CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Singapore

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 9 has been updated (the information on the APEC meetings has been removed).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Singapore

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Singapore do not experience problems. The crime rate is relatively low.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

The crime rate is relatively low and violent crime against foreigners is rare. However, there have been some reports of robberies and sexual assaults. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs especially at the airport, hotels, and other areas frequented by tourists. Exercise caution and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Police assistance is available by dialling 999. Fire and ambulance services can be obtained by calling 995.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery occur against ships in Southeast Asia, in and around Singapore, in the Straits of Malacca, and between Riau Province and Singapore. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Singapore. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Consulate of the Republic of Singapore, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Singapore. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Singapore. This rule is very strictly enforced. Canadians have had difficulties entering Singapore without a six-month validity remaining in their passports. Officials at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore are limited in their ability to assist such Canadians. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket. You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Tourist visas are issued for 30 days upon arrival at the airport and for 14 days at the Malaysian border for overland travellers. Tourist visas may be extended for stays up to 90 days.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for those arriving from infected areas. If you arrive from an infected area and do not have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry.

In 2008, local authorities implemented new exit requirements whereby travellers will be fingerprinted upon departure.

Tourist Visa: Not required (maximum stay of 30 days)
Business Visa: Not required (maximum stay of 30 days)
Student Visa: Required

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Singapore - SINGAPORE, High Commission of Canada
Address: One George Street, #11-01 Singapore 049145
Postal Address: P.O. Box 845, Singapore , 901645
Tel.: 65 6854-5900
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-2326-6831
Fax: 65 6854-5913
E-Mail: spore@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.singapore.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Singapore and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 001-800-2326-6831.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

There are current or recent outbreaks of chikungunya in areas of Africa and Asia and the Indian subcontinent, including India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. For more information, see the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) website.

The PHAC is monitoring an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by enterovirus 71, occurring in Sinapore.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Excellent medical care is available. Payment for services if often expected up front.

Travellers to Singapore should be aware that H1N1 screening measures may be implemented on short notice at ports of entry depending on the progress of the outbreak.

Canadians planning to study, work, or reside in Singapore for longer than six months must undergo a complete medical examination that includes a chest x-ray and a test for human immune deficiency virus (HIV). All testing must be completed in Singapore, not in Canada. Issuance of an employment pass, long-term immigration pass, or permanent residence (PR) will be subject to the outcome of the medical report. For enquiries related to health matters, contact the Ministry of Health at 65-6225-4122.

In 2007 there has been an increase of reported cases of dengue fever in some areas of Singapore. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (containing DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by enterovirus 71, occurring in China and surrounding areas including Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Travellers are reminded to always practise good hand hygiene, and follow food and water precautions. For more information, please consult the Travel Health Notice posted by PHAC.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

For more information on the legal system in Singapore, please consult the website of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Unauthorized demonstrations are illegal, even when only one person is involved. Under Singapore law, an assembly of five or more people requires a permit, and the police can arrest without warrant, any person suspected or involved in disrupting the public order. The police may also seize and take possession of any article or personal belonging from a suspect. Convicted offenders may face imprisonment. Canadians are advised to avoid protest sites and large gatherings, and follow the advice of local authorities.

The penalty for drug offences is very strict and can include the death penalty. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. Sentences can be up to 10 years in prison.

Singapore has strict laws and penalties against a variety of actions that may not be illegal or may be considered minor offences in Canada, including jaywalking, littering, spitting, smoking in public places, and the importation and sale of chewing gum. Chewing gum, eating and drinking on the Mass Rapid Transit is illegal. 

Vandalism offences carry a mandatory sentence of corporal punishment. Shoplifting is considered a serious offence. 

Lesser offences such as “outrages of modesty” (inappropriate behaviour by men towards women) carry corporal punishment (rattan cane).

Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face jail sentences and fines.

Common-law relationships are not recognized.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. Public transportation is widely available and considered safe.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Singaporean dollar (SGD). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Foreign exchange bureaus are available at the airport, hotels, and some shopping centres. Automated banking machines are widely available.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Unrestricted burning in neighbouring Indonesia periodically causes atmospheric pollution to rise to unhealthy levels. Levels change quickly and should be closely monitored. Travellers with respiratory problems should take this into account and consult with their physician prior to travelling.

Singapore is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore (see above) in the event of an emergency.

Monsoon season occurs twice a year. Northeast monsoon season takes place from December to March and southeast monsoon season occurs from June to September. During these periods Singapore experiences increased rains and heavy winds.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

Fore more information on adoption in Singapore, please contact :
Child Welfare Services (Adoption Unit)
Family & Child Protection & Welfare Branch
Ministry of Community Development
512 MCDs Building # 09-00
Singapour 298136
Tel. : 65-6258-9595
Fax : 65-6354-8140
Web site: www.familytown.gov.sg

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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