Key Legal Requirements & Regulations for Tourists Entering Singapore

1. Passport Validity & Visas

Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond departure.

Visa required for certain nationalities; some may qualify for the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility.

2. SG Arrival Card (SGAC) & Health Declaration

Submit within 3 days before arrival (online or ICA app).

3. Prohibited Items & Customs Declarations

Declare goods exceeding GST/duty-free allowance.

Prohibited: firearms, firecrackers, imitation tobacco, vapes/e-cigs, chewing gum (except medical), and certain media.

4. Onward Travel & Overstay

Must show onward/return ticket and sufficient funds.

Overstaying is an offense; extensions via ICA e-services only.

5. Yellow Fever Vaccination

Mandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever–risk countries.

6. Behavior & Local Laws Tourists Must Observe

Cleanliness: Heavy fines for littering, spitting, jaywalking, or vandalism.

Chewing gum: Import and sale banned, except medical.

Drugs: Zero tolerance; severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking.

Vaping: Import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes strictly prohibited; fines up to S$2,000.

Smoking:

Only in designated smoking areas (often marked by yellow boxes).

Banned in restaurants, malls, public transport, covered walkways.

No duty-free tobacco allowance; all cigarettes/tobacco are taxable.

Hawker Centres & Food Courts:

Diners must return trays and clear tables after meals.

Non-compliance may result in fines (up to S$300 for first offense).

Respect national symbols: Misuse of the Singapore flag or emblems is punishable.

Public assemblies: Foreigners may not participate in or attend political demonstrations.

Summary Table

Requirement / Law     What Tourists Must Know

Passport & Visa     6 months validity; visa if required

SG Arrival Card     Submit within 3 days before arrival

Customs     Declare goods; no prohibited items

Onward Travel     Must show return ticket + funds

Yellow Fever Vaccination     Mandatory if applicable

Drugs     Zero tolerance; severe penalties

Vaping / E-cigs     Completely banned; fines up to S$2,000

Smoking     Only at designated areas; no duty-free tobacco

Chewing Gum     Import/sale banned (except medical)

Hawker Centres & Food Courts     Return trays & clear tables; fines for non-compliance

Littering & Cleanliness     Strict enforcement; heavy fines

Public Assemblies     Foreigners cannot participate or attend

⚠️ Disclaimer

This is a general guide highlighting key laws and regulations commonly relevant to tourists. Singapore has many other laws and regulations that visitors are required to observe. 

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and official government sources.