United States

The U.S. State Department’s travel guidelines for the Visa Waiver Programme are at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html. As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the United States Embassy in Singapore (Email: support-singapore@ustraveldocs.com, Tel: +65 3158 5400) for up-to-date information. Singaporeans who require further information on entry into the United States can also visit the United States Department of State’s Visas website at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html. 

Crime: To prevent petty theft and pickpocketing, ensure that your travel documents and personal belongings are secure at all times.  Be reminded not to leave bags or valuables unattended or in plain view in parked cars (especially rental vehicles).

Active Shooter:  Active shooter incidents happen from time to time.  Advice on how to respond in an active shooter incident can be found on the United States Department of Homeland Security website at https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/active-shooter-preparedness.

Terrorism: The United States Department of Homeland Security also provides information about credible and specific terrorism threats.  For current alerts, please visit the National Terrorism Advisory System website at https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system.

Laws in the United States vary from state to state. You are subject to the laws of the state where you are physically present.  Please visit the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at  https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Services/Singapore-Citizens/I-Need-Help-Overseas/Arrest-or-Detention to find out how MFA may assist you if you are arrested or detained.  Additionally, Singaporeans are reminded to carry a photo ID with you at all times.

Some parts of the United States experience natural disasters and severe weather.  If you are in areas affected by natural disasters, you should monitor media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially if mandatory evacuation orders are issued. 

Singaporeans are encouraged to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at https://www.fema.gov and the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Ready website at https://www.ready.gov to learn how to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. 

Earthquakes: Several US states are prone to earthquakes.  To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, please visit https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.

Hurricanes: The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November, and can affect several US states.  You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the United States National Hurricane Center’s website at www.nhc.noaa.gov and follow instructions issued by the local authorities.  To learn more about how to prepare for hurricanes, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes. 

Snowstorms: Snowstorms during winter can cause delays and cancellations throughout the major airline hubs in the United States.  Contact your travel company or airline before you travel.  To monitor airport conditions in the United States, visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.  You may also visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather to learn what to do before, during and after a snowstorm.

Wildfires: Wildfires can be a danger in dry areas, and especially in canyons, hills and forests.  High winds can cause fires to spread very rapidly.  More information about wildfires can be found at the United States National Interagency Fire Centre website at https://www.nifc.gov/.  You may also visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn what to do before, during and after a wildfire.

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

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

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.