Australia has reopened its borders to travellers. For further information, please refer to the websites of the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Australian High Commission in Singapore.
For the latest updates on Australia’s COVID-19 situation, you may also wish to refer to the official website of the Australian Department of Health for information on public health travel advisory affecting travellers from Singapore. As entry restrictions may change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the nearest High Commission of Australia to ensure that you have accurate information for your specific purpose prior to departure.
Singaporeans are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Some visas can be applied online, while others need to be applied at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Singapore.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides that Singapore citizens visiting for short-term tourism or business may apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (visa subclass 601) via the ETA app (from Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android)) before their travels. The ETA, if granted, will be valid for one year and will allow Singapore citizens to visit multiple times for up to 90 days per visit. Singapore citizens may also apply for a Long Validity Visitor visa (visa subclass 600) at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Singapore. Applicants must provide their personal biometric identifiers when they apply for the visa. The visa, if granted, will be valid for six years and will allow Singapore citizens to visit multiple times for up to 90 days per visit. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the Australian High Commission in Singapore for up-to-date information.
Australia commits to strict biosecurity policies to protect its unique environment and its human, animal and plant health. Before you arrive in Australia, you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card. You must mark “YES” on your card if you are carrying, on your person, in your luggage or carry-on, goods that may pose a biosecurity risk, such as plant material, animal products, certain food, traditional medicine or herbs and wooden articles. You must declare honestly as false or misleading declaration is a serious offence in Australia. For more information on biosecurity, you may visit the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.
Visitors or long-term stayers in Australia must ensure they do not overstay beyond their given visa period. Overstaying is taken very seriously by the Australian Border Force and may also result in difficulties for future visits to Australia. Hence, if you intend to stay longer than the period granted on your visa, or find out that your visa has expired, you must seek advice from the nearest Department of Home Affairs office. Further information and guidance can be found on the Australian Border Force website.
While Australia is generally safe, there have been incidents of pickpocketing, apartment break-ins or vehicle break-ins. Hence, you must exercise precautions on personal safety and over your belongings at all times. Vehicle break-ins are particularly common in tourist spots in Western Australia, for which care must be taken not to leave belongings unattended in your rental/vehicles, to avoid, among others, the loss of your passport, wallet, bag, other valuable items, and incurring fees payable for a damaged rental vehicle.
Australia is geographically almost as large as the United States. Visitors to Australia often underestimate the distances taken to travel from one location to another. Interstate overland travel (by car for example) across Australia can last hours to days. Distance-driving under unfamiliar road and weather conditions along with irregular mobile phone connectivity in rural areas heightens the risk to a foreign driver’s safety and well-being. If driving, it is important that you plan your journeys carefully, and take frequent rest breaks. Where possible, also consider alternative travel options such as bus or coaches, when visiting remote tourist spots. If you plan to drive, please ensure that you bring along your passport and driving licence, familiarise yourself with and adhere to road and traffic rules in the state that you are travelling.
Australia imposes strict penalties for any driver that flouts traffic and road rules.
It is strictly illegal, in all Australian states, if the driver or passenger does not wear a seatbelt. In Western Australia, for example, not wearing a seatbelt will result in a penalty of the minimum of AUD 550.00 as a passenger. Drivers are responsible for their passengers, and will also be penalised just as much if any passenger is unrestrained. Please refer to Tourism Australia for a guide on Australia’s road rules and regulations.
Causing harm in any traffic accident in any state in Australia is a serious offence, and offenders will be prosecuted, with the potential for severe penalties including jail time.
Citizens who are detained by law enforcement authorities in Australia can request Consular access, and the authority will procedurally offer Consular access to detained foreigners. Any detained citizen will need to expressly consent to Consular access before the Singapore High Commission can render assistance to them.
Visitors to Australia should note that bushfires are not uncommon in Australia during hotter months. Visitors should pay attention to local media and monitor for news of bushfires in the area. If asthmatic, such visitors should exercise precautions such as staying indoors or wearing a mask when outside. For more information on bushfires, visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website or refer to the relevant websites below on air quality and other alerts in the respective States:
Australian Capital Territory
• ACT Emergency Services Agency
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
• QLD Fire & Emergency Services
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
• Victorian Country Fire Authority
Western Australia
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
While travelling
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.
