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Travelling to Singapore

Travellers should refer to the ICA website for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting  through  Singapore. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid- 19 . 

Travel Notice for China

Singaporeans intending to travel to China should refer to the PRC Embassy website for the latest announcements on travel requirements, restrictions, advisories issued by the Chinese authorities at  http://www.chinaembassy.org. sg/eng/lsfw/ .

With effect from  9 February 2024 ,  holders of ordinary passports issued by Singapore will be exempted from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in China, under a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with China.  Please refer to ICA’s website for more details:  https://www.ica.gov.sg/news- and-publications/newsroom/ media-release/mutual-30-day- visa-exemption-arrangement- between-singapore-and-the- people-s-republic-of-china

Entry and Exit

Travellers to Mainland China are no longer subject to quarantine on entry since 8 January 2023.

From 30 August 2023, travellers to Mainland China are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests before entering China.

Safety and Security

Lost passports: Singaporeans who lose their passports while travelling in China should report the loss to a neighbourhood police post or the relevant Chinese authority (it is usually the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau). The person concerned should report the loss to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) immediately via the ICA's e-service ("Report Online") using the person's Singpass Account. If a new passport is required, an application may be submitted via ICA's e-Service one working day after reporting the loss. Please refer to ICA's website at  https://www.ica.gov.sg/documents/passport/loss  for more information. Alternatively, the person may approach the Singapore Embassy or the nearest Singapore Consulate-General with a copy of the Loss of Passport Report from the Police or the relevant authority, one passport-sized photograph (instant photograph is acceptable) and documentary evidence of his/her citizenship (e.g. NRIC or driving license) to report the loss and apply for a new passport.

If you wish to return to Singapore immediately, a Document of Identity (DOI) may be issued to you upon confirmation of your citizenship with ICA. With the DOI, you are required to go to the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau to obtain an Exit Permit before you can leave China. You may be required to prove to the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau that you have registered with a hotel or a local police station when you first arrived in China. This is to facilitate investigation by the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau before they can issue you an Exit Permit to leave China. It normally takes about 5 working days to obtain the Exit Permit for foreigners who have lost their passports in China.

Crime: China is generally safe, particularly in the major cities. Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Nonetheless, travellers should undertake the usual precautions and be responsible for your own safety and belongings. Please take an authorised taxi where possible. 

Beware of fraud: Foreigners have been the target of a number of scams when travelling in China. It is important that you stay informed and vigilant against scams and do not reveal sensitive personal information or bank details to unauthorised personnel.

Road Safety: Pedestrians should be alert at all times to unexpected oncoming traffic. Drivers should note that there are stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

China has a good public transport system. You will need a valid ID (e.g. passport) to buy a train ticket and may need to show it again before boarding.

Weather: Weather conditions vary across China. The rainy season occurs between April and October.  Typhoons can occur in the South and East coasts between May and November.  Please monitor the local weather report before travelling to any part of China. Some provinces such as Sichuan and Yunnan are prone to earthquakes as they lie within the active seismic zone.

In case of air pollution, those susceptible to respiratory problems can consider taking necessary precautions. The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China ( www.mep.gov.cn ) provides a daily update on the Air Quality Index for major cities in China.

To receive the latest news from our China Missions, you may wish to eRegister ( https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg ) once you have confirmed your travel to China.

All foreigners should abide by local laws.  The penalties for drug offences are severe.

In accordance with the Chinese Exit-Entry Administration Law, all foreigners are required to register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will normally register you with the PSB as part of their check-in process. Otherwise, you will have to register yourself at the nearest police station.

Foreigners above 16 years of age are expected to carry their passports with them at all times. Random checks may be carried out by Police during periods of heightened security and political events.

There are restrictions on political activities for foreigners, including participation in public protests. Travellers should exercise caution to avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings. 

Additional Information

Elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions should bring along medical prescriptions and medication which may not be available in China. 

Tap water in China is generally not potable. Travellers can consider buying bottled water for consumption. 

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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Before You Fly: Singapore's Updated Travel Advisory Demands Attention

Jetsetters, take note of the spike in covid-19 cases in singapore and the latest travel advisory to ensure a safe and smooth experience..

By: Priyaja Bakshi Published: Dec 19, 2023 10:00 AM UTC

Singapore has witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past month, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue a travel advisory to curb the spread of the infection. The Singapore Travel Advisory emphasises the importance of wearing masks, particularly in public spaces such as Singapore Changi International Airport.

Singapore has experienced a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases during the first week of December. The reported cases surged from 32,035 to 56,043 between December 3-9. According to the Ministry of Health, the predominant variant in Singapore’s COVID-19 cases is JN.1, a sublineage of BA.2.86. Stay informed about the evolving situation and adhere to recommended guidelines to safeguard public health.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is crucial to prevent severe illness. The government has strongly encouraged the public to “wear masks in crowded places, even if they are sick”. Additionally, individuals with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms are urged to stay at home and refrain from contact with others.

COVID-19: Singapore Ministry of Health issues travel advisory

Travellers are advised to take necessary precautions, including avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation, wearing masks at the airport , and obtaining travel insurance.

For those planning travel during the upcoming peak season, a health risk assessment with a doctor four to six weeks before departure is recommended. Vaccination advice and prophylaxis should be sought, including compliance with yellow fever vaccination requirements for visiting Singapore. Staying current with vaccinations and boosters according to the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) or National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) is crucial.

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During the trip, practising good personal hygiene—regular handwashing, use of hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, and covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing—is essential. Additionally, travellers should consume fully cooked food, avoid raw or undercooked items, and be cautious with water sources. After the trip , individuals feeling unwell are urged to wear masks, inform healthcare providers about their travel history, and seek medical attention promptly.

More details on Singapore’s Minister of Health website .

(Feature image credit: DerekTao/Shutterstock)

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Priyaja Bakshi

Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. .. Read More As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less

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China Embassy Singapore Travel Advisory: What Singaporeans Need to Know

China and Singapore have a strong relationship and many Singaporeans travel to China for business or leisure. However, with any international travel, it is important to be aware of potential safety concerns and to take appropriate precautions. The Chinese embassy in Singapore issues travel advisory for Singaporeans visiting China and it is important for travelers to be aware of these issues and to follow the guidelines provided by the embassy. In this article, we will discuss the key points of China’s embassy in Singapore travel advisory and offer some tips for staying safe while traveling in China.

One of the main concerns for Singaporeans traveling to China is the risk of civil unrest or protests. Tensions between China and some other countries have risen in recent years, and there have been instances of protests and demonstrations in China. The Chinese embassy in Singapore advises Singaporeans to avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place, and to be aware of any local news and developments.

Another concern is the risk of crime, especially in larger cities. The Chinese embassy in Singapore advises Singaporeans to take precautions such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

In addition, the Chinese embassy in Singapore also advises Singaporeans to be aware of the risk of personal injury or illness while traveling. Passengers are advised to take appropriate precautions such as getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and staying informed about their destination’s health risks.

Despite these warnings, many Singaporeans still choose to visit China. If you decide to travel to China, it is important to take some basic precautions. For example, it is a good idea to keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place and to stay in touch with the Chinese embassy in Singapore.

Another important thing to consider while traveling in China is to be respectful of local customs and traditions. China has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to be aware of cultural norms and customs, especially when it comes to things like dress and behavior.

In conclusion, the Chinese embassy in Singapore issues travel advisory for Singaporeans visiting China, and it is important for travelers to be aware of potential safety concerns and to take appropriate precautions. By following the guidelines provided by the embassy, and being respectful of local customs and traditions, Singaporeans can help ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience in China.

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US considers easing warnings for Americans traveling to China

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150 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247969

E-mail: [email protected]

For visa and legalization issues, please contact Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC)

Tel: +65-67139380 (9:00-14:00, Monday - Friday, except holidays)

E-mail: [email protected]

Homepage: https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP2_EN/

For Chinese passport and notarization issues, please contact Consular Section of Chinese Embassy

Tel: +65-64712117, +65-62581795 (9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, Monday - Friday, except holidays)

E-mail: [email protected]

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://sg.china-embassy.gov.cn

Update April 12, 2024

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Follow our news, recent searches, singapore condemns iran's aerial attacks on israel, deeply concerned about 'volatile situation' in middle east, advertisement.

MFA also urged Singaporeans to defer all travel to Iran in light of the latest security situation.

Demonstrators wave Iran's flag as they gather on the streets of Tehran on Apr 14, 2024, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel. (Photo: AFP/Atta Kenare)

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SINGAPORE: Singapore condemns the overnight aerial attacks on Israel, which Iran stated was in response to an attack on its diplomatic premises in Damascus earlier this month, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sunday (Apr 14).

"These escalating attacks exacerbate tensions and further destabilise an already tense region," it added.

After launching hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel late on Saturday, Iran said that the assault was in retaliation for a strike on its Damascus consulate in Syria on Apr 1. The incident killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders.

"Singapore remains deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the Middle East, and the continuing danger of the war in Gaza triggering a wider regional conflagration," said MFA.

"Singapore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalatory actions.

"The focus should be on securing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of hostages; and the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected civilians throughout Gaza."  

In a separate statement earlier on Sunday, MFA advised Singaporeans to defer all travel to Iran in light of the latest security situation.

It also urged Singaporeans who are in Iran to remain vigilant and monitor developments closely.

"Singapore has no diplomatic mission in Iran, which constrains our ability to extend consular assistance in an emergency," said MFA. 

For Singaporeans who are already in Iran, it strongly encouraged them to e-register with the ministry so that they are contactable should the need arises. 

Those who need consular assistance while in Iran may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/8855 or  mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack in April.

The Gaza war began with the unprecedented Oct 7 attack by Palestinian militants Hamas against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,686 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, said the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

Snap Insight: Iran-Israel conflict will get worse before it gets better

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Singapore tightens rules for expat workers with an eye on local discontent

The city-state is raising the salary threshold for foreigners to get a work permit amid stiff local competition for jobs.

Singapore – One of the world’s most open economies is attempting a delicate balancing act.

On the one hand, the Southeast Asian city-state wants to lure the world’s best and brightest to bolster its workforce, one of Asia’s most diverse.

Keep reading

Us officials probe new whistleblower claims against boeing, us arms ukraine with thousands of seized iranian guns, rifles and munitions, ratings agency fitch lowers china’s sovereign credit outlook to negative, biden says israel’s netanyahu ‘mistaken’ on gaza.

On the other hand, it has to assure locals competing with foreigners for jobs that the system works for them, too, nipping potential resentment or xenophobia in the bud.

From next year, the government will tweak that calculus in favour of locals by raising the salary threshold for foreigners seeking approval to work in the city-state.

Last month, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower announced that new applicants for the Employment Pass (EP) system will have to earn at least 5,600  Singapore dollars ($4,140) per month, up from 5,000 Singapore dollars ($3,700).

Applicants working in the financial services sector will have to earn at least 6,200 Singapore dollars ($4,600), compared with 5,500 Singapore dollars ($4,100) at present.

“By regularly updating the qualifying salaries based on the set wage benchmarks, we ensure a level-playing field for locals,” Manpower Minister Tan See Leng told parliament during a budget debate.

Analysts said the changes were not surprising for a government that has regularly tweaked the rules for expat workers, most recently in September 2022, when it raised the salary threshold by 500 Singapore dollars ($370).

Walter Theseira, an associate professor and labour economist at the Singapore University for Social Sciences (SUSS), said the move had been “telegraphed [for] a number of years”.

Theseira said that while the EP system was originally intended to import highly-skilled workers to fill gaps in the workforce, “the criteria seemed to have expanded and EP holders became more prevalent in the middle of the market as well”.

“This was perceived by local workers to be unwelcome competition for jobs that many skilled locals could do, so the government responded by re-calibrating the EP again upwards, so that based on salaries, it now targets more clearly the high-end,” he said.

For decades, Singapore, an island with no natural resources that is about the size of New York City, has built its reputation on an openness to foreign talent.

The number of EP holders has grown substantially over the years, fuelled in part by anxiety over the country’s rock-bottom birthrate and greying population.

As of December last year, there were about 205,400 EP holders in the city, up from 161,700 during the same month in 2021.

As far back as 2021, Tan acknowledged that Singaporeans, though recognising the need to attract foreign talent, had concerns that the influx came at the “expense” of local businesses.

A labour market report released by the Manpower Ministry last month showed that employment growth in 2023, comprising 88,400 positions in Singapore – excluding migrant domestic workers – was largely made up of foreigners.

The revision of the EP qualification criteria can be seen as “a strategic move” to appease age-old tensions over hiring foreign talent amid a crowded job market, said Joshua Yim, the CEO of Achieve Group, a talent acquisition consultancy.

The changes also come as the Southeast Asian country is gearing up for one of the most politically significant transitions in its history.

Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party is set to fight the next general election, due by 2025, under new leadership as incumbent Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong prepares to step down after some two decades in office.

The issue of foreign workers became salient in the 2011 general election, when public discontent simmered over rising competition for jobs and increasing pressure on public infrastructure.

While most Singaporeans and permanent residents agree that immigration is generally good for the economy, slightly more than half also believe that immigrants take jobs away from locals, according to a 2021 survey by the Institute of Policy Studies.

In another survey conducted by the research firm Milieu Insight, Singaporeans were almost evenly divided on whether the nation struck the right balance between bringing in foreign workers and protecting local jobs.

Sid Suhas, the senior vice president and head of EMEA & APAC at the talent acquisition firm Cielo, said the visa changes are likely to prompt large employers to “focus more on attracting, developing and nurturing the local talent pool, particularly for junior professional and mid-level lower-skilled roles.”

With the higher salary threshold, companies are likely to adopt “a skills-first approach” when employing foreigners, Suhas said, focusing on talent in areas such as AI, technology, engineering and healthcare.

“The trend of limiting foreign talent deployment to specific skills and industries is inevitable. In the past, foreign talent had the opportunity to develop their careers in Singapore across various roles but now, the focus will likely be on senior and niche positions,” Suhas told Al Jazeera.

Suhas said he has already seen companies exploring alternative locations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, as a means of relocating key talent while still maintaining proximity to Singapore.

“Most SMEs [small to medium-sized enterprises] do not rely much on EP workforce as their core talent pool,” Yuit told Al Jazeera.

“Selected businesses may have EP hiring in the stated 5,000 or 5,500 [Singapore dollars] range for specialised roles but usually, that is for time-limited, project engagement or if they are in specialised sectors that rely on a foreign talent pool because of a lack of matching local workforce.”

But the increased labour costs could affect the profitability of SMEs with tighter budget constraints, said Achieve Group’s Yim.

“Local SMEs may not be so well-oiled in terms of their processes and operations, as compared to the MNCs,” Yim said.

“They will feel the heat because they have to go up against the big players with the financial muscles who can offer higher EP salaries and attract better-quality talent. They might feel that talent is being stolen away and thus, this group is at the shorter end of the stick.”

Xu Le, a lecturer from the department of strategy and policy at the National University of Singapore’s Business School, said the policy change could “spur local companies to think out of the box and explore alternative methods to enhance overall operational efficiency and labour productivity”, in turn benefitting the economy.

Beatrice Liu-Cheng, the CEO of Oriental Remedies Group, said that while the higher-qualification threshold could pose challenges for her chain of Chinese medicine clinics, it would also be an “opportunity to further enhance the diversity and expertise” within its workforce.

Liu-Cheng said the changes would encourage her to seek out and nurture Singaporean talent through training programmes, mentorship initiatives and partnerships with educational institutions.

While the migration changes are set to raise the cost of doing business, Singapore’s advantages, including a business-friendly environment, its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, will continue to attract international companies, analysts said.

Singapore is expected to remain “the preferred choice” for firms’ regional headquarters, said Cielo’s Suhas, even if deploying smaller teams becomes more common due to the higher costs.

Suhas said the changes would also accelerate the various government initiatives aimed at creating high-quality jobs for locals, including early talent programmes and re-skilling programmes for mid-to-late career professionals.

“As a result, we anticipate that global companies setting up in Singapore will increasingly prioritise hiring Singaporeans,” he said.

Singapore ranks second in the 2023 World Economic Forum’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index, behind Switzerland.

Nicholas Sim, an associate professor at SUSS’s business school, said that businesses seeking to establish a foothold in Asia are still likely to prioritise Singapore due to its “high-quality infrastructure, efficient and stable government and access to a high-calibre talent pool”.

Besides the EP scheme, there are other avenues for foreign talent to come to Singapore.

In 2023, the Manpower Ministry launched the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass for “top talent” in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research.

As of January, the ministry had approved nearly 4,200 applications for the pass.

“Going forward, it’s a clear sign that the Singapore government wants to bring high-calibre individuals into the Singapore workforce – and firms will need to deliberate more carefully about hiring top-tier foreign candidates who are skilled and can add to Singapore’s long-term competitiveness,” Yim said.

”All the more, MNCs will see Singapore as a place for the cream of the crop.”