Latest News: Singapore, Hong Kong: Air travel bubble flights between countries, expected to begin on 26 May, delayed again after Singapore imposes new COVID-19 restrictions (Argus Media ,17.05.2021). Government announces tighter curbs on social gatherings and stricter border measures (Reuters, 04.05.2021). Singapore to block entry to visitors with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka from 2 May because of COVID-19 (Reuters, 30.04.2021).

International Restrictions:

*Entry to Singapore: *Entry to Singapore: Visitors, including Long Term Pass holders, from anywhere in the world are not able to enter Singapore without prior permission from the Singapore government.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can enter Singapore without permission. From 24 April, a PCR COVID-19 test is required 72 hours before departure from the UK (and from most other countries), with a negative resulted needed in order to travel. All arrivals must have three PCR COVID-19 tests after arrival: one upon arrival in Singapore, one after 14 days and one at the end of their 21 day quarantine period. All travellers to Singapore, from all locations, should continue to check for the latest information on entry restrictions and requirements, which are subject to change.

See further information from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower will only allow Singapore work pass holders and/or their dependents to enter or re-enter Singapore if their employers have obtained prior approval from the Ministry and will only allow short-term visitors if they have permission. Further details can be found on the Ministry of Manpower website. You will be refused entry or risk deportation if you do not comply with this requirement. You also risk having your work pass revoked.

Everyone, apart from Singapore citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents, entering Singapore from the UK (and from most other countries) must obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test) within 72 hours of travel. You should arrange to take a private test.

Once you have permission to enter Singapore you must submit an online health declaration in advance of your arrival. Otherwise, it will need to be completed upon entry and may result in delays to immigration clearance. Short term visitors, if allowed entry need to have medical insurance of at least S$30,000 from 31 January 2021.

Travellers are advised to check the Singapore Ministry of Health’s (MOH’s) website before travelling. Measures for inbound travellers are summarised in the COVID-19 Appendix.

All work pass holders must comply with all Singapore government regulations or face their passes being revoked and/or fines/jail.

*Quarantine requirements: Everyone granted permission to enter Singapore will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and arrivals from most destinations will be issued with a Stay at Home Notice (SHN) for at least 21 days. The SHNs must be served at a government designated hotel. The cost must be met by the traveller.

A limited number of countries have been designated as ‘low-risk’ and will be issued with a 7-day SHN, or no SHN. Arrivals from these countries will be also be permitted to carry out quarantine at their residence, if applicable. Full details of exemptions including testing requirements and quarantine information can be found on the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) ‘Arrival in Singapore’ and ‘SafeTravel’ webpages. You should check these websites for updates and review SHN details before travelling.

Everyone aged over 12 who is in home quarantine will need by law to wear an electronic tag for the duration of their quarantine period. The tags are about the size of a watch and are worn on the wrist.

In addition to quarantine fees, all arrivals must pay for a COVID-19 test which will be conducted before the SHN quarantine period ends. While you’re serving quarantine you will not be allowed to leave your room/place of residence. Smoking may not be allowed in government allocated quarantine facilities. The quarantine period cannot be reduced, even if you wish to leave Singapore. Failure to comply carries a fine and a jail term of up to six months. More details can be found on the Singapore government website.

Specific schemes exist for essential business travel to Singapore from certain countries. To use these schemes your travel must be sponsored by your employer. Schemes also exist for long-term pass holders to facilitate limited travel between Malaysia and Singapore.

*Transiting Singapore: Singapore’s Changi Airport allows transit of passengers only in certain circumstances. Check with your airline before undertaking a journey via Singapore. You should also familiarise yourself with new transit procedures for Changi Airport before travelling.

Internal Restrictions:

**Travel in Singapore: See the Singapore Government website for the latest on the COVID-19 situation and measures in place to curb its spread. Those who do not comply with these measures will be fined and foreign nationals could face deportation. Repeat offenders will face further fines and/or prosecution. Be aware that restrictions and penalties are subject to change at short notice.

*Public spaces and services: The wearing of face masks is compulsory for everyone when outside of their place of residence, except children under 6 years old, when eating or when engaged in strenuous exercise. Most shops and services are open with social distancing measures in place. Eateries are open only for take away service. Working from home is the mandated default and those who need to go to work must wear facemasks and maintain social distancing measures at all times. You must record visits to any shops or services through use of the ‘TraceTogether’ phone app or a ‘TraceTogether’ token. It is mandatory to use ‘Trace Together’ to enter nearly all public buildings, including shopping centres, schools, workplaces and places of worship. Please see the Singapore Ministry of Health website for more information.

Outside of the home groups cannot exceed two people (which could be two people from different households), with some exceptions to allow larger groups from the same household undertake essential activities together when unavoidable. Households are able to receive up to 2 visitors in one day. A distance of 1 metre should be maintained between people, except when this is not possible due to space constraints for example in a lift or on public transport. Speaking is discouraged on public transport. If from different households a maximum of two people can take a taxi or hire car together.