Border measures tightened for those entering Singapore from some Cat IV countries owing to Omicron risks

This is due to the risks posed by the new Omicron variant, which may be circulating in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Singapore's Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has announced that border measures will tighten given the deteriorating situation in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

This is due to the recent reports of a potentially more contagious COVID-19 variant - the B.1.1.529, since termed Omicron - which may be circulating in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. As such, new restrictions are being put in place for travellers entering Singapore from these nations.

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are currently Category IV countries and arriving travellers with recent travel history to these countries are currently required to serve a 10-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.

South Africa is currently a Category II country and arriving travellers from South Africa are subjected to a seven-day SHN at their declared place of accommodation.

For incoming travellers to Singapore from the above listed countries, the following restrictions will take effect from 27 November 2021, 2359 hours:

1.  All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. This restriction will apply to those who have obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore.
2. Returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will be subjected to a 10-day SHN at dedicated SDF.
3. South Africa will be placed in Category IV.

These additional border restrictions will apply for four weeks in the first instance, and will be reviewed and extended if necessary.

Further, MTF's statement added: The Ministry of Health will evaluate the data as it emerges and review border measures accordingly. Singapore currently has no cases of this variant."

The updated country/region classification and its corresponding border measure may be found here. The full list of Safe Travel Lanes for travel to Singapore and prevailing border measures under each lane for different categories and changes to border measures will be updated on the SafeTravel website. Not all lanes may utilise the Category I/II/III/IV health measure framework. Travellers are advised to visit the website to check the latest border measures for their country/region which will apply upon entry into Singapore 

As the global situation evolves, any possible changes to border measures will be updated on the SafeTravel website. Travellers are advised to visit the website to check the latest border measures for the associated country or region before entering Singapore and be prepared to be subjected to the prevailing border measures upon entry.

All travellers are reminded to accurately declare their travel history. Strict enforcement actions will be taken against false declarations.

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