If you do not have any controlled, prohibited or restricted items, or taxable/dutiable items exceeding your GST relief/duty-free concession, proceed to the Green Channel.

If in doubt, go through the Red Channel.

Duty Free Allowances

Travellers entering Singapore (whether returning home or visiting from overseas) can make use of their trip with the following limits:

Alcohol Allowance

a) 18 years and above;
b) Have Spent 48 Hours or more outside Singapore before arrival;
c) Have not arrived from Malaysia; and
d) The liquors are for your personal consumption and not prohibited for import into Singapore

With effect from 01 April 2019, travellers will be given duty-free concession for liquors on one of the following options (updated November 2021):

As a crew member, you will be granted duty-free concession on 0.25 litre of spirits, and either 1 litre of wine or 1 litre of beer.

Cigarettes and Tobacco Products

There is no duty-free concession and Goods and Services Tax (GST) relief for cigarettes and tobacco products in Singapore. All cigarettes and tobacco products, including those purchased in Singapore with the ‘SDPC’ mark, are subject to duty and GST when brought into Singapore. With effect from 1 July 2020, all cigarettes and other tobacco products imported into, sold, offered for sale or distributed in Singapore must comply with the new Standardised Packaging (SP) requirements.

For further information, you may refer to Health Sciences Authority (HSA)’s website or contact Ministry of Health (MOH) through email at [email protected]. Importation of cigarettes and / or tobacco products that do not comply with the SP requirements is not allowed, and these cigarettes and / or tobacco products will be disposed of at the checkpoints.

Taking Cash In and Out of Singapore

If you are entering or leaving on or after 13 May 2024, 0000 hours, carrying a total value of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI)¹ exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency), you are required by law to make a CBNI declaration (Form NP 727) by submitting a full and accurate report to the Singapore Police Force. The requirement to declare will apply when you are carrying the CBNI for yourself, on behalf of any other person, travelling alone or with other persons.

Please submit the CBNI declaration (Form NP 727) online within 72 hours before your arrival in or departure from Singapore via any of the following options:

• e-727 e-service; or
• MyICA Mobile application – Download the official app for free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android); or
• After completing your Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), under “Submit Cash (CBNI) Declaration”.

If you are entering or leaving Singapore before 13 May 2024, 0000 hours, you should continue to submit a completed NP727 (hardcopy) to the Customs Red Channel on your arrival in Singapore or at Immigration counter before departure from Singapore.

For more information on taking cash in and out of Singapore, please visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

¹‘Physical currency’ refers to coins and printed money. Examples of bearer negotiable instruments include a bill of exchange, cheques pay to “Cash”, cheques with “or bearer” not crossed out, promissory note, bearer bond, money order and postal order.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) Relief on Imported Goods

All goods brought into Singapore are subject to Goods & Services Tax (GST) at the prevailing rate, levied on the value of the goods, which may include the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) plus other chargeable costs and the duty payable (if applicable). Travellers are granted GST import relief on new goods that are purchased overseas and brought into Singapore for their personal use. The relief amount is based on the duration that the traveller has spent outside Singapore:

The above relief is granted on an individual basis and is not applicable if the goods are brought in for trade, commercial or business purposes, or carried on behalf of other persons. For goods exceeding the eligible GST relief, travellers are required to make payment for the taxes at the Customs Tax Counter before exiting the Green/Red Channel.

Further information on Customs clearance and procedures can be found here.

For your convenience, we encourage you to make an advance declaration and payment of duty/GST for your overseas purchases using the Customs@SG web portal. Alternatively, you may declare and make payment at our Customs Tax Payment Office. Only e-payments (major credit cards, mobile wallets, NETS and Cashcard) are accepted at Customs Office.