Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

VISITING THE ISTANA

A.     Getting There

B.     Entry Requirements and Prohibited Items

C.      Entrance Fees and Activities

D.     Payment Methods and Sales Channels

E.      Visitor Etiquette and Accessibility

 

 

A. Visiting the Istana: Getting There

 

1. Is the Istana open to the public?

The Istana opens to the public up to five times a year during the Istana Open Houses. Dates and details of upcoming Istana Open Houses are announced on the official Istana Open House webpage here.

 

2. Do I need to register before coming for the Istana Open House? What are the opening hours?

No pre-registration is required for admission into the Istana Open House. All visitors are welcome to visit the Istana grounds during the Istana Open Houses from 8.30am to 6.00pm. (closing time, with the last entry at 5.30pm) 

 

3. How do I get to the Istana?

Entry into the Istana grounds during the Istana Open House is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only. The nearest MRT station is the Dhoby Ghaut MRT interchange, which is less than five minutes away by foot.

 

4. Can I drive into the Istana?

No, entry into the Istana during the Istana Open House is only accessible by foot, via the main entrance (i.e., Main Gate) along Orchard Road. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation when visiting the Istana.

 

5. Can I take a taxi or ride-hailing service to/from the Istana?

There is no dedicated drop-off or pick-up point at the Istana during the Istana Open House. Visitors who wish to take a taxi or ride-hailing service may choose to alight/board their ride from the nearest public taxi stand, drop-off or pick-up points.

6. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, will the Istana Open House remain open to public?

Entry to the Istana grounds may be restricted due to capacity, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances during the Istana Open House.

In the event of lightning risk, the Open House may be suspended or cancelled. Visitors can seek shelter at the tentages. Please avoid taking shelter under trees or canopies. Visitors may also seek shelter at nearby malls.

 

B. Visiting the Istana: Entry Requirements and Prohibited Items

 

7. Do I need identification to enter the Istana?

 

All visitors, including Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, must present proof of valid identification upon entrance into the Istana grounds at the Main Gate.

 

 

8. Are there items that I cannot bring into the Istana? Are there security checks?

All visitors entering the Istana during the Istana Open House are subject to security checks and must comply with security regulations on prohibited items. Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors with prohibited items.

The prohibition of restricted items is a security measure in place for the safety of all visitors. We appreciate your understanding that such measures are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at the Open House.

 

9. What items are considered prohibited?

 

Prohibited objects include pointed and sharp objects (e.g., knives of any size, forks, scissors), flammable items (e.g., lighters, aerosol sprays), tripods, and canned items (e.g., canned food and drinks, as well as aerosol cans). The full list of prohibited items can be found in the PDF here.

 

 

10. What should I do if I am carrying any of the prohibited items listed? Are there storage facilities at the Istana?

There are no storage facilities at the Istana. Visitors may wish to dispose of prohibited items or store them elsewhere before entering the Istana.

 

C. Visiting the Istana: Admission Fees and Activities

 

Types of Admission Fees

 

11.  Must I pay to enter the Istana?

(A) Entry into the Istana grounds during the Istana Open House is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors are required to pay a fee* of $20 per adult and $10 per child (4 to 12 years old).

 

Additional fees apply for the following activities within the Istana:

(B) Entry into the Istana Villa for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents are priced at $2* per adult and per child (4 to 12 years old). Other visitors are required to pay an admission fee* of $10 per adult and $5 per child (4 to 12 years old).

(C) Guided Istana Heritage Tour: Fees for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents are priced at $8* per adult and $4* per child (4 to 12 years old), with a family package for two adults and two children available. Other visitors are required to pay a tour fee* of $30 per adult and $12 per child (4 to 12 years old). Please refer to the admission fee specifications for more details.

*All fees collected are non-refundable (even in the event of exigencies) and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

TABLE OF ADMISSION FEES:

 

(A) ADMISSION FEES TO ENTER THE ISTANA GROUNDS

	Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents**	Standard
Adult	Free	$20.00
Children (4 to 12 years)	Free	$10.00
Children (Below 4 years)	Free	Free

 

 

**Including migrant domestic workers accompanying families.

 

            (B) ADMISSION FEES FOR THE ISTANA VILLA

	Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents	Standard
	Self-guided	Self-guided
Adult	$2.00	$10.00
Children (4 to 12 years)	$2.00	$5.00
Children (Below 4 years)	Free	Free

            (C) FEES FOR THE ISTANA HERITAGE TOUR

	Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents	Standard
Adult	$8.00	$30.00
Children (4 to 12 years)	$4.00	$12.00
Children (Below 4 years)	Free	Free
Family Package for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (2 adults + 2 children, aged 4 to 12 years)	$22.00	Non-eligible

All fees collected are non-refundable (even in the event of exigencies) and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

Entry into the Istana Grounds

 

12. How do I pay for admission feesto enter the Istana grounds? Can I purchase it ahead of time?

 

Admission fees can be paid on the day of the Istana Open House at the entrance of the Istana, located at the Istana Main Gate at Orchard Road. Pre-purchase/ pre-registration for admission is not required.

 

13. Can I re-enter the Istana grounds or reuse my admission fee for another time?

Admission fees paid to enter the Istana grounds are valid for a one-time entry on the date of purchase.

(i) Visitors will have to repurchase a separate admission fee should they wish to re-enter the Istana grounds after they have exited the premises and will be subject to the same security checks.

(ii) Visitors cannot reuse admission fees paid for another Istana Open House, even if they did not enter the Istana grounds on the date of purchase.

 

14. Can I get a refund if my visit to the Istana grounds does not meet my expectations?

 

All fees collected are non-refundable (even in the event of exigencies) and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

Activities at the Istana

 

 

15. Can I tour the Istana grounds?

 

Visitors can explore the grounds by foot to discover its architectural heritage and unique flora and fauna. The following activities (fees apply) are available for the public during the Istana Open House:

 

(i) Self-guided tour of the Istana Villa; and

(ii) Guided Istana Heritage Tour conducted by NParks’ volunteers.

 

Do note that there are areas within the Istana that are strictly non-accessible to public. Security personnel are authorised to deny entry at restricted areas to visitors.

 

 

16. Where can I get a map of the Istana grounds? Where can I get the latest information on the Istana Open House?

 

 A digital map of the Istana grounds and latest updates of the Istana Open House can be found here.

 

 

 

Activities at the Istana – Istana Villa

 

17. What can I do at the Istana Villa?

 

During the Istana Open House, visitors can go on self-guided tours of the Istana Villa from 8.30am to 6.00pm, where they can view a selection of State Gifts presented over the years to Singapore’s leaders.

 

 

18. How do I purchase an admission fee for the Istana Villa? Can I purchase it ahead of time?

 

 

Admission fees can be paid on the day of the Istana Open House. Pre-purchase/ pre-registration for admission is not required.

 

 

19. Can I re-enter the Istana Villa or reuse my admission fee for another time?

 

Admission fees paid for the Istana Villa are valid for only a one-time entry on the date of purchase.

(i) Visitors will not be able to re-enter the Istana Villa after they have exited the premises.

(ii) Visitors will not be able to reuse their paid admission fees for another Istana Open House, even if they did not enter the Istana Villa on the date of purchase.

 

20. Does the admission fee into Istana Villa include admission into Istana grounds or other activities?

 

The admission fees for Istana Villa are separate from admission fees required for entry into the Istana grounds or other activities during the Istana Open House.

 

21. Can I get a refund if the activity at the Istana Villa does not meet my expectations?

 

Allfees collected are non-refundable (even in the event of exigencies) and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

 

Activities at the Istana – Istana Heritage Tour

 

22. Are there guided tours available?

 

Yes, visitors can go on guided walking tours of the Istana grounds conducted by NParks’ volunteers in the Istana Heritage Tour. Tours are conducted outdoors for approximately one hour and are only available during the Istana Open House on an hourly basis from 9.00am to 4.00pm (last timeslot). Fees apply and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge. More information on the Istana Heritage Tour can be found here.

 

 

23. Do I need to pre-register for the Istana Heritage Tour?

Pre-registration ahead of the next Istana Open House is recommended as slots tend to be filled quickly as soon as they are released to the public. Pre-registration and detailed information are announced up to a month ahead of the next Open House here.

 

24. How do I make a booking for the Istana Heritage Tour?

 

Visitors can book their timeslots ahead of the next Istana Open House at go.gov.sg/istanatour. Pre-registration ahead of the next Istana Open House is recommended. More information on tour availability and pre-registration details for the Istana Heritage Tour can be found here.

 

Please note that The Istana and the Istana Heritage Tour are not represented by any external tour agency, resale agent or third-party websites claiming to collect personal information or provide ticketing sales and booking services. More information can be found in FAQ section D.

 

 

25. Do I have to make separate bookings for each person in my family or group? Is there a special pricing for families?

 

Each booking is meant for one person only. However, payment can be done together if your group has secured the same timeslot. There is a family package that includes two adults and two children (aged 4 to 12 years old) for $22.

 

 

26. Do the fees for the Istana Heritage Tour include admission into Istana grounds or Istana Villa?

 

The registration fees for the Istana Heritage Tour are separate from and exclude admission fees required for entry into the Istana grounds, entry into the Istana Villa or other activities during the Istana Open House.

 

 

27. I have made a booking for the Istana Heritage Tour. What information do I have to present on the day of the Istana Open House?

 

Tour participants must present proof of purchase (e.g., email confirmation of their paid registration) at the Istana Heritage Tour meeting point and will be issued a wristband upon verification.

 

Participants are advised to arrive at the tour meeting point at least 30 minutes prior to their booked timeslots for verification. The tour groups may depart promptly at the scheduled timing.

 

 

28. Where can I find the Istana Heritage Tour meeting point?

 

The tour meeting point booth is located within the tentage just after the security screening at the Istana Main Gate, and near the Swan Pond. Visitors should look out for signage indicating ‘Istana Heritage Tour’, that will direct them towards the tour meeting point.

 

 

29. I am participating in the Istana Heritage Tour. Can I leave my personal belongings, shopping bags or stroller with staff, NParks’ volunteer guides or authorised personnel at the tour meeting point before, during or after the tour?

 

No. Staff, NParks’ volunteer guides or authorised personnel managing the tour meeting point are not responsible for storing or looking out for the personal belongings, shopping bags or strollers of tour participants and Istana Open House visitors at-large.

 

Participants must take accountability for their personal belongings, shopping bags or strollers. 

 

 

30. I suddenly feel unwell or accidentally injured myself during the Istana Heritage Tour. What should I do?

 

Please inform our NParks’ volunteer guides, staff or authorised personnel managing the Istana Heritage Tours of your condition as soon as possible. Medical personnel will be alerted to assess your physical condition and provide basic first aid where necessary. Please visit a doctor and seek medical advice immediately.

 

Please note that The Istana is not responsible for any medical conditions or injuries sustained before or during the Istana Open House. Participants, as well as parents and guardians of children attending the tour, are advised to take precaution in ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and their children during the tour. Visitors who are feeling unwell on that day are strongly encouraged not to visit the Istana and not to participate in the outdoor Istana Heritage Tour. This is clearly outlined in the Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions during the time of registration for the Istana Heritage Tour.

 

 

31. I am unwell/unable to make it for my booking in the Istana Heritage Tour. Can I transfer or sell my booking to my family member or friend?

 

All purchases are non-transferable and not for resale. Staff and authorised personnel managing the Istana Heritage Tours reserve the right to deny entry to visitors who are unable to verify their purchases. All fees collected are also non-refundable (even in the event of exigencies) and will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

32. Can I exit the Istana before or during my tour slot, or reuse my booking for the Istana Heritage Tour at another time?

Registered slots for the Istana Heritage Tour are valid only during the intended Istana Open House date and cannot be reused at another time.

As general admission fees paid for entering the Istana grounds are valid for a one-time entry on the date of purchase, visitors will have to repurchase a separate admission fee should they wish to re-enter the Istana grounds after they have exited the premises and will be subject to the same security checks.

 

33. Can I get a refund if I am unable to complete the Istana Heritage Tour or if the activity does not meet my expectations?

 

We seek your understanding that all fees collected are non-refundable, even in the event of exigencies or if tours are cancelled due to inclement weather. Fees collected will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge. This is clearly outlined in the Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions during the time of registration for the Istana Heritage Tour.

 

 

Other Activities at the Istana

 

 

34. Can I visit and tour the Istana Main Building?

The Istana Main Building is currently closed for extensive restoration works and will not be accessible during the Istana Open Houses till further notice.

 

35. Are there other activities I can look forward to at the Istana Open House?

 

Every Istana Open House will include live performances and activities for the whole family. Details on performance programme and activity booths will be announced in the Istana Open House media release. More information can be found at our Newsroom.

 

 

36. Are there snacks and souvenirs for purchase?

 

Selected food stalls, food trucks as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs will be available for purchase during the Istana Open House. All fees collected will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

D. Visiting the Istana: Payment Methods and Sales Channels

 

Payment Methods

 

37. What payment methods are accepted at the Istana?

Only cashless payments via Credit/Debit Card and QR Code will be accepted. Participating payment merchants include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, JCB, Bank of China, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, ICBC, Maybank, OCBC, PayNow, Standard Chartered, and UOB.

 

38. Do you accept other e-payments via WeChat, Alipay, ApplePay, Google Pay?

 

E-transactions beyond the payment methods listed above (Qn 37) are currently not accepted at the Istana.

 

 

Sales Channels

 

39. Do you have any authorised agents for booking and selling entrance tickets to the Istana grounds, Villa and the Istana Heritage Tour?

 

The Istana and the Istana Heritage Tour are not represented by any external tour agency, resale agent or third-party websites claiming to collect personal information or provide ticketing sales and booking services.

 

(i) Admission fees* for entering the Istana grounds and Istana Villa are collected onsite at the Istana Open Houses.

 

(ii) Registration fees* for the Istana Heritage Tour are done through the official registration form at go.gov.sg/istanatour and onsite at the tour meeting point during the Istana Open Houses.

 

*All fees collected will go towards the benefitting organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

 

E. Visitor Etiquette and Accessibility

 

Visitors are requested to maintain good hygiene and to keep the Istana grounds litter-free.

 

40. Is the Istana accessible for persons with disabilities?

 

Yes, the Istana grounds are wheelchair accessible. There are also dedicated staff to provide assistance, if required. 

 

 

41. Are pets allowed in the Istana?

 

No pets are allowed except for certified guide dogs.

 

 

42. Are there childcare facilities provided during the Istana Open House?

 

There are no dedicated childcare facilities during the Open House. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children and ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

 

 

43. Are photography and videography allowed inside the Istana?

 

As the Istana Open House is a public event, photography/videography is generally allowed except for restricted areas within the Istana grounds. Visitors are requested to respect onsite instructions.

 

 

44. Can I ride my bicycle or use Personal Mobility Devices inside the Istana?

 

Activities such as wheeled sports (e.g., cycling, rollerblading, riding Personal Mobility Devices) are not allowed.

 

 

45. I do not feel well enough to explore the Istana grounds by foot. Can I get buggy assistance to tour the Istana?

Visitors who are feeling unwell on that day of the Istana Open House are strongly encouraged not to visit the Istana. Buggy assistance is not available for public use and not intended for the purpose of allowing visitors to tour the Istana.

 46. Are there designated smoking zones inside the Istana?

 Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited on the Istana grounds.