Singapore to Lift Border Restrictions for Visitors from Taiwan

(31 Oct 2021) Singapore will lift border restrictions for visitors from Taiwan, effective 00:01 on 18 December 2020.

Taiwan has a comprehensive public health surveillance system and has displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID19 virus. Over the past 28 days, Taiwan has reported zero local COVID19 cases.

Visitors travelling from Taiwan can now apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) for entry into Singapore on or after 18 December 2020.

Applicants must have remained in Taiwan for the 14 consecutive days prior to their entry. They will undergo a COVID19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test upon arrival at the airport. If the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore, without a need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN), more commonly known as quarantine.

From 00:01 (Singapore time) on 18 December 2020, Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders returning from Taiwan will similarly undergo a COVID19 PCR test upon arrival. This is in lieu of a 7-day SHN with a COVID19 PCR test before the end of the SHN period. If the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore.

Visitors can apply for the single-entry ATP, at no charge, between seven and thirty calendar days prior to their intended date of entry into Singapore.

This latest initiative follows the earlier lifting of border restrictions for visitors from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand and Vietnam.

As of 23:59 on 10 December 2020, Singapore has approved 9,284 applications for visitors from these places, and received 4,050 visitors. As of 23:59 on 9 December, all visitors who have arrived in Singapore under the ATP have tested negative for COVID19.

To expedite the COVID19 PCR test at the airport, all passengers travelling from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan and Vietnam are strongly encouraged to register and pre-pay for their on-arrival COVID19 PCR test prior to departing for Singapore.

Requirements for Visitors Entering Singapore Under the Air Travel Pass

ATP applicants must comply with the following conditions of travel:

Travel History - They must have spent the last 14 consecutive days in Taiwan before departing for Singapore. All visitors must travel to Singapore on direct flights without transit.

On-Arrival COVID19 Testing - Upon arrival in Singapore, visitors must undergo a COVID19 PCR test at the airport. The test results will be out within 48 hours, and typically within 12 hours. After taking the COVID19 PCR test, visitors are to take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the  airport to their declared place of accommodation. They must remain isolated at the accommodation until the test result is confirmed to be negative. Checks will be made to ensure that this is adhered to. After being notified of their negative test results, visitors will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore.

Contact Tracing - To facilitate the contact tracing process, visitors must download and register for the TraceTogether app on their mobile devices prior to departing for Singapore, keep it activated during their stay there, and not delete it for 14 consecutive days after leaving Singapore. Should they subsequently test positive for COVID19 within 14 days after leaving Singapore, they will be required to upload data in the app upon request by the Singapore Ministry of Health.

Medical Costs - Visitors must be responsible for their medical bills related to COVID19 while in Singapore. This includes costs related to tests and isolation imposed on visitors for public health reasons should they be suspected of being infected with COVID19, as well as medical treatment for COVID19.

The above requirements could change at any moment. Travellers are strongly advised to check with the relevant authorities prior to purchasing a plane ticket and boarding their flight.

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