Updates to border measures for travellers entering Singapore
Source: gov.sg
On 15 June 2020, the Government announced changes to border measures as they progressively re-open to international travel. These border measures take into account the current understanding of COVID-19, as well as the developments in other countries and regions.
No need to serve Stay-Home Notice at SHN facilities for travellers from some countries/regions
Since 21 March 2020, all incoming travellers – including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders – have been required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all travellers entering Singapore and who had remained in the following countries/regions in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry, will no longer have to serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities:
| Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam |
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence
- Long Term Pass holders may serve their 14-day SHN at a place of residence that they or their family members own or are sole tenants of; or in suitable accommodation such as a hotel (at their own cost)
All other travellers entering Singapore will continue to serve their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.
All persons under SHN must remain in their place of residence at all times. They will be subject to close monitoring of their whereabouts, through electronic monitoring as well as physical spot-checks. Strict enforcement action will be taken against those who breach the requirements of the SHN.
COVID-19 testing for all incoming travellers
From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all incoming travellers entering Singapore will be tested for COVID-19. This is an additional precautionary measure to detect the virus, especially given the risks of asymptomatic cases.
The test will be scheduled a few days before the end of the SHN period, at a designated community testing facility. Each person under SHN will receive an SMS notification informing them of the scheduled appointment slot and venue.
They will have to travel from their place of residence to the designated testing facilities, and return immediately after the test, using their own private vehicle or designated transport. Public transport should be avoided.
Travellers to bear costs of COVID-19 tests and stay at Dedicated SHN Facilities
The Government has thus far borne the costs of stay at dedicated SHN facilities for travellers entering Singapore, except for those who left Singapore from 27 March 2020, despite the prevailing travel advisory. The Government has also borne the costs of the large majority of COVID-19 tests.
From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all inbound and outbound travellers who enter or leave Singapore will be required to pay for their COVID-19 tests, where applicable.
From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all incoming travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, where applicable.
The prevailing charges are summarised below:
| COVID-19 test for persons under SHN | Up to $200^ (inclusive of GST) |
| 14-day stay at dedicated SHN facility | $2,000 (inclusive of GST) |
^These are the charges that will apply for the COVID-19 test before the end of the SHN, which will be carried out at a designated community testing facility.
Summary of border measures and COVID-19 tests
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Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents |
Long Term Pass Holders (with valid approval letter for entry)* |
Short-Term Visitors |
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Travellers who have spent the last 14 consecutive days in these countries/regions:
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Not allowed entry (except under established Green / Fast Lane arrangements@ or with special prior approval#) |
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All other travellers |
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* Long Term Pass holders who were granted entry approval prior to this announcement may serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, and will not be charged for their COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN nor for their stay in dedicated SHN facilities.
@ As of 15 June 2020, this comprises the Singapore-China Fast Lane.
# Short-term visitors granted special prior approval to enter Singapore (except under established Green / Fast Lane arrangements) are subject to the same treatment with regard to SHN and test requirements, and charges, as Long Term Pass holders.
Updated Travel Advisory for Singaporeans
All Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are still advised to defer all travel abroad.
However, essential business and official travel will be permitted under Green / Fast Lane arrangements – as of 15 June 2020, this comprises the Singapore-China Fast Lane.
Travel Advisory for Long Term Pass holders and Short-term Visitors
All Long Term Pass holders will continue to require prior approval before entering Singapore - except for those returning under the Singapore-China Fast Lane arrangements, as separate arrangements would have been put in place for this group.
As the global and local health situations improve, the Government has gradually increased the number of entry approvals given to Long Term Pass holders, especially those with deep roots to Singapore or have exigent circumstances. They expect to be able to facilitate the re-entry of more Long Term Pass holders in the coming weeks. They will also study how to facilitate business travels, in particular for professionals based in Singapore who need to travel frequently as part of their work, with the necessary safeguards.
At the moment, short-term visitors are still not allowed entry into Singapore, except those coming in under the Green / Fast Lane arrangements, or with special prior approval.
As Singapore’s border measures will evolve as the global situation changes, please check the MOH website for the latest updates.