or the fire service. If it isn't safe to talk, text 70999 to reach the police. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment can text 70995 for the Civil Defence Force. Call 995 only for life-threatening emergencies.

Question 9

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Singapore requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from anyone who was in a country with yellow fever risk in the six days before arriving. That includes airport transits of more than 12 hours, and travellers without a valid certificate can be quarantined for six days. A certificate becomes valid 10 days after the vaccination and lasts for life, so book it well before you fly.

Question 10

Can I bring my prescription medicine into Singapore?

Accepted Answer

You can bring up to three months' supply of your own medicine if it needs no approval and isn't prohibited. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter, and keep each medicine in its original, labelled container. Some medicines need approval before you travel, and medicines in chewing gum form aren't allowed at all, so check your ingredients against the Health Sciences Authority's list first.