Singapore residents should defer travel to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka until further notice: MOH

As of 30 May, there are 1,444 active cases in Bangladesh; 152,734 in India; 3,702 in Nepal; 2,117 in Pakistan, and 2,859 in Sri Lanka. However, travel for Singapore residents continues to remain open to Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand and Mainland China.

In an update (31 May 2021), Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised residents of Singapore to defer all forms of travel to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka until further notice. This is due to the recent sharp increases in cases reported in these countries/regions.

As of 30 May, there are 1,444 active cases in Bangladesh; 152,734 in India; 3,702 in Nepal; 2,117 in Pakistan, and 2,859 in Sri Lanka.

Residents of Singapore may, however, travel overseas in the following cases:

• Travel to the following countries/regions: Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand and Mainland China.
• Pursuing academic studies or professional qualifications overseas, for courses or examinations which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution*;
• Taking on or returning to employment overseas, for employment opportunities which require physical presence overseas**;
• For essential travel for business, official and work purposes under Green/Fast Lane arrangements and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement;
• For compassionate reasons (e.g. due to death of / critically ill family member);
• To seek medical treatment which cannot be reasonably received in Singapore; or
• To return to country of residence to attend to, or after attending to, legal/contractual obligations.

*Students enrolled in local educational institutions may travel overseas to complete a compulsory course component or examination that cannot be completed locally. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies.

**Residents of Singapore traveling to take on or return to employment overseas may travel with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their employment.

Should it not be any of the above, residents of Singapore are advised to defer all other forms of travel overseas.

Travellers are also advised by MOH to check the entry requirements imposed by the countries and regions they intend to travel to. At the same time, take all necessary precautions, observe good personal hygiene, monitor local developments, and heed the advice of local authorities.

All travellers will be subject to the prevailing border measures upon entry to Singapore, including payment for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities and tests, where applicable.

If Singapore citizens (SCs) and permanent residents (PRs) have onset of symptoms within 14 days of their return to Singapore, and require hospital admission for suspected COVID-19 infection, they may access government subsidies, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plan (IP) coverage.

Long-term pass holders (LTPH), on the other hand, may tap on their usual financing arrangements, such as private insurance.

“As Singapore’s measures will evolve as the global situation changes, we encourage everyone to check the MOH website for the latest updates,” shared the ministry.

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