Singapore
Country · Asia
Singapore enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the world under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with zero tolerance for all controlled substances and a mandatory death penalty for trafficking. Most prescription medicines are permitted for personal use, but many controlled medicines require prior approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Traveler warnings
Cannabis, THC and CBD products are strictly prohibited — do not bring them. Obtain HSA approval for any controlled or psychotropic medicine well before you fly.
Legal status by substance category
8 categories documented for Singapore.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Illegal in Singapore. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution. All cannabis-derived products, including CBD, are prohibited regardless of THC content.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Subject to severe penalties in Singapore, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances. Singapore imposes zero tolerance and a mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Opioids / Pain Medications (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Singapore with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Prescription policy
Travelers may carry a personal supply of prescription medicine (generally up to 3 months). Controlled and psychotropic medicines require prior approval from the HSA before arrival, along with the original prescription and a doctor's letter.
Controlled substances
The Misuse of Drugs Act controls narcotics and psychotropics with zero tolerance. Cannabis, THC and many recreational drugs are strictly prohibited. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription and, in many cases, HSA approval.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all controlled medicines and carry HSA approval, the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Do not carry any cannabis, THC or CBD product. Customs screening is rigorous and penalties are severe.
Penalties
Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. Possession and consumption of controlled drugs can result in long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Enforcement is strict and applies to all travelers.
Live Alerts
Singapore: Zero tolerance and mandatory death penalty for drug trafficking
CriticalSingapore enforces zero tolerance for all controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty, and possession or consumption can lead to long imprisonment, heavy fines and caning. Cannabis, THC and CBD products are strictly prohibited. Travelers carrying controlled or psychotropic medicines must obtain Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approval before arrival.
Singapore: CBD and all cannabis products are strictly prohibited
CriticalAll cannabis-derived products, including CBD regardless of THC content, are prohibited in Singapore. Do not bring CBD oils, gummies, vapes or cannabis in any form. Even trace amounts can trigger arrest and prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Singapore: Cannabis and THC vapes can carry the death penalty — never bring them
CriticalSingapore enforces zero tolerance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Cannabis, THC vapes and concentrates are strictly prohibited, and trafficking can carry a mandatory death penalty. Even small amounts detected at Changi Airport can lead to arrest, imprisonment and caning. Do not bring cannabis or any THC product in any form.
Documentation required
HSA approval for controlled/psychotropic medicines, original prescription, doctor's letter stating diagnosis and dosage, medicines in original labelled packaging.
Official source
Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) / Health Sciences Authority (HSA)Last reviewed: September 4, 2025
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.