Singapore is one of the safest and most modern destinations in Asia — but even in a world-class city, travel-related infections still occur, especially if you’re exploring hawker centres, nature parks, or continuing on to other Southeast Asian countries.
This guide gives you clear, practical, information on exactly which vaccines you need for Singapore, which ones are optional, and how to prepare for a healthy trip.
Quick Answer: What Vaccines Do You Need for Singapore? (2025)
A fast, at-a-glance summary:
| Vaccine | Recommended? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vaccines (MMR, Polio, Varicella, Flu, COVID-19) | ✔ Up to date | Protection against resurgent global diseases |
| Hepatitis A | ✔ Yes | Most common travel infection; food-borne risks still exist |
| Typhoid | ✔ Yes (food lovers / hawker centres) | Risk increases with street food and regional travel |
| Tetanus / Tdap | ✔ Yes (booster every 10 yrs) | Cuts, scrapes, cycling, adventure activities |
| Hepatitis B | ✔ Yes (unvaccinated adults, especially <60) | Medical/dental care, tattoos, new partners, long stays |
| Rabies | ✖ No for most | Not commonly circulating in local wildlife |
| Yellow Fever | Required only if arriving from YF-risk country | Not required for Canadians |
Good news:
There is no malaria in Singapore — but chikungunya, dengue and Zika do occur.
Are Any Vaccines Required for Singapore?
✔ Yellow Fever – Only in Specific Situations
Required only if arriving from (or transiting more than 12 hours in) a country with yellow fever transmission.
Not required for travelers from:
- Canada
- USA
- UK
- Australia
- Most of Europe
Singapore does not require any other vaccines for entry.
Recommended Vaccines for Singapore (2025)
1. Hepatitis A — Strongly Recommended
Even with excellent hygiene standards, Hep A outbreaks still occur, often linked to contaminated imported food.
You should get Hep A if you:
- eat at hawker centres (most travelers do)
- plan regional travel (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam)
- want long-term protection (vaccine lasts decades)
Dose: 1 shot now + booster 6–12 months later.
2. Typhoid — Recommended for Food Explorers
Singapore’s safety standards are high, but typhoid remains common in Southeast Asia, especially with street food.
Recommended if you:
- eat at hawker stalls or wet markets
- mix Singapore with nearby countries
- prefer the safest protection for regional travel
Options:
- Oral capsules — Ages 6+, lasts ~7 years
- Injection — Ages 2+, lasts ~2 years
3. Tetanus / Tdap — Ensure You’re Up to Date
A booster is needed every 10 years.
Useful for:
- hiking & nature parks
- cycling, theme parks
- scrapes, cuts, outdoor activities
If you’re overdue, update before your trip.
4. Hepatitis B — Activity-Based Recommendation
Recommended for unvaccinated adults, especially:
- ages < 60, age 60 and + may get vaccinated (CDC routine recommendation)
- long stays (1+ month)
- tattoos or piercings
- dental/medical care abroad
- new sexual partners
- multi-country Southeast Asia travel
Even 1–2 doses before travel provide partial protection.
Sometimes Recommended (Itinerary-Based Vaccines)
5. Rabies — Not Needed for Most Travelers
Singapore has strict animal control and no circulating rabies.
Consider only if you are:
- a vet or wildlife worker
- doing field research
- working closely with animals (ex. bats)
Disease Risks in Singapore (2025)
1. Malaria — None
No malaria pills are required.
2. Dengue Fever
The most common mosquito-borne illness in Singapore.
Prevention:
- use 20–30% DEET or icaridin
- avoid stagnant water at dawn/dusk
- stay in air-conditioned rooms where possible
3. Zika Virus
Low-level presence.
Pregnant travelers should be especially cautious about mosquito bites.
4. Chikungunya
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
Prevention is similar to dengue.
Food & Water Safety in Singapore
Singapore’s hygiene is excellent, but travelers still get stomach upset due to:
- adjusting to new spices
- eating large amounts of rich foods
- very busy hawker stalls
Tips:
- choose stalls with long lines (high turnover)
- avoid raw/warm seafood
- bottled or filtered water may help sensitive stomachs
💡Learn more: Traveler’s Diarrhea Survival Guide
When Should You Get Your Vaccines?
| Vaccine | Timing Before Trip |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Ideally 2 weeks (but last-minute still helps) |
| Typhoid (injection) | 2 weeks |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 week (4 doses every other day) |
| Tetanus/Tdap | Anytime if due |
| Hepatitis B | Start ≥1 month before (accelerated options available) |
| Rabies | Start ≥1 month before |
Who Needs What? Personalized Recommendations
| Traveler Type | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Short-term tourist (3–7 days) | Hep A |
| Food lover | Hep A, Typhoid |
| Backpacker | Hep A, Typhoid, Hep B |
| Nature parks / outdoor explorers | Hep A, Typhoid (Rabies if contact with bats or other mammals) |
| Long-term digital nomad (1–3 months) | Hep A, Typhoid, Hep B |
Note: All travelers should be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19).
Hepatitis B: The CDC recommends Hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults aged <60. Adults 60+ may also receive it based on risk or personal preference.
Medication Kit to Bring to Singapore
You don’t need a large kit, but a few essentials help:
- acetaminophen / ibuprofen
- motion sickness pills
- antihistamines
- oral rehydration salts
- loperamide
- small first aid kit
- mosquito repellent (DEET or icaridin)
💡Learn more: The Ultimate Southeast Asia Medication Kit Guide
Where Can Canadians Get These Vaccines?
- pharmacies
- travel clinics
- some family doctors
- public health units (varies by province)
Most vaccines for travel are not provincially covered, so budgeting helps.
Final Tips for a Healthy Trip to Singapore
- No malaria pills needed
- Dengue is the main mosquito concern
- Hepatitis A is the most important vaccine
- Use repellent daily
- Keep copies of travel insurance and medical documents
✈️ Read More on Travel Health:
- Travel Vaccines by Country: How to Check What You Need (2025 Guide)
- What Routine Vaccines for Travel to Consider (2025 Guide)
- How to Stay Healthy on Long Haul Flights
- Southeast Asia Medication Kit for Travel
- How to Prevent Altitude Sickness When Traveling to Machu Picchu
- Southeast Asia Heat Survival Guide: How to Prevent Heatstroke & Dehydration
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Consult a travel health professional or your pharmacist for recommendations based on your specific health history.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel Health – Singapore. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/singapore
World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Vaccination. Available at: WHO – Vaccines
About the Author
Jun is a Canadian pharmacist and the writer behind Mindful Travel and Health. I believe in simplifying travel health advice so every traveler can feel confident on their journey. I continue to expand my knowledge to help improve health outcomes for global travelers. Learn more →
