Singapore updates border measures: Shorter pre-departure COVID test windows, opt-outs for SHN, and more

閱讀中文版本

Travellers from selected countries/regions must produce a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of departure to Singapore. Take note of all updated measures, which are effective 9 September, 2359 hours, here.

Effective 2359 hours on Thursday (9 September 2021), all travellers from Category III and IV countries/regions must produce a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result taken within 48 hours before departure to Singapore, in order to enter or transit through Singapore.

This comes as part of efforts to reduce the risk of importation of the virus in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Sunday (5 September). Currently, the pre-departure tests have to be taken within 72 hours of departure to Singapore. 

Overall, the following will continue to apply to travellers:

1. On-arrival PCR test;
2. Corresponding Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and testing regime upon arrival in Singapore; and
3. Tested at the end of their SHN.

Updated country/region classifications 

Category II - Republic of Korea

Apart from the above, MOH has shared that effective 9 September (Thursday), 2359 hours, travellers entering or transiting through Singapore, with travel history to the Republic of Korea within the last 21 days before departure for Singapore, will be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departing for Singapore.

These travellers will also 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.

This decision comes following a review of the COVID-19 situation in the Republic of Korea.

Category III - Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden

In the same vein, following a review of the evolving COVID-19 situation in Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden, Singapore will be adjusting its border measures for these countries/regions.

Effective 9 September (Thursday), 2359 hours, travellers from Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Sweden who are fully vaccinated may apply to opt out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at a suitable accommodation of their choice (e.g. residential address, hotels or serviced apartments), if they fulfil a set of criteria (shared below).

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers will be required to undergo a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.

Criteria to fulfill for opting out of SHN at dedicated facilities

These apply to fully-vaccinated travellers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland as announced on 19 August, and will apply to fully-vaccinated travellers from Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden effective 9 September (2359 hours).

Applications will be considered if the vaccinated traveller has fulfilled the following criteria:

1. Remained in the above-mentioned countries4 in the last consecutive 21 days prior to arriving in Singapore; and
2. Are occupying their respective places of residence or other suitable accommodation alone, or only with household members who are also vaccinated persons serving SHN, with the same travel history and duration of SHN.

For Singapore Citizens and PRs, the application must be made three days prior to arrival via the SafeTravel website. Travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or PRs may apply to opt out as part of the entry application process from 9 September 2021, 2359 hours onwards. All travellers must present the approval to opt out upon arrival in Singapore.

Further, all travellers who successfully opt out must remain in their declared place of residence/accommodation at all times and are required to don an electronic monitoring device throughout their SHN period.

The MOH has stressed that action will be taken against those who breach the requirements of the SHN or make false declarations. Travellers will also be required to utilise specially designated transport services to and from their place of residence and bear the costs for these transport arrangements.

Full categories and their relevant measures

A full list of updated categories is as follows:

*Right-click to view larger image in a new tab. 

Lead photo / 123RF 

Table / MOH

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!