Singapore is one of the most seamless airports to fly into, but it also has some of the strictest entry rules in the world.
Miss even one, and you could face fines, confiscation, or serious delays before your trip even begins.
The good news? These rules are easy to follow once you know them.
Check out the essential rules below so you can breeze through Changi without any surprises. 😊
1. All Tobacco Must Be Declared
Here’s the big surprise for many travelers: Singapore has no duty-free tobacco allowance. Not even one cigarette.
Every single stick you bring in is subject to tax, regardless of where you bought it. That “duty-free” carton from Bangkok or Dubai? Fully taxable the moment you land in Singapore.
But there’s an even bigger catch.
a) Plain Packaging Requirements
Singapore requires all tobacco to meet strict Standardised Packaging rules:
- Drab brown packaging (no logos or brand colors)
- Graphic health warnings covering 75% of the pack
- No slim or novelty pack designs
Most cigarettes sold worldwide do not meet these standards. If your pack has colorful branding or logos, it cannot be imported at all, even if you’re willing to pay the tax.
b) What to Do
- If your tobacco meets Singapore’s packaging standards: Declare it at the Red Channel and pay the duty.
- If it doesn’t: Leave it behind. Non-compliant tobacco will be confiscated and destroyed.
c) Penalties
Failing to declare tobacco is expensive:
- 1st offense: SGD 200 per packet (not per carton)
- 2nd offense: SGD 500 per packet
- 3rd offense: SGD 800 per packet
One undeclared carton (10 packs) means a SGD 2,000 fine. The math adds up fast.
2. Vapes & E-Cigarettes Are Illegal to Bring In
This one catches a lot of travelers off guard. Singapore completely bans vapes, e-cigarettes, and all related products.
There is no “personal use” exception. You cannot bring your vape for the trip, even if it’s just for yourself.
a) What’s Banned
- Vape pens, pod systems, and e-cigarettes
- Heated tobacco devices (like IQOS)
- E-liquids and replacement pods (with or without nicotine)
- Vape batteries and atomizers
b) Detection and Enforcement
Changi Airport uses advanced X-ray scanners that can identify vaping devices inside luggage.
c) Penalties
- Possession: SGD 700 fine (standard enforcement)
- Importation: Up to SGD 10,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail
d) Best Advice
If you accidentally packed a vape, surrender it voluntarily at the Red Channel before screening. This typically results in confiscation without a fine. Trying to sneak it through is considered smuggling.
3. No Gum Importation
Yes, the famous gum ban is real. You cannot bring chewing gum into Singapore, not even a single pack for personal use.
a) What’s Banned
The prohibition covers all types of chewing gum:
- Regular chewing gum (Orbit, Trident, Wrigley’s, etc.)
- Bubble gum
- Dental chewing gum
There is no “reasonable quantity” exception. Even one pack is not allowed.
b) What About Nicotine Gum?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Therapeutic gums (like nicotine replacement gum) and dental health gums are sold in Singapore, but only through pharmacies and doctors.
However, travelers still cannot import them. Even medically prescribed gum from your home country is not allowed through the border.
If you need nicotine gum during your stay, purchase it locally from a Singaporean pharmacy after you arrive.
c) Good to know
Chewing gum in Singapore is not illegal. The law only bans import and sale.
But since you cannot bring it in, you will not have any to chew unless you buy approved medicinal gum locally.
d) What to Do
- Before your trip: Remove any gum from your bags, including therapeutic varieties.
- If you rely on nicotine gum: Plan to buy it at a local pharmacy once you land.
4. Prescription Medicines Can Be Restricted
Bringing your regular medications? In most cases, you’ll be fine. But some common prescriptions require advance approval.
a) General Medications
For standard prescriptions (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes), you can bring up to a 3-month supply without approval.
Just make sure to:
- Carry your prescription or a doctor’s letter
- Keep medication in original packaging with your name on it
- Only bring medicine for yourself or accompanying family members
b) Controlled Substances Require Approval
Certain medications that are routine prescriptions elsewhere are strictly controlled in Singapore. These include:
- Opioid painkillers: Oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl
- Sleep and anxiety medications: Valium, Ambien, Xanax
- ADHD medications: Ritalin, Adderall
- Strong codeine preparations
If your medication contains any controlled substance, you must apply for HSA approval at least 2 weeks before arrival.
c) Cannabis and CBD: Absolute Ban
Singapore has zero tolerance for cannabis products, including CBD oil.
- No medical marijuana exceptions exist
- No quantity is permitted
- Severe penalties apply, including imprisonment
Leave all cannabis and CBD products at home, regardless of their legal status where you live.
5. SG Arrival Card Is Mandatory (Even If Visa-Free)
The old paper arrival card is gone. Singapore now requires all air travelers to submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) electronically.
This applies to everyone, including Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and visitors from visa-free countries.
a) Key Details
- When to submit: Within 3 days before your arrival date
- Where to submit: MyICA mobile app or the official ICA website
- Cost: Free (watch out for scam sites charging fees)
b) What You’ll Declare
- Basic travel and passport information
- Health status (symptoms like fever or cough)
- Recent travel to yellow fever risk areas
c) Don’t Skip It
Without a submitted SGAC, you’ll be stopped at immigration and asked to complete it on the spot, causing delays.
6. Cash Declaration Required Above SGD 20,000
Carrying large amounts of cash? Singapore requires you to declare it.
a) The Rule
If you’re bringing in SGD 20,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must submit an electronic declaration.
This includes:
- Cash (banknotes and coins)
- Traveler’s cheques
b) How to Declare
- Submit Form NP 727 via the MyICA app or SPF website
- Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival
c) Important Note
There’s no limit on how much cash you can bring. The offense is failing to declare it, not carrying it.
d) Penalties
- Up to SGD 50,000 fine and/or 3 years imprisonment
- Funds may be confiscated
7. Strict Food Import Rules
Singapore takes food safety seriously, especially for meat and animal products. The key concept is approved source countries, meaning where the food comes from matters more than how it’s packaged.
a) Meat (Strictly Controlled)
- Limit: 5 kg total
- Allowed sources: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan, and select others
- Not allowed: Malaysia is not an approved source for pork
This means popular items like Bak Kwa (barbecued pork) from Malaysia will be confiscated, no matter how well it’s packaged.
b) Fruits and Vegetables
- Limit: Reasonable hand-carry quantity
- Sources: All countries
- Must be clean and free of soil or pests
c) Processed Foods (Non-Meat)
- Limit: 5 kg or 5 liters, under SGD 100 value
- Sources: All countries
- Includes biscuits, chocolates, cheese, nuts
