Travel Requirements To Singapore During Covid-19 Pandemic

Three government ministers who are members of the country’s Covid-19 called for Singapore to abandon the “zero Covid” strategy in favor of a more progressive approach, says CNN health.

“The bad news is that Covid-19 may never go away. The good news is that it is possible to live normally with it in our midst,” Singapore’s Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung wrote in an op-ed. 

Easier to Track Covid 

Under this plan, the government would continue to track and log Covid cases the same way it does with other diseases like influenza, with some people being allowed to recuperate from mild cases at home. 

The key? Widespread vaccination.

The country’s rollout program has been successful, with about two-thirds of citizens expected to have gotten at least one shot by the end of July. 

Quarantine violations penalty 

Be aware that Singapore takes its pandemic-control regulations very seriously and is not afraid to enforce them. Quarantine violations carry a penalty of a fine of up to $10,000 ($7,565), up to six months in jail, or both.

Why travel to Singapore?

What’s on offer?

The quintessential modern Asian city, Singapore’s glittering skyscrapers, and waterside setting make it easy to love. Throw in some of the world’s best street food, served in its ubiquitous hawker centers, and the lush rainforest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and the city-state has more than enough to satisfy fascinated tourists.

Who can go?

Currently, entry is largely limited to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Short-term tourist visits from Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Vietnam are now allowed, subject to securing an Air Travel Pass and taking a PCR test on arrival. Business travelers from these countries, as well as Indonesia and Japan, can also enter under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme but are subject to tight restrictions. 

Singapore’s quarantine procedure

Indian Citizens to be Quarantined for 14 days

Following news of the new Delta variant, travelers from India have to serve an additional seven days of stay-home notice at their residence following their 14-day stay-home notice at dedicated facilities. The Ministry of Health confirmed this update on April 20. However, the existing restrictions against travelers from the UK and South Africa have been lifted as the home-grown variants seem to be under control in those countries. 

Until February 1, travelers from Germany, Malaysia, and South Korea were part of the RGL program. Following upticks in cases in those three countries, Singapore has indefinitely suspended the green lanes with them for at least three months. Visitors who have already been approved to use the RGL will still be able to travel back and forth as long as they test negative, but no new applications will be accepted. 

21 days of quarantine

As of May 7, anyone entering Singapore from places other than Brunei, mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau will have to spend 21 days quarantine. This must be done in a government facility and not at home. 

Beginning July 3, all travelers entering Singapore who has been in China’s Guangdong province within the past 21 days must undergo a PCR test upon arrival.

What are the restrictions?

Singapore nationals and permanent residents are allowed to enter but must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure and spend 14 days in quarantine after being served a stay-home notice (SHN) on arrival. This can be undertaken in a dedicated SHN facility, or at their place of residence.

Strict norms to be followed

However, those who opt for the latter must wear an electronic monitoring device for 14 days and will be subject to checks, including random visits, calls, and text messages. Details including ID card or passport number must be shared in order to confirm identity.

A further PCR test must be taken and come back negative before being allowed out into the community.

The city-state has announced that it will accept the IATA digital travel pass, colloquially called a vaccine passport, from May 2021. This pass will store data confirming that a traveler has received the Covid-19 vaccination from an accredited laboratory. As the pass is still in the planning stages, Singapore has not released more details about whether holders will be able to skip or shorten quarantine or have other benefits.

What is SGArrivalCards?

Those traveling from countries with an Air Travel Pass agreement must apply for entry here between seven and 30 days before departure and submit health details and all travel movements over the previous 14 days via an SGArrivalCard.

They must also download the Trace Together app to their mobile device and pay for an on-arrival PCR test, at a cost of SGD$196 (the US $148). This applies to all travelers aged six and over. Passengers must also secure non-residential accommodation for 48 hours while awaiting their results.

As of January 24, anyone entering Singapore for any reason will get a rapid Covid-19 test upon arriving at the airport. And as of January 31, all travelers will have to prove they have travel insurance that can cover at least $30,000 in expenses if necessary.

What does the data include?

Business travelers using the Reciprocal Green Lane and working for Singapore-based companies are subject to the same rules and must be staying at a non-residential address. They must also give authorities an itinerary for the entire length of their stay.

Connect@Changi, a purpose-built bubble facility built at Changi Airport’s Expo Hall, opened on February 19. The unique space provides places for people to meet in socially distanced pods and is intended as a way for high-value business travelers to come to the country safely.

Layover passengers are permitted in specific areas of the airport. They are not allowed to leave these designated areas unless they have a confirmed booking for one of Changi’s two airport hotels, and if going there they must be accompanied by an airport staff member.

Current Covid status?

On June 9, the country notched 34 deaths, which marked a grim milestone: the number of Covid deaths in Singapore officially passed those of the SARS epidemic in 2003.

A spike in cases led to Singapore returning to Phase 2 or “heightened alert” status from July 22 to August 8. That means that public gathering sizes will be down to only two people and households will be restricted to only two distinct visitors per day. In addition, all restaurants and bars must return to being takeout-only.

As of July 20, the island has had 63,245 confirmed cases and 36 deaths.

What can visitors expect?