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Destination Risks
This page offers important information on potential risks in destinations and their associated risk categories for University Travel, aligning with the definitions and travel requirements in the GS&S Travel Policy.
GS&S reviews these risk categorizations on a monthly basis, with major developments prompting an ad hoc review. GS&S maintains a current list of Category X destinations which also communicates risk category changes from the previous month.
Some destinations may have more than one risk category (M for Mixed), depending on the region or city. Be sure to expand a destination's entry for complete details.
Did you know GS&S offers tailored risk consultations for University Travel? If you need further guidance or have specific concerns, whether related to your destination, identity, or planned activities, please reach out to us at globalsafety@princeton.edu.
ISSUES INVOLVING IDENTITY
GENDER
The Solo Female Traveler Index granted Singapore a 1.1 rating in its travel risk index, which ranges from 1 (safest for women) to 4 (most dangerous for women). Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world to visit, including for solo female travelers. Singapore offers a good standard of women’s healthcare, with abortion available on request up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Foreign nationals can only access abortions in exceptional circumstances. These include if the pregnant person has lived in the country for at least four months, is married to a Singaporean national, or if their life is in danger. Contraception is widely available, though emergency contraception requires a prescription.
LANGUAGE
The four official languages are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. The main language used is English, including in educational and business contexts. Visitors are likely to encounter “Singlish”, an informal term for the colloquial, English-based creole that blends Tamil and Malay languages and various Chinese dialects.
RACE
Racial harmony is highly prioritized within Singaporean society; however, tensions exist between the local ethnic Chinese (who make up the majority), Malay, and Indian communities. Travelers of these backgrounds might experience some limited hostility or discrimination but are highly unlikely to phase the risk of violence. Singaporeans may be uncomfortable discussing race relations with foreign visitors.
RELIGION
Singapore is a multi-religious society with no single dominant religion. The main religions consist of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. The Singaporean government has banned the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses and prohibited the denomination from publicizing literature as well as distributing said literature. Travelers are highly unlikely to face risks, including physical security risks, due to their faith.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
The Spartacus Gay Travel Index (GTI) measures the rights of the local and traveler LGBTQI+ community. In 2023, Singapore ranked joint 70th out of 202 countries. Same-sex relationships have been decriminalized, but same-sex unions are not legally recognized. Traditionally conservative societal attitudes have become more tolerant in recent years, reducing risks for LGBTQI+ residents and travelers. Singapore hosts an LGBTQI+ nightlife scene, however, the government prohibits foreign nationals from attending the annual Pink Dot Pride-related rally.
CRIME AND CONFLICT
COMMON CRIME
Crime rates are low in global terms. Singapore is widely considered one of the world’s safest countries and cities. Most crimes recorded are typically non-violent. While not widespread, opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing can take place, particularly in busy areas frequented by tourists, such as Orchard Road, and on public transport. Pickpockets have been known to work in teams to distract targets and then steal items from their bags.
During and following the pandemic, there has been an increase in scams and cybercrimes. In 2022, the government set up the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom) to counter this trend. However, the number of scams increased by 64.5% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Common methods include scammers approaching victims through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, social media, phone calls, online shopping platforms, and SMS messages. Criminals may attempt to impersonate banking providers, bank employees, law enforcement, government officials, and employment recruiters.
Laws in Singapore can be very strict, with harsh penalties on activities such as chewing gum in public, smoking outside of designated areas, jaywalking, and vandalism. Singapore also has very harsh penalties for drug-related crimes, whether related to drug use, possession, or trafficking. In several cases, foreign nationals have received severe sentences, with laws being more strictly enforced than in other countries.
Avoid leaving valuables and bags on show in parked vehicles or residences.
Avoid walking with valuable items in eyesight for prolonged periods.
Never give out personal details or identification information, particularly related to financial information, to unknown third parties.
Remain vigilant while traveling in crowded areas, in metropolitan hubs, and by oneself.
Research common scams before your trip.
Research local laws and customs before your trip.
Visit the Scam Alert website to learn more about ways to identify, mitigate, and report common scams.
DOMESTIC UNREST
The risk of domestic unrest is low in Singapore, as protests are strictly controlled by authorities. Demonstrations must be approved by the government before they can proceed and can only be held in Hong Lim Park.
Local laws restrict the right to peaceful assembly for foreigners in Singapore. Foreign nationals cannot participate in or observe even authorized protests since rule changes in 2016. This includes the annual ‘Pink Dot’ event, which is held to show support for local LGBTQ+ rights.
One of the only occasions where unrest was reported in the past decade was the 2013 Little India riot, which led to several arrests and injuries. The riot was sparked by a fatal accident involving a bus and an Indian construction worker in the Little India area of Singapore, which led to violent clashes involving onlookers and emergency vehicles. It is believed that underlying socio-economic tensions also fueled the unrest.
Avoid all gatherings, including demonstrations and protests.
Avoid Hong Lim Park if a gathering is taking place or due to take place.
Plan alternative transport options and routes for important trips.
KIDNAPPING
The overall risk of kidnapping is low. Most recorded incidents involve Singaporean nationals, rather than foreign nationals.
Human trafficking for sexual or labor exploitation is an issue in Singapore. However, travelers are highly unlikely to be targeted by organized crime groups involved in these activities, who typically target vulnerable migrant populations from countries in South Asia and South-East Asia.
Avoid using unlicensed minicabs.
Exercise caution while traveling at night near highways, main roads, and car parks.
Never leave children unattended.
VIOLENT OR ORGANIZED CRIME
Like common crime, violent crime rates are very low in Singapore. Though criminal gangs exist in Singapore, they are primarily unorganized networks of street-corner gangs. In recent years, there have been several violent incidents attributed to gang activity. However, such incidents are overall rare and risks to travelers are limited. Meanwhile, several forms of organized crime – namely human trafficking – are relatively common. Human trafficking for labor exploitation is widespread across the construction, mining, and domestic work industries. However, this is unlikely to affect tourists.
The overall risk of terrorism is low, in large part due to the high-level capabilities of local counter-terrorism and intelligence agencies. As a result, there have been no recent terror attacks reported in Singapore, though a latent threat persists. Authorities have foiled several terror plots in recent years, including a stabbing plot targeting religious venues. In 2016, Indonesian police arrested members of a terror cell who were plotting to fire a rocket at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from the nearby Indonesian island of Batam. However, the capabilities of counter-terrorism authorities will continue to mitigate the risk of attacks and potential risks to travelers.
Exercise caution while visiting religious venues and crowded public venues.
Research the number of local emergency services prior to travel.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
TRAVEL
Transport infrastructure in Singapore, including the road network, is largely modern and well-developed. Although road travel is overall safe, the road traffic fatality rate in Singapore is higher than its developed regional neighbors such as Japan and Australia.
The public transport system is efficient, generally safe, and well-developed. Public transport comprises the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus systems, which both have an extensive network of routes across the city.
Taxis are available in Singapore, as are ride-hailing apps such as Grab and TADA.
Changi International Airport is one of the most developed in the world and provides access to most global destinations given Singapore’s status as a regional travel hub.
ACCESSIBILITY
The availability of accessible facilities in Singapore is very good, in comparison with most cities in the region. This is in part due to infrastructure in Singapore being largely modern, in addition to regulations requiring new buildings to be barrier-free and that old buildings receive upgrades to improve accessibility. This increases the likelihood that hotels – many of which are modern – will have accessible accommodation options and facilities, while shopping centers are also likely to be well-equipped for travelers with accessibility requirements. Public transport services are also largely equipped with accessible facilities. For instance, all MRT stations have at least one barrier-free route, ramps, lifts, and wheelchair-accessible toilets, while each train has two wheelchair-accessible carriages. The majority of buses are also accessible, as are most pedestrian walkways.
CLIMATE
Singapore has a tropical climate, with high levels of heat and humidity. During the monsoon season (November – January) low-level flooding may occur. This can result in disruptions to travel plans but rarely presents a safety risk. Forest fires in Indonesia can result in haze, particularly between June – October. This can reduce visibility and air quality, presenting risks for travelers with respiratory issues. Other natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons are relatively uncommon due to the country’s geographical location.
COMMUNICATION
Approximately 96% of the population uses the Internet. Cellular and data coverage is generally very good in Singapore. While public Wi-Fi is readily available in public spaces such as cafes, travelers should exercise caution when connecting to insecure Wi-Fi connections.
EVENTS TO WATCH
LUNAR NEW YEAR (Jan-Feb)
NATIONAL DAY (09 Aug)
Exercise caution in crowded areas and public spaces.
Plan travel in advance.
Prepare for delays to your journey.