Singapore citizens can once again bask in the glory of holding the world’s most powerful passport. The Singapore passport is at the No. 1 position — tied with five others — on the latest Henley Passport Index. It was No. 1 last year, too.
The latest Henley Passport Index, based on data gathered from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), puts France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain (listed here in alphabetical order) at the topmost rung.
Global rankings on passport power are usually based on how many countries allow the holder of a particular passport to enter visa-free or with the visa-on-arrival option. That means Singapore citizens can now travel to at least 194 global destinations just by hopping on to a flight — no worries about making an itinerary to apply for a visa, and then waiting to get a visa stamped in advance.
According to the latest Henley rankings, Indian citizens can enter 62 destinations visa-free or with the visa-on-arrival option. This passport is at No. 80 on the index.
Singapore citizens urged to eRegister before overseas travel
It is definitely empowering to be able to travel anywhere without any paperwork delays. But how to ensure that one is safe when travelling overseas, especially when there is no prior documentation of one’s destination?
This week, all Singapore citizens were “strongly encouraged” to eRegister their overseas trips, so that the government could swiftly come to their aid during any emergency abroad.
On January 10, 2024, Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said in a written Parliamentary response to West Coast Group Representation Constituency MP Ang Wei Neng: “Assisting Singaporeans in distress is a priority for MFA.” He was responding to a query on how his ministry would help Singaporeans facing an overseas emergency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website said: “The MFA eRegister is a voluntary and free service provided by MFA to all Singapore Citizens who travel or reside overseas. The information that you provide will allow us to contact you in order to make sure you are safe and if need be, assist you should an emergency occur.” The website directed users to the eRegister link.
What assistance to expect for injury or death overseas
In case of injury overseas
- MFA will ascertain the Singapore citizen’s situation as soon as information of the injury is received.
- The ministry will contact the local authorities at the overseas destination to ensure that the Singaporean traveller gets medical attention.
- The traveller’s family members in Singapore would be informed and consular assistance would be given.
- Help with medical repatriation to Singapore, if required, is part of the assistance offered by MFA.
- Upon being brought back to Singapore, the injured/ill citizen would be picked up at the airport and taken to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
In case of death overseas
- MFA will help the deceased Singapore citizen’s immediate family members on the procedures related to repatriation of the body or cremation at the overseas destination.
- The ministry will help the bereaved family with obtaining documents from the overseas local authorities to do what it necessary.
How to seek MFA assistance
- Call the 24-hour MFA Singapore hotline at 6379 8000
- Use the MFA website to get contact details of the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission
What is included and not included under MFA consular assistance for Singaporeans
Included
- Giving information, advice, and consular assistance
- Contacting relatives or friends to request them to send emergency funds for repatriation or other expenses
- Notifying next-of-kin if a Singapore citizen is injured abroad, arrested, or detained
- Assisting with arranging for the remains and personal belongings of a deceased Singaporean overseas to return to Singapore
- Providing support during emergencies such as natural disasters or civil disorder in an overseas destination
Not included
- Paying medical, hospital, legal, accommodation, travel or other bills, fines and the posting of bail
- Providing loans or cash cheques
- Acting as guarantor or sponsor for overseas travel
- Arranging for transportation, accommodation, or work overseas Providing translation, mail-forwarding, telephone, fax/telex or other personal services