Singapore: laws, vaping, alcohol and fines, a couples guide

Singapore has a reputation as the perfect city, and in many ways it is: orderly, clean, efficient, with impeccable leisure options. But that perfection stands on rules that are really enforced. This guide summarises what the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice says, consulted in November 2026, so a couple can travel calmly and avoid the kind of fine that ruins a holiday. It is a summary and does not replace your own country's advice: entry conditions and guidance depend on your nationality.

Before you fly: entry and paperwork

According to the advice, British citizens need no visa for tourism or business. The immigration officer decides the length of stay, normally between 30 and 90 days, and overstaying can bring fines, prison, caning or deportation. Your passport must expire at least six months after arrival. You must also complete the electronic SG Arrival Card within three days before travel; it includes a health declaration and giving false information is illegal. Iris, face and fingerprint data are recorded on entry and exit. Declare to customs anything that may be prohibited or dutiable.

What cannot go in your suitcase

The prohibited items the FCDO cites include vaporisers and e-cigarettes, chewed or injected tobacco products, chewing gum for sale, weapons and ammunition (including empty cartridge cases and air guns), replica guns including pistol-shaped lighters, and radio communications equipment. For the full list, the advice points to the Singapore Customs website. As a couple, pack together and check pockets and washbags: a forgotten vape in a jacket is a real problem.

Drugs: no grey area

The advice is categorical: drug offences have very severe consequences, even for small amounts. Above certain thresholds trafficking can be charged, and penalties include prison, caning and the death penalty, also for transit passengers. Airport scanners check the baggage of people changing flights, and traces of drug use in your system on arrival or in transit can mean denial of entry or arrest. There is no "personal use" defence.

Vaping and tobacco

Vapes are banned; bringing one in is illegal even for personal use, it will be confiscated and a fine can follow. The minimum age to buy, use, possess or sell tobacco is 21. Smoking is banned in all public parks, beaches and along certain waterways, and Orchard Road is a No Smoking Zone: smoke only in designated areas.

Alcohol and nightlife

Drinking alcohol in a public place is illegal between 22:30 and 07:00, except at restaurants, bars and licensed venues. In the Geylang and Little India Liquor Control Zones, street drinking is banned all weekend, on public holidays and on their eves. You can be arrested for being drunk and incapable in public, fighting, inappropriate touching, drink-driving or drinking outside permitted hours and areas; penalties include fines, prison and caning. The practical conclusion: enjoy the night inside licensed venues and get home by official transport.

Public conduct

The advice lists other behaviour that can prove costly: littering (on-the-spot fine), graffiti (fines, prison and caning), disrespecting or intimidating a public official, offering money to an official (zero tolerance for bribery), using false ID, and outraging modesty or molestation, with fines, prison and caning. Displaying other countries' flags or emblems in public is illegal without an exemption. Gatherings and demonstrations without police permission are too, and non-permanent-resident foreigners are barred from outdoor demonstrations even with permission. Filming an illegal gathering is forbidden, and a foreigner giving a public talk on racial, religious or political topics needs a permit.

Crime and scams

Violent crime and theft are rare, according to the advice, but use the hotel safe and do not leave bags unattended. Phone and online scams are common, often with fake officials or bank staff, and false molestation claims used for extortion have been described. If you are arrested, you may not be allowed to speak to anyone, even a lawyer, during questioning; offering money to officials can mean further charges; and under investigation your passport is taken and you generally cannot leave while the case is open, with no set timeline, so you must be able to support yourself. Good insurance and your embassy's details written down help.

Driving

A UK licence is valid for up to 30 days; after that a 1949 international driving permit is also required. Drink-driving carries serious penalties, and after an accident with damage or injury you must stay at the scene, give your details and inform police within 24 hours.

Couples, diversity and personal freedom

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but marriage and partnerships are not recognised. For couples looking for lifestyle venues, we could not verify any in Singapore from an official source, so we publish none. Our Singapore for couples page covers what is certain: the skyline, the food and the rules.

Quick checklist before you leave

1. Check the entry conditions for your nationality.
2. Complete the SG Arrival Card within the three days before arrival.
3. Leave vapes at home.
4. Review medication: some drugs may be regulated.
5. Take out insurance with medical cover.
6. Plan how to get home before the night out.

If you are linking countries, see our guides to Bali and Indonesia and Malaysia.

Frequently asked questions

Can I vape in Singapore? No: vapes are banned and bringing them into the country is illegal, even for personal use.

Until what time can I drink on the street? Until 22:30; between then and 07:00 it is prohibited outside licensed venues.

What happens if I am arrested? According to the advice, you may not be allowed to speak to anyone during questioning and your passport can be held during the investigation.