Rule changes that affect visitors to Singapore, each checked against the official source and dated. Every graphic and table here is free to reuse, as long as you credit Breeze Singapore.
Official sources we check: ICA (immigration), CAAS (aviation), MOH and gov.sg (health and law), LTA (transport).
Latest changes
- AnnouncedRTS Link opening moved to February 2027, still subject to safety certification and approvals.Source · See the data
- In forceSAF levy starts appearing on tickets sold from this date, for flights leaving Singapore from 1 January 2027.Source · See the data
- In forceTobacco and Vaporisers Control Act in force: the maximum fine for having, using or buying a vape rises from S$2,000 to S$10,000.Source · See the data
- AnnouncedSAF levy deferred: it now applies to tickets sold from 1 October 2026 for flights departing from 1 January 2027.Source · See the data
- In forceNo-Boarding Directives start: ICA can tell airlines not to board passengers who are barred or do not meet entry requirements.Source · See the data
Coming up
- ScheduledRTS Link final system tests and trial runs due to finish.Source · See the data
- ScheduledFirst flights departing Singapore with the SAF levy charged.Source · See the data
- ScheduledTarget month for RTS Link passenger service.Source · See the data
Entry and immigration
When you can submit the SG Arrival Card
Only within three days of arrival, counting the arrival day. You cannot submit it earlier than that.
Trying a week ahead will not work. Submit any time from two days before arrival up to the arrival day.
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- ICA's own example: arriving on 30 June, you can submit from 28 June.
- It is free. If a site asks you to pay, it is not the official channel.
- Official channels: the ICA e-Service and the MyICA app.
- Visa-free travellers must submit it too.
Other formats (1)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-sgac-window">Breeze Singapore</a>
When an airline must refuse to fly you to Singapore
Since 30 January 2026, Singapore's immigration authority (ICA) can tell airlines not to board certain passengers on flights to Singapore. Travellers who do not meet entry requirements can be stopped at check-in, before they fly.
ICA gives a valid visa and a passport valid for at least six months as examples of entry requirements.
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- Before the flight, airlines pass passenger details to ICA, including SG Arrival Card data
- ICA screens everyone due to fly to Singapore
- Barred from entry, or missing an entry requirement? (no valid visa, passport valid under 6 months)
- Yes: The airline must refuse boarding. To travel later, write to ICA for approval before booking a new flight
- No: Board as usual. Some airlines also check your visa or SG Arrival Card at check-in
Other formats (1)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-no-boarding-directive">Breeze Singapore</a>Vaping and tobacco
Singapore vaping penalties: what changed and when
Having, using or buying a vape is an offence, and it applies to visitors in the same way. Penalties went up on 1 September 2025 and again on 1 May 2026.
A composition fine is the amount paid to settle the offence without going to court. Vapes containing etomidate carry separate, heavier penalties.
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- Until 31 Aug 2025 — First offence composition fine: S$500 (adults), S$300 (under 18) / Maximum fine if prosecuted: S$2,000
- From 1 Sep 2025 — First offence composition fine: S$700 (adults), S$500 (under 18) / Foreign visitors: vape seized and fined; short-term visitors who offend again are barred from re-entering after they leave
- From 1 May 2026 — New Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act in force / Maximum fine for having, using or buying: S$10,000 (was S$2,000)
Other formats (2)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-vape-penalties">Breeze Singapore</a>
Where you cannot smoke in Singapore
The yellow boxes are the safe bet. Caught elsewhere: S$200 composition, up to S$1,000 in court.
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Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-smoking-zones">Breeze Singapore</a>Levies on air tickets
Singapore SAF levy per passenger, by destination
Added to air tickets sold from 1 October 2026 for flights leaving Singapore from 1 January 2027. Passengers only transiting through Singapore do not pay it.
Economy includes premium economy. Premium means business and first class. Airlines must show the levy as its own line in the fare breakdown. CAAS's own economy examples: Bangkok S$1.00, Tokyo S$2.80, London S$6.40, New York S$10.40.
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| Band | Destinations | Economy | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Southeast Asia | S$1.00 | S$4.00 |
| II | Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea | S$2.80 | S$11.20 |
| III | Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central and West Asia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands | S$6.40 | S$25.60 |
| IV | The Americas | S$10.40 | S$41.60 |
Other formats (2)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-saf-levy-bands">Breeze Singapore</a>Crossing to Malaysia
RTS Link to Johor Bahru: where the opening stands
The train between Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru is now expected to open in February 2027, later than the earlier end-2026 target. The date still depends on an independent safety certification and final approvals from both countries.
The ride takes about five minutes. You clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration at the station you leave from, with no second check on arrival.
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- 2 Oct 2026 — Opening target moved from end-2026 to February 2027
- By 31 Dec 2026 — Final system tests and trial runs
- Then — Independent safety certification, then approval from both countries
- Feb 2027 — Target for passenger service
Other formats (1)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-rts-link-status">Breeze Singapore</a>
Crossing to Johor Bahru: where you stop for immigration
By bus you get off twice: Singapore exit at Woodlands Checkpoint, then Malaysian entry at JB CIQ. On the KTM Shuttle Tebrau both countries' checks happen at Woodlands, and the RTS Link (target February 2027) will work the same way.
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| Way across | Singapore exit | Malaysia entry | Ride | Fare (Singapore to JB) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-border bus | Woodlands Checkpoint (get off) | JB CIQ (get off) | Depends on queues | CW2 S$4.80; other routes differ | No booking. Causeway Link takes no cash from 1 Oct 2026 |
| KTM Shuttle Tebrau | Woodlands Train Checkpoint | Same place, Woodlands | About 5 min | S$5 (back to Singapore RM5) | Book ahead. The Woodlands counter takes KTM Wallet only |
| RTS Link | Woodlands North station | Same place, Woodlands North | About 5 min | Not announced | Target opening February 2027 |
Other formats (1)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-jb-crossing-modes">Breeze Singapore</a>Local rules and fines
When you cannot drink in public
Every day from 10.30pm to 7am, drinking in public places is not allowed.
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Other formats (1)
Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-liquor-hours">Breeze Singapore</a>
No food or drink, not even water, on MRT and buses
The ban covers the whole station, not only past the fare gates. Up to S$500.
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Source: Breeze Singapore (breezesingapore.com)Source: <a href="https://breezesingapore.com/data/#a-transit-no-eating">Breeze Singapore</a>Using these graphics
You may use these graphics and tables free of charge anywhere, including news articles, blogs and social media. When you do, you must credit Breeze Singapore. Using them without credit breaks the licence (CC BY 4.0). Where you can, please also link to this page.
Every number links to the official source it came from, with the date we last checked it. The credit line is also stored inside each image file.