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 and related travel advisories, please refer to the MOH website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-
Travellers are advised to refer to the official Macao SAR COVID-19 website for the relevant anti-epidemic measures before departing for Macao.
Singaporeans can visit Macao for up to 30 days without a visa. If you plan to stay more than 30 days, you will need to obtain an extension from the Macao Immigration Department.
If you plan to work or study in Macao, you must obtain a visa prior to arriving in Macao. For the latest visa requirements, please contact your travel agency, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore, or the Macao Public Security Police Force Border Control Department.
Customs Regulations: Travellers who fail to declare to customs officers in accordance with Macao law, or make false or incomplete declarations; or import goods that are subject to pre-licencing system without relevant licences (e.g., firearms, medications and endangered species of animals and plants); or import/export counterfeit or infringing goods, can be subject to prosecution, and the relevant items will be seized. Please refer to the Macao Customs Service’s website for further information.
Macao’s crime rate is generally low but pickpocketing and other street crime can occur. Singaporeans are advised to take extra care of personal belongings including travel document, money, and valuables in crowded areas, and while travelling on public transportation.
Drugs: Do not become involved with illicit drugs in any kind. Any person who traffics, manufactures, has in possession, or uses any dangerous drugs shall be liable upon conviction to a fine and imprisonment (see here).
Stay in legal accommodation: When visiting Macao, Singaporeans should lodge in licensed hotels or inns, and not stay in illegal accommodation operated without a license. At present, there is no legal ‘family hostel’ or ‘Bed and Breakfast’ in Macao. You face a fine of MOP 3,000 if you are found staying in illegal premises. In case of doubt about the legality of the premise where you are staying, please check with the Macao Government Tourism Office by calling +853 2831 5566 or consulting their website.
Photography: Taking photos or recordings without consent, or against the will of the relevant parties is against the law, and person shall be liable upon conviction to imprisonment and a fine (see Article no. 191 of Penal Code).
It is prohibited to record images or sounds in casinos, and to use mobile phones or other communication devices within three metres around gambling tables (see here).
The typhoon seasons in Macao normally runs from May to October, where the peak extends from July to September. Typhoons may cause flooding and landslides. Local warnings are issued in advance. Public offices and public transportations will shut down when Typhoon Signal No. 8 and above is hoisted.
We advise Singaporeans to monitor local weather updates from the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau’s website and heed the advice of the local authorities.
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.
