Travel Notice for Los Angeles Fires
14 January 2025
Recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been causing significant disruption, prompting evacuation orders in several regions and impacting air quality across the county.
Singaporeans going to or in the Los Angeles area are advised to exercise vigilance, monitor developments at their intended destinations through the local news, and heed the instructions of local authorities. Detailed information on the fires can be found on the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) website (https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents) and emergency notifications can be viewed on the Los Angeles County website (https://lacounty.gov/emergency/).
Singaporeans are strongly advised to eRegister with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg if they have not done so. Singaporeans are also encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and conditions of their insurance policy. Singaporeans in need of consular assistance in the Los Angeles area may contact the Consulate-General of Singapore in San Francisco or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:
Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in San Francisco
Address: 595 Market Street Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94105-2846, USA
Tel: +1-415-543-4775/ +1 415 290 9000 (After office hours)
Email: singcg_sfo@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
As of 11 May 2023, all international air travellers entering the US are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine. Singaporeans are advised to stay abreast of the latest medical developments by referring to the advisories on the websites of U.S. CDC (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) and the local and state government depending on the location you are visiting or residing in. Please maintain appropriate health insurance and coverage while in the U.S.
The U.S. State Department’s travel guidelines for the Visa Waiver Programme are at https://travel.state.gov/
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
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.
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