What is considered normal in Indonesia can actually be a serious offense in Singapore. The country is known for its strict regulations to maintain order and cleanliness, including strict bans on certain items such as vapes and chewing gum.
For travelers planning to visit Singapore, understanding these rules is very important to avoid fines or legal sanctions while there.
Vape Ban in Singapore
In Singapore, vaping or the use of e-vaporizers is completely banned, with regulations so strict that it is equated with the use of narcotics.
The Singapore government officially enforces a zero-tolerance policy against vaping activities. Starting from September 1, 2025, etomidate and similar compounds commonly found in vapes will officially be classified as Class C narcotics under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
The Singapore government not only prohibits the use of vapes but also provides a special program called QuitVape to help its citizens quit vaping habits. This program includes counseling services, screenings, and psychological support.
Penalties for Offenders
Foreign nationals who violate this policy will face the following sanctions:
- Foreign nationals in Singapore must comply with the law. If found possessing an e-vaporizer, the device will be confiscated, and a Notice of Composition will be issued.
- Repeat offenders will face heavier penalties. Holders of a Short-Term Visit Pass who re-offend may be barred from re-entering Singapore.
- Holders of long-term passes (such as Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Dependant’s Pass) may have their passes revoked upon the third offense and be deported as well as banned from re-entering Singapore.
- Foreign nationals found using or testing positive for etomidate e-vaporizers may have their passes revoked and be deported.
- Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Chewing Gum Ban in Singapore
The sale of chewing gum in Singapore has been banned since 1992 to prevent people from sticking used gum in problematic places such as subway door sensors, door locks, or elevator buttons.
Since 2004, exceptions have been made for therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum, which can be purchased with a doctor’s prescription or through authorized pharmacies. Chewing gum itself is not banned, but importing or selling it is still considered illegal.
Currently, tourists are allowed to bring a small amount of chewing gum for personal consumption, but fines will be imposed if it is disposed of improperly.
Penalties for Offenders
For those who violate this chewing gum regulation, the following sanctions apply:
- For the first offense, fines of up to SGD $100,000, or imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both.
- For the second or subsequent offenses, fines of up to SGD $200,000, or imprisonment of up to 3 years, or both.
Singapore is indeed famous for its strict rules, even for things that may seem trivial to us in Indonesia. These differences remind us that every country has its own norms and laws, and it is important to always adapt to avoid problems while visiting.
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