OSAC Country Security Report Singapore
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OSAC Country Security Report
Singapore
Last Updated: July 28, 2021
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses
Singapore at Level 1, indicating that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Singapore. Review
OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Singapore 11 out of 163 worldwide,
rating the country as being at a Very High state of peace. In the survey, Singapore reported the lowest
levels of fear of violence in the world; fewer than 5% of Singaporeans reported being very worried about
being the victim of violent crime.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as being a low-threat location for crime directed
at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime
“C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Singapore.
The crime emergency line in Singapore is 999. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance
brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Singapore remains one of the safest cities in the world. Gallup's 2020 Global Law and Order report
ranked Singapore first in the world for the seventh consecutive year. The World Justice Project's Rule of
Law Index 2020 also ranked Singapore first for order and security. Crime is generally non-confrontational
and non-violent in nature, and incidents are typically crimes of opportunity (e.g., purse snatching,
pickpocketing, theft of unattended property). Violent crime is rare. If a weapon is involved, it is likely an
edged weapon (e.g., knife, box cutter), as authorities strictly control firearms, and the punishment for
possessing them is severe.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Geylang and certain lower-cost government housing areas suffer from more serious crimes (e.g.,
mugging, loan sharking, and illicit drug use). However, the rate is still lower than comparable areas in the
U.S. Geylang is a known “red light” district, harboring prostitutes and reportedly hosting an increase in
organized criminal gangs. Prostitution is legal, but various prostitution-related activities – public
solicitation, under-age prostitution, pimping, living on the earnings of a prostitute, maintaining a brothel –
are not. In practice, the police are believed to unofficially tolerate and monitor a limited number of
brothels. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs,
Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for
Singapore.
1Kidnappings are uncommon. There have only been three confirmed cases of kidnapping for ransom in
the last 13 years; authorities arrested and jailed for life all perpetrators. The last kidnapping for ransom
occurred in 2014, involving the mother of the CEO of a popular supermarket chain. The victim was
released unharmed, and authorities recovered the ransom. The two suspects received life sentences in
prison.
Kidnapping scams, in which a perpetrator calls a victim and advises him/her that a member of the family
has been kidnapped and will be harmed unless a ransom is paid, are more likely to occur than actual
kidnappings.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Drug Crime
There are severe penalties for narcotics trafficking, up to and including the death penalty and caning for
even a small quantity of drugs. Even convictions for minor drug use/possession will result steep fines and
imprisonment. If the police have reason to believe an individual has consumed drugs, they have the right
to subject the person to a urine test and/or hair test. Failure to provide a urine or hair specimen will result
in a fine or imprisonment or both. Despite strict laws with severe punishment, one can find drugs in
Singapore. Methamphetamines, new psychoactive substances, and cannabis are the top three categories
of drugs abused in Singapore.
Incidents of victims unknowingly ingesting a drug that has been placed in their drink occasionally occur.
Individuals who decide to frequent bars and nightclubs should exercise vigilance with their drinks and
should not accept drinks from strangers.
It is also illegal to possess, purchase and use vaporizers in Singapore. This includes e-cigarettes, e-
pipes, and e-cigars. Penalties can include fines of up to SGD $2,000. Importing vaporizers through online
shopping or other means can carry steeper penalties, to include imprisonment for up to 12 months.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for
Singapore. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Singapore.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Singapore as tied for the lowest
score out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having no impact from terrorism.
Terrorism: General Threat
Singapore remains relatively free from credible terrorism threats. The Singaporean government, however,
regularly cites terrorism as one of its top concerns, and is keenly aware of the threats posed by self-
radicalized Singaporeans and returning terrorist fighters. Authorities are concerned returning foreign
terrorist fighters and self-radicalized individuals from neighboring countries might attempt to travel to
Singapore to conduct an attack.
2A small number of Singaporean citizens have traveled to Syria to join ISIS. Local media has expressed
concerns that home-grown, self-radicalized terrorists may become a security issue. As part of an effort to
counter these concerns, the government has continued to make use of the Internal Security Act (ISA),
which authorizes the arrest and detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities for
up to two years without trial. The exact number of individuals dealt with under the ISA is unknown, but in
early 2021, authorities detained a 16-year-old Singaporean under the ISA for planning to carry out attacks
against two mosques in Singapore. Another notable ISA case in early 2021 involved a 20-year-old
Singaporean detained for planning to carry out attacks against synagogues in Singapore.
Singaporean officials frequently emphasize the importance of community involvement and preparedness
as a critical element in national security. The government-operated mobile app, SGSecure is designed to
better prepare the community against the threat of terrorism. The app allows the public to receive alerts
during terrorist attacks or other emergencies, to send information to the authorities, and to download
information on counterterrorism. Authorities have introduced the SGSecure programs to schools,
workplaces, neighborhoods, and community groups to strengthen individual and institutional
preparedness. Singapore’s Home Team also trains local communities to help prevent and respond to a
terrorist attack. The government holds emergency preparedness days during the year to prepare first
responders and the public for a terror attack. Other initiatives include the formation of neighborhood
volunteer groups composed of citizens who receive instruction of life-saving skills like CPR and the use of
an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Singapore as being a LOW-threat location for political
violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections/Political Stability
Singapore has one of the most stable governments in the world. The government is competent in
managing the country's economy, and is largely free from political corruption.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) first assumed power prior to independence in 1959, and has won
a majority in every general election since 1965. Activists have criticized the PAP for maintaining its
political dominance in part by circumscribing political discourse and action, to include the restriction of
opposition parties. A constitutional provision, however, assures at least nine opposition members hold
seats in parliament.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Although the constitution provides citizens the right to peaceful assembly, parliament-imposed restrictions
in the interest of security, public order, or morality. Public assemblies, including political meetings and
rallies, require police permission. Public demonstrations are legal only at Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim
Park. It is a criminal offense to organize or participate in a public assembly without a police permit; those
convicted may receive a substantial fine. Repeat offenders face steeper fines.
Singapore amended its laws in 2017 to forbid foreign nationals who are not permanent residents from
observing permitted public demonstrations, assemblies, and processions at Speakers’ Corner. The law
does not distinguish between participants and observers, so authorities may consider anyone at
Speakers’ Corner as participating in an event.
For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
3Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore’s security services are professional, well trained, and
well equipped. The SPF line unit structure consists of seven land divisions. The mission of the Divisions is
to prevent, detect, and deter crime. Each Division commands multiple Neighborhood Police Centers and
Neighborhood Police Posts.
The SPF stresses the role of the private sector and the public in fighting crime and terrorism effectively,
establishing outreach initiatives to help the average citizen report crimes. A decrease in the number of
motor vehicle-related thefts, for example, may be partly attributed to the Police Vehicle on Watch (VOW)
project, which uses the more than 10,000 private in-vehicle cameras in over 800 parking lots across
Singapore to serve as additional “eyes,” deterring crime, recording incidents, and providing crucial leads
for police investigations.
Police Response
The police response to crime is professional and effective. Every district has a dedicated neighborhood
police center. Any neighborhood police center, not just the district where the crime took place, will
generally accept the filing of a police report. Authorities routinely hold passports and prevent the
departure of people who are under police investigation for criminal charges.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
The emergency police line in Singapore is 999.
Orchard Road Shopping District Police: + (65) 6733-0000
Central Business District Police: + (65) 6334-0000
Additionally, police use the Police@SG mobile application and the online platform I-Witness to allow the
public to report information about criminal activity.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Singapore is a right-side-drive nation with first-world road conditions, including well-illuminated and well-
paved thoroughfares with English-language signage, and 4- to 6-lane expressways spanning the country.
Although traffic can be a bit more hectic than what is common in the U.S., with drivers seemingly
occupying two lanes at once and motorcycles darting from lane to lane between cars, traffic accidents are
relatively rare. Nevertheless, drivers should be cautious, as speed cameras are present, and police
regularly enforce speeding violations.
Drivers should recognize the difficulty posed by frequent, sometimes heavy downpours that can dump
several inches of water on the roads in a span of minutes.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s
Global Status Report on Road Safety.
For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices,
and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety
abroad.
4Public Transportation Safety
As a result of the high cost of owning a personal vehicle and the government’s significant emphasis on
promoting public transportation, Singapore offers a wide variety of publicly accessible forms of transit (i.e.
bus, rail, taxi, and increasingly, ride-share services). At least half of Singapore’s population rides public
transportation regularly. Public transportation in Singapore is clean, efficient, and safe.
For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and
Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Aviation Concerns
Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN), with its four terminals, is one of the most important
aviation hubs in the region. Changi regularly handles more than 65 million passengers each year. The
airport has been voted number one in the world in terms of customer satisfaction for several years
running. In 2020, Changi topped the Safe Travel Barometer’s list of the world’s safest airports, which
assessed more than 200 airports. This assessment was based on standard security protocols as well as
safety and health initiatives related to COVID-19.
Maritime Security
The International Maritime Bureau assesses the waters in the South China Sea as being at a high risk for
piracy and armed robbery against ships. Numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked
both at anchor and while underway. Hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in
East Asia. Crews have been murdered or cast adrift. The Singapore Straits saw 23 attacks against
commercial vessels in 2020; vessels were boarded in 22 of the 23 incidents, with one crew member
injured, another taken hostage, and two threatened during these incidents
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of
law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Significant human rights issues in Singapore included: preventive detention by the government under
various laws that dispense with regular judicial due process; monitoring private electronic or telephone
conversations without a warrant; serious restrictions on the press and internet, including criminal libel
laws; substantial legal and regulatory limitations on the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of
association; and existence of a law criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men,
although not enforced. The government prosecuted officials who committed human rights abuses.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
Rape is a crime, with maximum penalties of 20 years’ imprisonment and the possibility of caning.
Singapore recently abolished marital immunity for rape, and expanded the definition of rape to make it
gender neutral. For offenses affecting the human body committed by partners in a close or intimate
relationship, even if unmarried, the law imposed up to twice the maximum penalty for these offenses
outside such relationships. Domestic violence is a crime. Victims may obtain court orders restraining the
respondent and barring a spouse or former spouse from the victim’s home until the court is satisfied the
spouse has ceased aggressive behavior. The government enforces the laws on rape and domestic
violence.
5Harassment is a crime, and the law covers harassment within and outside the workplace, cyberbullying,
and bullying of children. The law also prescribes mandatory caning and a minimum of two years’
imprisonment on conviction of any charge for “outraging modesty” that causes the victim to fear death or
injury. The number of Outrage of Modesty cases decreased by 17% in 2020 from 2019. This is likely due
to the COVID-related drop in ridership on public transportation, decreased attendance at shopping malls,
and closure of public entertainment and nightlife venues. In 2019, the Public Transport Security
Command launched the Riders-on-Watch program, which solicits the support of public transport
commuters to aid in keeping Singapore’s public transportation network safe.
The law also subjects to a fine persons convicted of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or
behavior. It also provides a range of self-help measures, civil remedies, and enhanced criminal sanctions
to protect against harassment. Additionally, stalking is an offense punishable by a fine, imprisonment for
up to 12 months, or both.
Consider composite scores given to Botswana by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender
Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of
human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive
health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Botswana, see
the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Section 377A of the penal code criminalizes consensual male-to-male sexual relations, subject to up to
two years’ imprisonment. Authorities have not enforced this law since 2010, and have stated since then
that they do not intend to do so. No laws explicitly protect the LGBTI+ community from discrimination
based on sexual orientation. As of 2020, the amended Protection from Harassment Act has covered
same-sex partners, who now enjoy access to legal protections such as expedited protection orders in
cases of harassment or violence, including by close and intimate partners.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s
webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Singapore is a modern, developed city that is accessible for travelers with physical disabilities. The
government maintains a comprehensive code on barrier-free accessibility and standards for facilities for
persons with physical disabilities in all new buildings, and mandated the progressive upgrading of older
structures. Singapore’s public transportation network is also equipped to accommodate travelers with
physical disabilities.
To bulk up this section, you can use info from Section Six from the country’s Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
The Singapore Government has banned the Singapore Convention of Jehovah’s Witness and the
Unification Church. All written materials published by the International Bible Students Association and the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, publishing arms of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, remain banned.
Possible penalties include fines and imprisonment.
6Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific
information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-
based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment in Singapore is rare. Favorability of the United States by Singaporeans remains high.
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment,
Corruption &/or Transparency
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. The law permits arrest without warrant and detention
without trial in defined circumstances, such as under the Internal Security Act and Criminal Law Act.
Persons detained under these circumstances have a right to judicial review of their case, but the scope is
limited by specific legislation.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Singapore 3 out of 180 worldwide,
where 1 means most transparent.
Communication Issues
According to Singapore’s Internal Security Act and other legislation, the government may restrict or place
conditions on publications that incite violence, counsel disobedience to the law, have the potential to
arouse tensions in the county’s diverse population, or threaten national interests, national security, or
public order.
The law permits government monitoring of internet use, and the government closely monitors internet
activities, such as social media posts, blogs, and podcasts. The Infocomm Media Development Authority
(IMDA) can direct service providers to block access to websites that, in the government’s view, undermine
public security, national defense, racial and religious harmony, or public morals. Political and religious
websites must register with the IMDA.
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Singapore 160 out of 180 worldwide,
where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Singapore’s internet
freedom as Partly Free, and its Freedom in the World report rates Singapore’s freedom of speech as
Partly Free.
Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.
Health Concerns
Emergency Health Services
Healthcare services are first-rate. Private citizens from around the world travel to Singapore for medical
treatment. Most doctors and hospital staff speak fluent English. Most hospitals have medical centers with
doctors practicing a wide variety of specialties.
In the event of medical emergency, dial 995. Ambulance services are available across Singapore, though
response times may vary. Find contact information for available medical services and available air
ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.
7Singapore is a preferred U.S. Department of State regional medical evacuation destination. Air
ambulance services providing evacuation services from Singapore are typically not required.
Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate, up-front payment for health services by credit card or
cash. Providers generally do not accept U.S. health insurance. Providers may require a substantial
deposit before admitting patients for any major medical treatment. The U.S. Department of State strongly
recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State
Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for
Singapore. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel
Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events
or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way,
Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad;
and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Singapore experiences outbreaks of common mosquito-transmitted illnesses such as Dengue Fever.
Travelers have minimal risk from malaria; prophylactic Malaria medications are not currently
recommended. There are sporadic cases of Zika Virus reported in Singapore.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Prior to attempting to bring personal medications into Singapore, refer to Singapore’s Health Sciences
Authority (HSA) website for guidance. Some medications may require specific approval from HSA. Find
requirements for traveling to Singapore with personal medications online.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Environmental Public Health Regulations regulate the quality of drinking water, with standards based on
World Health Organization Guidelines. Generally, tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. On occasion,
one might encounter poor tasting water due to chlorination or discolored water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
Singapore has not experienced significant natural disasters in recent years.
In September 2019, a thick haze from burning brush in Indonesian Sumatra covered much of the island,
elevating the Pollutant Standards Index to above 100 for the first time in three years. This resulted in
potential health risks for certain segments of the population prone to respiratory problems, the elderly,
and young children. Recess and other outdoor activities at schools were disrupted during this period.
View the Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for Singapore online. Singapore’s National Environmental
Agency’s Haze program also provides public updates on conditions.
8Cybersecurity Concerns
Singapore is a digitally connected city, making it susceptible to online crimes, many perpetrated by
foreign online syndicates. Consequently, e-commerce scams remained the top scam type in Singapore.
E-commerce scams rose by 19.1% in 2020 from the previous year. Social media impersonation scams,
banking-related phishing scams, and non-banking related phishing scams recorded the second, fourth,
and eighth highest number of reported cases respectively amongst all scam types. All three registered
significant increases in 2020 compared to 2019. The Scam Alert website informs about various types of
scams in Singapore, and recommends steps to avoid becoming a victim.
The number of cyber extortion cases increased in Singapore by 260% in 2020 from 2019. Social media
(particularly Tinder, Facebook, and MiChat) was the most common platform for these cases. These cases
typically involved criminals befriending online individuals, developing their trust, and getting the victims to
agree to perform compromising or indecent acts in front of a camera. The criminal would then use the
footage or images to extort payment from the victims.
According to government reporting, the number of government data security incidents in Singapore rose
44% from 75 in fiscal year 2019 to 108 in FY2020. Although the number of data incidents increased, there
was a downward trend in the severity of the incidents, with none of the FY2020 incidents assessed to be
of high severity.
Singapore has introduced criminal offenses for technology-related crimes such as voyeurism and sexual
exposure. The Protection from Harassment (Amendment) Act made doxing (publishing private
information) an offense, improved judicial procedures for victims of online falsehood harassment, and
enhanced protection for harassment victims.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi,
Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
The Chinese Government uses an array of duplicity to obtain sensitive information. One such scheme
involved a Singaporean national who was recently convicted in the United States for using career
networking sites and a false consulting firm to lure Americans with government security clearances, who
might be of interest to the Chinese government, and to try to gain non-public and classified information.
China is relentless in its pursuit of U.S. technology and policy information in order to advance its own
interests.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
This country has no known issues with landmines.
Import/Export Restrictions
A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are
otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
9Photography
Singapore is a photo friendly country. There are no laws against taking photos in public spaces. However,
adhere to “no photography” signs that may be posted in front of government facilities.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Authorities may detail individuals for questioning who do not have a passport or other identification on
their person
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Singapore has a highly developed information and communications technology infrastructure,
government-supported near-universal home broadband penetration, and free public access to wireless
network. The government actively promotes Smart Nation initiative supporting digital innovation;
government oversees service providers, controls Internet content, and regulators lack independence
OSAC Country Chapters
The OSAC Singapore Country Chapter is active and robust, as Singapore is the regional hub for many
U.S.-based organizations with operations throughout Southeast Asia.
Contact OSAC’s Asia-Pacific team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Singapore: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
Hours: Mon-Fri, 0830-1200; Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, 1330-1500
Embassy Operator and after-hour emergencies: +65 6476-9100
Trustworthy News Sources
The most-trusted Singaporean news sources are the MediaCorp broadcast stations (CNA and Channel 5
in English, Channel 8 in Mandarin, and Suria in Malay) and Singapore Press Holdings publications (The
Straits Times, The Business Times, and TODAY in English, Lianhe Zaobao in Mandarin, Berita Harian in
Malay, and Tamil Murasu in Tamil). It is worth noting that while all of these generally provide accurate
reporting, they are government-aligned and generally provide a perspective that is favorable to the
Government of Singapore.
Other Helpful Info
• State Department Country Information
• OSAC Risk Matrix
• OSAC Travelers Toolkit
• State Department Travelers Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations
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