Singapore’s MOH updates travel restrictions for travellers from New South Wales and Victoria

Starting 26 June, travel restrictions will be tightened for those coming from NSW, but loosened for those coming from Victoria state.

The Ministry of Health (MOH), on 24 June, has updated Singapore’s border measures for Singapore citizens (SCs), permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders entering Singapore with travel history (within the last 21 days) to New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria State, Australia.

Effective 26 June 2021, 2359 hours, the following measures will be in place for those coming from NSW:

• An on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test
• A seven-day stay-home notice (SHN) at their place of residence
• A COVID-19 PCR test before the end of the SHN period.

This is in light of the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in NSW. This week alone, the state has a total of 53 active cases, an increase from 20 last week. Based on the Australian government’s statistics, in the last 24 hours, there were 18 cases.

Short-term travellers holding an Air Travel Pass (ATP) with travel history to NSW, Australia within the last 21 days before departure will, however, not be allowed to enter Singapore.

Loosened restrictions for those from Victoria State

“We had earlier announced that travellers from Victoria State, Australia will be subjected to an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test, a seven-day SHN at their place of residence, and a COVID-19 PCR test before the end of the SHN period,” MOH said in its press release.

As the COVID-19 situation there has improved, effective 26 June 2021, 2359 hours, the following measures will be in place for those coming from Victoria State:

• An on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test. Travellers will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore if the PCR test result is negative;
• No serving of a seven-day SHN at their place of residence is required.

Short-term travellers with travel history to Victoria State, Australia, within the last 21 days before departure can apply for an ATP with immediate effect, for entry into Singapore on or after 1 July 2021.

“They will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival, and will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore if the PCR test result is negative,” MOH said.

Travellers who are already serving their seven-day SHN at their place of residence as of 26 June 2021, 2359 hours will still be required to complete this SHN and exit swab.

According to MOH, all other travellers with travel history to Australia (excluding New South Wales) in the last 21 days prior to travel will continue to be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, in lieu of their SHN.

The ministry, at the same time, urged travellers to visit SafeTravel to check for the most updated border measures before entering the country.

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