Travel Report for Singapore

Country Profile for
Singapore

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 21, 2006 8:48 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:47 EST

Singapore

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times due to the possibility of further terrorist actions and civil disorder. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

All Canadians travelling to Singapore must be in possession of a valid Canadian passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Singapore. Please see ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (below) for further details.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Robberies and sexual assaults have increased. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent at the airport, at hotels, and near tourist areas. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

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. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. Public transportation is widely available.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. 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 below) in the event of an emergency.

There are two monsoon seasons: in the northeastern part of the country from December to March and in the southwestern part from June to September.

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6. LOCAL 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.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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 does not recognize dual citizenship. On attaining the age of 21, a citizen must decide which citizenship is to be retained. This 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. Canadian citizens who have dual nationality may be subject to compulsory military service and other requirements while in Singapore. Those affected should enquire at a Singaporean embassy or consulate regarding their status.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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, spitting, and the importation and sale of chewing gum. Littering is subject to a fine of SG$1,000. Caning is a mandatory sentence for vandalism and may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offences. Shoplifting is considered a serious offence.

Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences and fines. Common-law relationships are not recognized.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

Singapore - SINGAPORE, High Commission of Canada
Address: One George Street, #11-01Singapore 049145, Singapore
Postal Address: P.O. Box 845, Singapore 901645, Singapore
Tel.: 65 6854-5900
Fax: 65 6854-5912
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 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Singapore is 8000-100-100, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Singapore and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on January 12, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Consulate of the Republic of Singapore, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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 Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers may be subject to medical screening upon entry to Singapore. Persons with symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome (temperature over 38 degrees Celsius) may be required to undergo further medical examination.

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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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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9. MONEY

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. ATMs are widely available.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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. GENERAL INFORMATION

Singapore (capital: Singapore) is an island republic located in southeastern Asia, between Indonesia and Malaysia. It is linked to Malaysia by two causeways. The official languages are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English. Tourist facilities are widely available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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 Medicine Program Web site.

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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Excellent medical care is available.

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.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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.

For further 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
Singapore 298136
Tel: 65-6258-9595
Fax: 65-6354-8140
Web site: www.familytown.gov.sg

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. 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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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