Singapore: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic
Tough
Overall verdict for Singapore: Tough. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.
Singapore: read the 3 riskiest rules free →
🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Smoking, Weapons
The 23 topics at a glance
Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed
How Singapore compares
With 5 of 23 topics flagged red, Singapore is more relaxed than 6 of the 9 other countries in South-East Asia (regional average: 7.1). Worldwide, Singapore ranks #65 of 148 for strictness (tied with 9 other countries).
What sets it apart
- Smoking: flagged red here, while only 16 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Fines: flagged red here, while only 22 of 148 countries are this strict.
- Theft & scams: relaxed here, while 118 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
- Photo & video: relaxed here, while 100 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
What to watch most in Singapore
- The vape is the real trap: several countries fine or arrest for simple possession, including devices with no nicotine.
- Indoor smoking bans now cover terraces, beaches, parks and bus stops in a growing number of cities.
- Throwing a butt on the ground is a separate, and often expensive, littering offence.
- Littering, spitting and cigarette butts — small acts, disproportionate fines in strict cities.
- Jaywalking is enforced with cameras in some countries and ignored in others.
- Eating or drinking on public transport is fined in a growing list of cities.
- You have the right to contact your consulate. Ask immediately, and repeat the request until it happens.
- A consulate cannot get you out, but it can find a lawyer, notify your family and monitor conditions.
- Never sign a statement you cannot read. Demand an interpreter, in writing if possible.
Singapore at a glance
CapitalSingapore
CurrencySingapore Dollar (SGD)
LanguageEnglish, Malay, Chinese, Tamil
Emergency number999
Driving sideLeft
Mains voltage230 V
Calling code+65
Time zoneUTC+08:00
Plug typesG
Land bordersNone (island or enclave)
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore strict with tourists?
Overall verdict: Tough. 5 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Smoking, Weapons, Fines, Jail risk), 9 require caution.
What can get me fined or arrested in Singapore?
The strictest topics for travellers in Singapore are: Drugs, Smoking, Weapons, Fines, Jail risk. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.
Where do I find the exact rules for Singapore?
In LawsTravels: open Singapore, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.
What is the emergency number in Singapore?
In Singapore, dial 999. Capital: Singapore. Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD). Main language: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Singapore?
In Singapore, traffic drives on the left. Mains voltage: 230 V. Calling code: +65. Time zone: UTC+08:00. Plug types: G.
Countries with the closest profile
Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.
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