Travel Vaccines and Advice for Singapore
Singapore is an increasingly popular tourist destination in Asia.
The country is a paradise for food-savvy travellers, combining Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Visitors may also want to stop by Chinatown or Little India to see cultural integration at work.
Singapore boasts many impressive temples, parks and museums. Visitors may want to head over to Night Safari, where wild species can be seen in a whole new (lack of) light.
Singapore has lots to offer visitors with a wide variety of interests.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Singapore?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Singapore
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Singapore?
What Is the Climate Like in Singapore?
Is It Safe to Travel to Singapore?
Singapore’s Rules
What Should I Pack for Singapore?
Canadian Embassy in Singapore
Do I Need Vaccines for Singapore?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Singapore. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Singapore: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Singapore |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Singapore |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that can spread through close contact and respiratory droplets. Vaccination is the most effective way to halt their transmission. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, strengthens immunity, reducing the chances of contracting and spreading these diseases.
Dengue and chikungunya are present in Singapore and pose a threat to travellers in the region. Be sure to use mosquito repellents and netting while in-country.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Singapore
Prevent Bug Bites in Singapore
Shield yourself from bug bites with proper attire and EPA-approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Safeguard your sleep area with bed nets and screens. In case of bug bites, clean the area, resist scratching, and utilize over-the-counter solutions while seeking professional assistance for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Singapore
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Singapore
- Dengue – The PHAC describes dengue fever as a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as rash and joint pain. Prevention strategies focus on reducing mosquito exposure and breeding grounds. Treatment is supportive, emphasizing the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, is primarily spread through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues. Prevention strategies include using mosquito repellent and practicing safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Singapore?
If you are on a business or tourist visits to Singapore for less than 30 days, then a Visa is not required. Any stay longer than a 30-day period will require a visa. All visa applications have a service fee and will take 10 to 20 business days to be processed. In order to receive a visa, you must visit the Consulate-General in Toronto or online. Your passport must have at least 6-months validity in order to obtain a visa.
Singapore Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Singapore? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Singapore and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Singapore?
Singapore’s climate is tropical, with lots of rainfall and humidity. Temperature is consistent, with averages around 25 throughout the year. Singapore is generally hottest in April and May and coolest in December and January.
Due to its near to the equator, Singapore does not have delineated wet and dry seasons. The country experiences two monsoon seasons, the northeast monsoon season from around December to March has more frequent rains. The southwest monsoon season, brings drier months from around May to September.
Travellers should be prepared for rain and humidity. Thunderstorms are frequent. Drink plenty of water and cool off indoors.
Is It Safe to Travel to Singapore?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Singapore is a pretty safe country for travellers, but you should still be careful. Here are some things you can do to stay safe:
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you. If you see something suspicious, be careful.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Grab instead of unlicensed ones.
- Keep your valuables like your wallet, phone, and camera in a safe place so no one can steal them.
- Try not to carry too much cash with you. Use your credit card or other cashless payment methods whenever you can.
- Be careful when crossing the street and follow the rules. Wait for the green signal before you cross.
- Respect the laws and customs in Singapore. For example, it’s illegal to chew gum.
- It’s hot and humid in Singapore, so be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you follow these tips, you can stay safe and enjoy your trip to Singapore.
Singapore’s Rules
Singapore has some harsh penalties for items that many may view as fairly mundane. This includes:
- Arrests for jaywalking, littering or spitting
- Caning for graffiti or other kinds of vandalism
- Imprisonment, caning or fine for immigration violations
Sexually inappropriate behavior, lewd remarks and violations of modesty can also be harshly punished.
Drunk and disorderly conduct is punishable by fine or prison time. In many areas it is illegal to consume alcohol between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am in public places.
Singapore does not recognize same-sex unions, and LGBT travellers may face challenges or discrimination. The Penal Code criminalizes “acts of gross indecency” between two men, though the government has said it will not enforce this statute.
Travellers without their passports may be taken in for questioning.
What Should I Pack for Singapore?
When travelling to Singapore, it is important to pack appropriate clothing for the hot and humid climate. You should also pack rain gear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don’t forget to bring a travel adapter for your electronic devices, and any necessary medications.
It’s also important to bring your passport, visa (if required), and travel documents. Make sure to have enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses, and inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be travelling to Singapore. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights and attractions.
Canadian Embassy in Singapore
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Singapore, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy Singapore
One George Street, #11-01
Singapore 049145
Tel.: 65 6854-5900
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Singapore
“Very friendly, courteous staff. Have lots of specific recommendations and was very knowledgeable. Got material to take home with to plan when and where up get shots and preparation for trip to Singapore.”
“We have been to your clinic on three separate occasions and each time has been excellent. The team members working at this location have all been extremely knowledgeable, helpful and caring. They take the time to explain all necessary details and are efficient and skilled in administering the medication. Thank you for getting us ready for our trip to Singapore and we will certainly visit again in the future!”
“Fast and knowledgeable. Did not know about pediatric vaccines and the nurse suggested them and saved me a few dollars! Thank you!”
“The nurse is very knowledgeable and excellent at explaining the various risks and vaccines available for travel to Singapore. I would recommend this clinic to my friends and family.”
“Very good experience, very knowledgeable about Singapore. Would recommend to other people.”
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