Singapore Lifts Border Restrictions for Visitors from Australia and Vietnam

Since Singapore lifted border restrictions for visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand on 8 September, the country had, as of 5pm on 30 September 2020, approved 331 applications from the two countries to enter Singapore and received 136 visitors, and none of the visitors tested positive for COVID19 upon arrival.

From 8 October 2020, 0000 hours, Singapore will also lift the border restrictions for visitors from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam.

Both countries have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID19 virus.

Visitors travelling from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam can now apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) for entry into Singapore on or after 8 October 2020. Applicants must have remained in either Australia (excluding Victoria State) or Vietnam in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their entry. They will undergo a COVID19 test upon arrival at the airport and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore, without the need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).

From today (2 October 2020, 00:00 hrs Singapore time), Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders returning from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam will similarly undergo a COVID19 test upon arrival, in lieu of a 7-day SHN with a COVID19 test administered before the end of the SHN. They are strongly encouraged to register and pre-pay for their post-arrival COVID19 test prior to departing for Singapore.

To protect public health in Singapore, ATP applicants must comply with the following conditions of travel:

(i) Travel History - They must have spent the last 14 consecutive days in Australia (excluding Victoria State) or Vietnam before departing for Singapore. All visitors must travel to Singapore on direct flights without transit.

(ii) Post-Arrival COVID19 Testing - Upon arrival in Singapore, visitors must undergo a COVID19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at the airport. To expedite the COVID19 PCR test at the airport, before departing for Singapore, visitors are strongly encouraged to register and make payment on the website. 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.

(iii) Contact Tracing – To facilitate the contact tracing process, visitors must download the TraceTogether app on their mobile devices and keep it activated during their stay in Singapore. They are advised to download the app prior to departing for Singapore, 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.

(iv) 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 information is correct as of press time, however travellers are strongly advised to check with the Singapore authorities for the very latest information which could change at any time.

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