Safety in Singapore: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 5 March 2026.
Safety
- Crime — Security across the island is considered very good and the crime rate is very low. Still take the usual precautions and do not leave luggage, bags or belongings unattended, especially in crowded places. On public holidays take particular care in the Little India tourist district, where the authorities keep attention and control high.
- Outrage to modesty — The offence of sexual harassment — "outrage to modesty" — is read very broadly and cases involving tourists are frequent: a woman can report anyone over any behaviour she found harassing, including accidental physical contact or a verbal remark. The accused is arrested immediately, released only on bail from a guarantor who must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, and kept without a passport and unable to leave the country for months, self-funded, until the investigation closes. Penalties run to 2 years in prison, a fine, caning or a combination.
- Storms and lightning — In the rainy season, roughly September to March, but at other times of year too, violent storms — usually short — can cause accidents. Singapore is particularly exposed to ground lightning strikes, so if you are outside do not stop under trees or near pools.
- Haze — From July to October the island, otherwise in line with European pollution levels, can be hit by an intense layer of smog ("haze") from the annual forest fires in Indonesia. The phenomenon has intensified in recent years and can cause health problems, particularly for children and the elderly, and lead to public buildings closing.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 5 March 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Singapore before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 5 March 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.