Is it illegal to visit prostitutes in Singapore?

Last updated on May 4, 2011

It is not illegal to be a prostitute in Singapore. Neither is it illegal to visit one. However, many activities related to prostitution are illegal. For example, persistent soliciting by prostitutes is prohibited under section 19 of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.

Managing a brothel is one of the many illegal acts related to prostitution, together with living on the earnings of the prostitution of another person, commonly known as pimping. These illegal acts and others related to prostitution are mostly documented in Part XI of the Women’s Charter.

Some publications have claimed that in reality, brothels are allowed to operate in certain red-light districts, provided the brothel owners observe a number of conditions, such as ensuring that the prostitutes are free of sexually transmitted diseases, and that the prostitutes are working out of their own volition. Prostitutes can only work in the brothels when they are medically registered and given a medical card.

Criminal Law

Arrest and Investigation
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  2. When Can the Police Arrest Someone?: Arrestable and Non-Arrestable Offences in Singapore
  3. Police Arrest Procedure in Singapore
  4. Can a Civilian Arrest a Criminal in Singapore?
  5. Is lying to the police or authorities a punishable offence in Singapore?
  6. Surrender of Passport to the Police and How to Get It Back
  7. What to Do If You’re Being Investigated for a Criminal Offence in Singapore
  8. Can You Say No to a Lie Detector Test in Singapore? And Other FAQs
  9. Do You Have a "Right to Remain Silent" to the Police in Singapore?
  10. The Extradition Act: What If You Commit a Crime and Flee Singapore?
  11. Warrant of Arrest: What to Do If It is Issued Against You in Singapore
Bail
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  2. Prosecutorial Discretion in Singapore
  3. What is Private Prosecution?
  4. Compounding or Composition of Offences in Singapore
  5. Criminal Records in Singapore
  6. Plea Bargaining in Singapore: All You Need to Know
Criminal Proceedings
  1. Criminal Compensation in Singapore
  2. What Can I Do to Protect Myself in Self-Defence in Singapore?
  3. Claiming Trial as an Accused
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  5. Pleading Guilty
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  7. Presidential Clemency in Singapore
  8. Probation in Singapore: Are You Eligible? Will You Have a Criminal Record?
  9. What Should You Do If You Witness a Crime in Singapore?
  10. Reformative Training in Singapore: When will it be Ordered?
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  13. Consequences of Receiving a Stern Warning in Singapore
  14. Are You Eligible for a Mandatory Treatment Order (MTO)?
  15. Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Court Case in Singapore and How?
  16. Caning in Singapore: Judicial, School & Parental Corporal Punishment
Sexual Offences
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  2. Accused of Molest: Outrage of Modesty in Singapore
  3. What Can Victims of Sexual Harassment in Singapore Do?
  4. What is the Law on Sexting in Singapore?
Vice-Related Offences
  1. Is it illegal to visit prostitutes in Singapore?
  2. Is Watching, Downloading or Filming Porn Illegal in Singapore?
  3. Singapore's Drug Laws: Possession, Consumption and Trafficking
  4. When is Gambling Illegal in Singapore?
  5. Is Vaping Illegal in Singapore?
  6. DUI: Here are the Penalties for Drink-Driving in Singapore
  7. Legal Drinking Age in Singapore and Other Drinking-Related Laws
  8. Smoking in Singapore: Legal Age and Penalties for Illegal Smoking
Cybercrime
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  3. What to Do If Someone Impersonates Me Online
White-Collar Crimes
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  2. Dishonest assistance and knowing receipt - The case of David Rasif
  3. Anti-Money Laundering Laws and You
  4. All You Need to Know About Corruption in Singapore
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Other Criminal Offences
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  10. Complete Guide to E-Scooter and PMD Laws for Singapore Riders
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  19. Organised Crimes: Penalties/Orders Syndicates Face in Singapore
Certificate of Clearance
  1. How Do You Apply for a Certificate of Clearance?