Singapore
You’re subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you’re arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.
If you’re arrested, authorities may detain you while police investigate. Investigations and court hearings can take several months.
Police will probably hold your passport. You won’t be allowed to leave Singapore. You can’t get a replacement passport until legal matters are settled.
Drugs
It’s illegal to have drugs in your system. This includes traces being found in blood and urine tests.
You can be charged for consuming drugs even if you took them outside Singapore.
Severe penalties for drug offences include the death sentence and caning.
More information:
Serious crimes
Serious crimes, such as murder, abduction and weapons offences, can attract the death penalty.
Corporal punishment includes caning. This is a penalty for crimes including:
- rape
- rioting
- extortion
- visa offences
- vandalism
Singapore has strict laws for ‘outrage of modesty’ cases. These include:
- assault and offences as a result of being drunk
- men behaving inappropriately towards women
- using inappropriate language
- inappropriate touching
Penalties include jail, fines, and caning.
Minor crimes
Singapore has strict laws and penalties for things that are legal or are minor offences in Australia.
These include:
- smoking in public places or indoor restaurants
- spitting
- importing or chewing gum
- chewing tobacco
- littering
- jaywalking
Racial crimes
Penalties are severe for crimes that affect social, racial or ethnic harmony. These include racial insults, and promoting ill-will and hostility between different races or classes.
If you want to speak publicly on racial, communal, religious or political topics, you must apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass from the Ministry of Manpower.
Alcohol and vaporiser laws
Serious penalties, including detention or jail, apply for these illegal activities:
- being drunk, behaving badly or using offensive language during a flight
- importing vaporisers, such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars, and refills into Singapore, including for your own use
- driving under the influence of alcohol
- drinking alcohol in public places between 10:30pm and 7am
- drinking alcohol in a Liquor Control Zone
Liquor control zones include specified areas in Geylang and Little India. Extra restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays.
Copyrighted and prohibited material
Material that is legal in Australia may be illegal in Singapore. Serious penalties apply, including detention or jail, for bringing:
- pirated copyright material
- printed and recorded material considered obscene or prohibited
Other laws
Serious penalties, including detention or imprisonment, apply for these illegal activities:
- illegal immigration
- overstaying your visa
- same-sex sexual acts between men
- shoplifting and theft
- being caught with weapons, military souvenirs, replica weapons or ammunition, including empty cartridges
- working without a valid work pass — see Travel
- taking photos of official buildings where there are signs banning photos
If you’re working in Singapore, your work pass may be cancelled if you break the law.
Restrictions for COVID-19
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Singapore has strict restrictions in place, including social distancing measures and a requirement to wear face masks when outside of residence. If you do not comply with these restrictions, you could face fines, imprisonment, or lose your visa, work pass or permanent residency. These restrictions may change at short notice. Follow the government’s advice and stay informed about restrictions and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Follow the Singapore Ministry of Health website or the latest update.
More information:
Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government