Security in Singapore

For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute security advice and does not replace the guidance of your mission’s or organisation’s security officer. Security situations change; the information here reflects publicly available sources as of the reviewed date. Always follow your mission’s or organisation’s current security procedures.

Overview

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world for daily life. Violent crime rates are extremely low, the rule of law is consistently enforced, and the city-state’s compact geography makes it easy to navigate. That said, Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) assesses the terrorism threat as high, driven by self-radicalisation and the spillover of global Islamist and far-right extremist ideologies. Singapore has not experienced a major terrorist attack in recent decades, but the ISD maintains active pre-emptive measures and makes this threat assessment publicly available.

The terrorism threat assessment

Singapore does not publish a terrorism threat level on a public scale equivalent to the UK’s SEVERE/CRITICAL or France’s Vigipirate. Instead, the ISD publishes an annual Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report, which gives the most authoritative public picture of the threat environment.

The Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025, released in July 2025, states:

• “The terrorism threat to Singapore remains high.”
• ISIS and Al-Qaeda continue to incite violence and inspire attacks globally. Singapore’s ties with Western nations, its iconic landmarks and its status as a secular, multicultural state make it a potential target.
• Self-radicalisation is the primary current threat pattern in Singapore. Since July 2024, 8 self-radicalised Singaporeans have been dealt with under the Internal Security Act (ISA) as of the 2025 report’s publication.
• The Israel-Hamas conflict has contributed to elevated radicalisation risk, inspiring 5 of the 10 Detention and Restriction Orders issued by ISD in 2025.
• Far-right extremism is a growing but smaller threat: 4 far-right cases were identified between 2020 and June 2025.
• AI-generated extremist content and online radicalisation are identified as escalating concerns.

The ISD notes that while the threat is assessed as high, “there is no immediate threat of a terror attack in Singapore.” The threat is primarily that of self-radicalised lone actors rather than coordinated operational cells.

The ISD takes pre-emptive action under the Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial for national security threats. This framework has meant that most credible plots are disrupted before reaching any operational stage.

The ISD and SGSecure

The Internal Security Department (ISD) is Singapore’s domestic security and intelligence agency, responsible for countering terrorism, espionage and subversion. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and works with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and international intelligence partners.

SGSecure is Singapore’s national movement to prepare citizens and residents to play an active role in the event of a terrorist attack. The SGSecure app provides real-time alerts, preparedness guidance and a reporting channel for suspicious activity. It is worth having installed. The SGSecure website at sgsecure.gov.sg sets out the threat context and practical guidance for the public.

To report suspicious activity or signs of radicalisation: ISD hotline 1800-2626-473. Calls are treated in confidence.

Everyday crime

Singapore’s everyday crime rate is very low by the standards of any major city. The US State Department’s Travel Advisory for Singapore is Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), the lowest category. The UK FCDO describes crime levels as generally low.

The primary everyday risks relevant to diplomatic families are:

Scams. Telephone, online and in-person scams targeting financial information are a persistent and growing concern in Singapore. Scam calls impersonating government agencies, banks or law enforcement are common. Singapore Police Force (SPF) runs active public awareness campaigns on this. If you receive an unsolicited call claiming to be from a Singapore authority and requesting sensitive information, do not provide it and report it to the SPF.

Petty theft. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas (Orchard Road, major hawker centres, public transport) but at rates far lower than comparable global cities. Standard precautions apply.

Traffic. Road accidents are a more statistically significant risk than crime in Singapore. Singapore’s road rules are strictly enforced; drink-driving laws are particularly strict.

Singapore-specific considerations for diplomatic staff

Intelligence environment. Singapore is a significant hub for regional intelligence activity. A number of states conduct intelligence operations in Singapore due to its geographic position, openness and the density of international organisations and business. Diplomatic and consular staff should maintain standard information security practices and follow their mission’s guidance on device security and personal communications.

Demonstrations and public order. Singapore has strict laws governing public assembly. Demonstrations require police permits and are rare. The environment for diplomatic staff is predictable and orderly. During periods of heightened regional tension (related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, for example), Singapore has seen limited pro-Palestinian activism; the government monitors this carefully.

Drug laws. Singapore maintains extremely strict drug laws, including mandatory minimum sentences and the death penalty for trafficking above defined thresholds. Diplomatic immunity does not shield personal behaviour from the full severity of Singapore law in any non-immunity context.

Emergency contacts in Singapore

The SPF non-emergency number for reporting crimes is 1800-255-0000.

Official sources

• ISD: Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2025
• ISD: Home page
• SGSecure: National preparedness movement
• Singapore Police Force
• Ministry of Home Affairs: Countering terrorism
• US State Department: Singapore Travel Advisory
• UK FCDO: Singapore travel advice

Last reviewed 6 July 2026.