Singapore Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Singapore. A Social Visit Pass of up to 90 days is granted on arrival by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Since 2024, all travellers including British nationals must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) online before arrival. This replaced the old paper disembarkation card. It must be submitted within 3 days before your arrival date via arrival.ica.gov.sg and is completely free.

Singapore is a very safe and welcoming destination for British travellers, consistently ranking among the world's most liveable and efficient cities. However, the city-state enforces its laws strictly. Visitors should familiarise themselves with local regulations before travelling.

Direct flights from the UK to Singapore:

• British Airways operates daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Singapore Changi (SIN)
• Singapore Airlines also operates direct LHR to SIN services and is consistently rated the world's best airline
• Scoot (Singapore Airlines' budget subsidiary) operates from London Gatwick with one stop

Approximate flight time: 13.5 to 14 hours non-stop from London Heathrow.

Singapore Changi Airport has won the title of world's best airport multiple times and is a destination in itself, featuring gardens, a waterfall, a cinema, and an extensive shopping mall within the terminal complex.

Singapore's currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).

Cards and payments:

• UK Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted almost universally in Singapore
• Contactless payments are standard across shops, restaurants, taxis, and hawker centres
• Local apps such as PayNow and PayLah are widely used by residents but are not required by tourists. Your UK card will work fine
• ATMs are widely available at Changi Airport, MRT stations, shopping malls, and 7-Elevens

Cost of living:

Singapore is one of the more expensive cities in Southeast Asia, broadly comparable to London for hotels, international restaurants, and transport. Budget travellers can eat well cheaply at hawker centres, where dishes typically cost SGD 4 to 8.

Local laws and regulations:

• The sale of chewing gum is banned; do not bring large quantities into the country
• Vandalism is a criminal offence and can carry caning as a punishment
• Drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Do not carry any controlled substances under any circumstances
• Jaywalking is a fineable offence. Use designated crossings
• Smoking is banned in most public areas; look for designated smoking zones

Getting around:

• Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is excellent, cheap, and covers the entire city; buy an EZ-Link card or use your contactless UK card directly on the gates
• Grab (Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber) is widely used and reliable

Food:

• Hawker centres are open-air food courts serving authentic local dishes at very low prices, a must for any visitor. Try chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and chilli crab.