Aiming to have 75% of its population vaccinated by August, Singapore is slowly opening its borders to allow for more travel. As of Aug 8, 70% of Singapore’s 5.6 million population had been fully vaccinated, which means more than 3.8 million people were vaccinated.
Thanks to Singapore’s efficient vaccination programme, the country can ease border restrictions and allow for more travellers to enter Singapore. To find out if you can enter Singapore, click here.
What are the relevant health control measures you need to know if you wish to travel to Singapore?
To minimise public health risks upon the reopening of borders, travellers are required to follow the relevant health control measures.
1) COVID-19 tests
- COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (“PCR Test”)
For travellers aged three and above, they are required to undergo COVID-19 tests.
- Before departing to Singapore
The PCR test requirements vary depending on the travellers’ travel history and Safe Travel Lane used. Travellers will need to take a PCR test at an internationally accredited or recognised lab, clinic or medical facility.
A copy of the PCR test result will be used as proof that the traveller has been tested for COVID-19. The documentary proof must be in English and includes the date of the test taken as well as the traveller’s details. Travellers who fail to provide proof of PCR test results may be denied boarding.
- Upon arrival
Upon arrival in Singapore, travellers will be tested for COVID-19. Travellers are advised to register and pay for the PCR tests before their arrival to shorten the administrative processes.
The PCR test result will be given to the traveller either by phone or in person. For those with a Singpass account, they can log in to HealthHub for their PCR test results.
- During SHN
Depending on the traveller’s travel history and Safe Travel Lane used, they may need to serve a Stay Home Notice (SHN) and take the PCR test before the end of their SHN. Travellers will be informed of their PCR test results via phone or in person. For those with a Singpass account, they can log in to HealthHub for their PCR test results.
- Pre-departure test
Travellers need to check with their travel destination on whether or not they are required to take a COVID-19 test before departure. They should also ensure that the clinic of their choice meets the requirements of the destination country/region.
When travelling to Singapore, travellers should ensure that they have enough time to take and receive their test results before departure. Government subsidies will not be given for these tests.
2) Self-isolation and segregation measures
- SHN
SHN requires travellers to remain in their place of residence or SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF) for a specified period. Failure to comply with SHN requirements is punishable under Singapore laws. Travellers under SHN will need to take a PCR test towards the end of their SHN.
- SHN in SDF
Travellers who are from higher-risk countries will need to serve their SHN at an SHN Dedicated Facility (SDF). Travellers will only be assigned to an SDF upon arrival. However, for a small group of travellers who wish to complete their SHN at their residence, they are eligible to apply for such arrangements three working days before their scheduled arrival in Singapore.
- SHN Electronic Monitoring Devices
Electronic monitoring devices will be issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to travellers above 12 who are serving their SHN outside SDF. These devices will be used to detect travellers who leave their SHN accommodation before the specified period.
The traveller’s privacy will be protected while using these devices and all location data can only be accessed by authorised government officials. At the end of the SHN period, travellers are required to return or dispose of these devices.
3) Mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance
Short-term visitors travelling via the Air Travel Pass (ATP) and Reciprocal Green Lanes (RGLs) will need travel insurance for their COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs in Singapore. Insurance should be purchased before travelling. Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents not included.
Employers who wish to bring workers into Singapore must buy them COVID-19 medical insurance before their arrival. This applies to all workers under Work Permit, Training Work Permit and S Pass holders.
4) Treatment for COVID-19
Travellers who tested positive for COVID-19 must be isolated for treatment and recovery at the appropriate facility. Patients may also be transferred to Community Care Facilities (CCFs) for continued care until they are fit for discharge.
You should not travel to Singapore if
Although Singapore is slowly opening its borders for more travels, you should put your travel plan on hold if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are diagnosed or suspected to have COVID-19 21 days before your departure to Singapore or had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 14 days before your departure to Singapore.
Stay tuned for more articles from us or visit the Ministry of Health’s web page to get yourself updated.
Have any questions? For more information, send in your immigration-related questions to us.