Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here has experience with transiting through Singapore Changi Airport with prescription medications, because I’m running into a confusing situation.

We are traveling from Manila to Phuket with a short layover (about 2 hours) in Singapore. We will not be clearing immigration and will not be leaving the airport — just an airside transit.

I understand that Singapore law still applies in the airport, even if you don’t “enter” the country in the immigration sense. That part makes sense. However, the issue I’m running into is that the official permit/application system only seems to work if you say you are entering Singapore.

When I indicate that I am not entering the country (transit only), the system either stops or shows generic guidance that doesn’t clearly apply to controlled prescription medications. When I indicate that I am entering Singapore, the system then requires permits — but that’s not accurate either, because we’re not actually entering or staying in Singapore.

So I’m stuck in this gray area where:

Singapore law applies because we land there

But the normal way to apply for a permit assumes immigration entry

Has anyone here dealt with this before?

If you’re only transiting airside, how are you actually supposed to handle prescription medication approvals correctly?

For context, these are legally prescribed medications for medical use, and we are trying to be fully compliant — not looking for loopholes or shortcuts.

Any firsthand experience or practical advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.