Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.
Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, please visit the ScamShield website.
Ministry of Health (MOH) Public Health Advisory
On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organisation declared that the mpox outbreak in the DRC and the growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. For the latest updates on the mpox outbreak, please refer to the MOH website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/health-advisory-for-travellers for the latest Health Advisory for travellers to affected countries.
Singaporeans are required to apply online at (www.etakenya.go.ke) for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at least two weeks before travel. A single-entry ETA fee is USD 32.50 per traveller inclusive of bank and processing fees, while a multiple entry ETA is USD 160 per traveller, inclusive of bank and processing fees. The ETA is valid for 90 days. An ETA offers permission to travel, but does not guarantee admission into Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon the travellers’ arrival.
Certain groups of people, including members of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Kenya, holders of valid Kenya Permanent Residence/Work Permits/Passes, and passport holders of Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are exempted from the ETA requirement.
There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Kenya.
[Update on 29 June 2024] Due to anti-government demonstrations in several cities in Kenya, including capital Nairobi, travellers are advised to monitor the local news, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities. Police hotlines are 999 / 112 / 911.
The crime rate is high in most areas of Kenya, especially in major cities like Nairobi. Violent crime, including assault, kidnapping and armed robbery, does occur, including during daylight hours. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is also common. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery. Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark. Be aware of your surroundings and take care of your belongings.
There have been cases of terrorist attacks in cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Public places such as schools, airports and places of worship have been the targets of such attacks. Stay vigilant and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
Fraud is common in Kenya. Imposters may impersonate police officers or government officials to trick tourists for money. If in doubt, ask for identification or an official government receipt.
Local authority officials have the right to demand that visitors produce identification documents, proof of residency or valid visa. Local authorities may fine or detain visitors who are unable to do so.
It is illegal to possess ivory or other banned wildlife items.
The use, manufacture, and import of plastic bags are prohibited.
It is illegal to photograph certain buildings of national and strategic importance.
Prior to your travel, consult your doctor for travel health advice regarding vaccinations that are required or recommended and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Kenya. Singapore is free from yellow fever. To protect against the risk of importation and transmission of yellow fever in Singapore, all travellers with travel history to countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (including Kenya) in the six days prior to arrival in Singapore are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate and present it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the immigration counter upon arrival to Singapore. The International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever becomes valid 10 days after vaccination and the validity lasts for the life of the person vaccinated. Travellers without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate are liable to be quarantined at a designated government quarantine facility for six days from date of departure from the country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Non-residents who refuse quarantine will be denied entry into Singapore. Please refer to MOH website https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/yellow-fever and ICA website https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/yellow-fever-vaccination-certificate for more information on yellow fever.
Other mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, are prevalent in certain areas. See your doctor for advice on appropriate vaccinations before you travel. Take precautions against insect bites.
Wildlife tourism is a popular activity in Kenya. Always maintain a safe distance from the wildlife and exit vehicles only when clearly instructed by professional park guides.
Certain areas are more conservative. Dress and behave modestly and respect the religious and social customs and practices.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
