In this section I have some general information about the country which may be of interest to some of you. Many business people travel to Singapore from all over the world for business opportunities, meeting, site visits for a new location to set up a company or like the rest of us you for vacation. While this information may be some what useless to the casual travel it is still good to have some idea of the county you plan to visit.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Singapore is a small, stable, highly developed parliamentary democracy. Tourist facilities are modern and widely available. Singapore's resident population of over 3 million inhabitants is comprised of 78% Chinese, 14% Malay, 7% Indian and 1% others. English is widely spoken.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa if their visit is for business or pleasure and their stay is for 90 days or less. Travelers to the region should note that some neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia, do not allow Americans to enter with fewer than six months of validity remaining on their passport under any circumstances.

DUAL NATIONALITY: Singapore does not recognize dual nationality beyond the age of 21, and it strictly enforces universal national service (NS) for all male citizens and permanent residents. Male U.S. citizens who automatically acquired Singaporean citizenship and continue to reside in Singapore are liable for Singapore national service once they reach the age of 18. Travel abroad of Singaporean males may require Singapore Government approval as they approach national service age and may be restricted when they reach seventeen-and-a-half years of age. Under Singaporean law, an individual who automatically acquires Singaporean citizenship at birth retains that status even after acquiring U.S. citizenship. Males may renounce Singaporean citizenship only after completion of at least two years of national service. Possession of U.S. citizenship does not prevent Singaporean citizens from being subject to this law. Dual nationals and their parents should contact the Ministry of Defense in Singapore to determine if there will be a national service obligation.

National service-liable males who migrated from Singapore before age 11 and have not enjoyed significant socio-economic benefits of citizenship ( e.g. applied for a Singapore identity card or studied in Singapore beyond the age of 11), will be allowed to renounce their Singapore citizenship if they do not wish to fulfill their NS obligations.

They will be required to register for national service with Central Manpower Base and apply for deferment from full-time NS until the age of 21, pending the renunciation of their Singapore citizenship. They can continue to make short social visits to Singapore and will not be required to serve NS if they renounced their citizenship at age 21.

CRIME INFORMATION: Major crimes against tourists in Singapore are uncommon. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse or briefcase snatching occur in tourist areas, hotels and at the airport. Travelers should exercise the same caution that they would in any large city. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad , for ways to promote a trouble-free journey.

Statistics on crime in Singapore

SAFETY AND SECURITY INFORMATION: Twice in the past few years, Singapore security services arrested members of Jemaah Islamiya, a terrorist network with links to Al Qaida. The network had planned attacks against government and private targets in Singapore associated with the U.S. , Singapore , and other countries. In the aftermath of terrorist bombings in Indonesia in October 2002 and August 2003, however, the Department of State is concerned that similar attacks may occur in other Southeast Asian nations because extremist groups present in Southeast Asia have demonstrated transnational capabilities to carry out attacks against locations where Westerners congregate. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Americans residing in or traveling to Singapore and neighboring countries should therefore exercise particular caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate, such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, outdoor recreation venues, tourist areas, resorts, beaches and other places frequented by foreigners. They should remain vigilant regarding their personal security.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to review and ensure the adequacy of their security postures. In such instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash and generally do not accept U.S. health insurance. Recipients of health care should be aware that Ministry of Health auditors in certain circumstances may be granted access to patient medical records without the consent of the patient, and, in certain circumstances, physicians may be required to provide information relating to the diagnosis or treatment without the patient's consent.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States . The information below concerning Singapore is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

       Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent

       Urban Roads Condition/Maintenance: Excellent

       Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent

       Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent

Motorists should be particularly aware of motorcyclists, who often ignore lane markings. Lanes are frequently closed without warning due to constant construction throughout the city. Public transportation and taxis are abundant and inexpensive. Visitors should consider taking taxis or public transportation, which is widely available, inexpensive and reliable. The Automobile Association of Singapore provides roadside assistance, and the Land Transport Authority has rescue vehicles on the road at all hours. In addition, closed circuit cameras monitor all roads, and there are "SOS" phones along all expressways. As with all laws in Singapore, those involving traffic rules, vehicle registration, and liability in case of accident are strictly enforced, and they may involve criminal penalties.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority as category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Singapore 's air carrier operations. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. 1-618-229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Singapore customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Singapore of items such as weapons, illegal drugs, certain religious materials, chewing gum, pornographic material, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, and software (for censorship or pirating reasons). The definition of "weapon" enforced by Singapore customs is very broad, and, in addition to firearms, includes many items which are not necessarily seen as weapons in the US, such as dive knives, kitchen knives, handcuffs, and expended shell casings. Carrying any of these items without permission may result in your immediate arrest. All baggage is x-rayed at every port of entry, so placing such items in checked baggage will not allow you to bring it into the country.

Singapore customs officials encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporary Admission) carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Singaporean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Visitors should be aware of Singapore's strict laws and penalties for a variety of actions that might not be illegal or might be considered minor offenses in the United States, including jaywalking, littering and spitting, as well as the importation and sale of chewing gum. Singapore has a mandatory caning sentence for vandalism offenses. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offenses. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the United States can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and result in heavy fines and prison sentences. There are no jury trials in Singapore. Judges hear cases and decide sentencing. The Government of Singapore does not provide legal assistance except in capital cases.

CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. Singapore is not a signatory to any international or bilateral conventions on consular access, but, in practice, Singapore officials do notify the U.S. Embassy when an American is arrested, and they do allow visits by the consular officer.