There have been ongoing demonstrations and cases of unrest in several cities in the United Kingdom following the Southport attack on 29 July 2024. Singapore citizens residing in or travelling to the UK are urged to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, including monitoring the media for information and updates. They should avoid affected areas as much as possible due to potential violence stemming from ongoing protests and rioting.
Singapore citizens in need of consular assistance can contact the Singapore High Commission in London Emergency Tel: +44 (0) 7710 348 335 or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours) Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855.
Singaporeans can visit the UK without a visa and will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK from 8 January 2025 onwards. Singaporeans can apply for an ETA on the UK ETA website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. Details on the ETA requirements, costs, and application process are available at this website.
Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. (We recommend that travellers should have at least six months passport validity.) If you're planning to visit the UK for more than six months, or for any purpose other than tourism, please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration to ensure you apply for the appropriate visa.
As visa requirements often change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the British High Commission in Singapore for up-to-date information.
The UK is not part of the Schengen area, and a passport is required to travel between the UK and other European countries, including Ireland.
From 20 May 2019, Singaporeans are eligible to use eGates at 15 air and rail ports in the UK for quicker automated immigration clearance into the UK. However, not everyone should use the eGates. In this regard, please check the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coming-to-the-uk/faster-travel-through-the-uk-border.
UK airports administer extensive security screening for passengers. If you are flying to the UK, allow extra time for extended screenings and luggage checks at your airport of departure. Check the UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/arriving-in-the-uk for further information on these measures and on current hand luggage restrictions at UK airports.
You must declare to Customs:
The UK faces a serious and challenging threat from terrorism, international groups, domestic extremists and Northern Ireland-related groups.
On 15 November 2021, the UK threat level for international terrorism was raised from ‘Substantial’ to ‘Severe’ (level four on a five point scale, with level five being the most likely), which means an attack is highly likely. The threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland-Related Terrorism remains at ‘Severe’.
Threat levels do not have an expiry date. They can change at any time as different information becomes available to security agents. For more information on the current threat level, please visit the Home Office website at www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-
Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activities to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321. Members of the public should:
The Police Service, the British Transport Police and many partners in the UK and abroad work very hard to keep the public safe from threats. Attacks are infrequent but the simple ‘Run Hide Tell’ guidance offered by the National Police Chiefs’ Council is useful and relevant when you encounter a firearms and weapons attack, the video guidance for which can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUCW_
The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services is 999 in the United Kingdom. You should also use this number to report security threats or suspicious packages.
Travellers and residents encounter petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mobile phone theft, across the UK, especially in crowded tourist locations.
All visitors and residents are subjected to local laws and penalties. Research on local laws prior to arrival especially for extended stays. Do note the following laws that can affect your visit or stay:
There are strict regulations on drone flights (with/without fitted cameras). Read more here.
Useful link on “your rights and the law” can be found here: www.gov.uk/browse/justice/rights
Health: While medical services are widely available, free medical care under the National Health System (NHS) is extended only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders. Please refer to the NHS’s guidance on the way overseas visitors are charged for NHS hospital care.
Ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance before you travel.
Road Conditions and Safety: You can drive any small vehicle (e.g. car or motorcycle) listed on your full and valid licence for 12 months from when you last entered Great Britain (GB)
Public Transportation:
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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