Members of the public can watch most sittings of Singapore’s Parliament from the Public Gallery. Check Parliament’s website for a confirmed sitting date, then go to the Public Entrance Lobby for an Admission Order pass. Passes are issued first come, first served. Some occasions, including the Opening of Parliament, are exceptions to public access.
Bring accepted photo identification or your Digital IC in Singpass, and dress for a formal public building. Parliament lists shorts, sleeveless singlets, slippers and sandals among the clothing it does not admit. Visitors also go through security screening and must store electronic devices and belongings at the entrance lockers.
- Check Parliament’s website for the sitting date.
- Get an Admission Order pass at the Public Entrance Lobby, subject to availability.
- Bring accepted ID and wear modest clothing with suitable shoes.
- Check the locker instructions before leaving home.
Plan your visit
Guide contents
Pick a sitting day and find the public entrance
Parliament posts sitting dates on its website. Its visitor guide says proceedings usually start at 1.30 pm and continue until adjournment. Use the date and timing published for the sitting you want to attend. Allow time for the security check and for getting a pass.
Set your map to the current Parliament House and look for the Public Entrance Lobby. The Arts House at the Old Parliament is a separate heritage venue nearby. If you are bringing a group, share the current Parliament House pin and the public entrance as the meeting point.
Prepare for screening and check-in
Have your ID available before reaching the entrance. If you plan to use Digital IC, keep your phone with you until staff have verified your identity and then follow their directions for storing it. Return the Admission Order pass before leaving.
Parliament’s visitor guide lists small lockers at 40 cents and medium lockers at 60 cents per use, payable in 20-cent coins. Check the published instructions for any changes. Wear long trousers or other modest attire and shoes that comply with the dress requirements.
What to pay attention to in the gallery
Read the sitting agenda beforehand if a particular topic interests you. During the sitting, listen for how a question is put, how the minister answers it and whether a follow-up asks for clarification. This is a simple way to follow proceedings even when the subjects change during the session.
Follow staff instructions in the gallery and plan your arrival around the sitting as a whole. The order and pace of proceedings can affect when a particular item comes up. If you want to tour the building, check Parliament’s separate tour information.
Common questions
Can everyone get a seat?
Admission Orders are issued first come, first served on sittings open to the public.
Can I use Singpass Digital IC?
Yes. Parliament lists Digital IC as an accepted option for identity verification.
Can I attend a guided tour instead?
Parliament lists tours separately from sitting-day admission. Check its official visiting page for the appropriate route.