Singapore's entry protocols updated: France & Japan move to Cat II, UK & US move to Cat III

Stay-home notice period has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days, while travel history will be determined on the basis of 14 days (cut from the existing 21 days). Here are all the changes effective 6 October 2021.

Singapore's Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has announced several updates to the nation's border entry protocols, with a view to "align border measures with domestic protocols and the evolving situation in other countries/regions". We've summed up all the key changes for you below. 

Border measures updated in line with the shorter incubation period of the Delta variant and evolving global situation

Several changes were announced to align Singapore's border measures with domestic protocols and the evolving situation in other countries/regions. These are listed out below. 

Reduction in quarantine period

As previously announced, the Quarantine Order (QO) period has been reduced from 14 to 10 days, in view of the shorter average incubation period of the COVID-19 Delta variant.

Reduction in assessment of travel history 

Effective 6 October 2021, 2359 hours, border measures for incoming travellers will be determined based on their travel history of the past 14 days (including transits en route to Singapore and duration in Singapore prior to their travel), a reduction from the current 21 days of travel history assessment. 

Reduction in stay-home notice (SHN) period and eligibility to serve SHN at home

The stay-home notice (SHN) period for those eligible for serving 14 days will also be reduced to 10 days, in line with the shortening of the quarantine period given the Delta variant's shorter incubation cycle. For reference, the charges for 10-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities are S$1,450.

This is how the reduced SHN period will impact the various categories of incoming travellers to Singapore (from 6 October 2021):

• All travellers with travel history to Category III and IV countries/regions in the last 14 days will serve 10 days of SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. They will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, and on Day 10, and self-administered ART tests on days three and seven.
  • They end their SHN as long as they have a negative result for their PCR test on Day 10. However, actual check-out time will vary, subject to check-out volume on the ground at each specific dedicated facility. Travellers on SHN will be informed by the SDFs (SHN Dedicated Facility) on the time of check-out.
    
    
• Affected travellers who are currently serving SHN will have their SHN reviewed and be informed of check-out arrangements separately.
  
  
• Travellers who stayed in Category III countries/regions in the 14 days immediately prior to arrival in Singapore (including being in Singapore prior to travel) and are fully vaccinated may apply to serve their SHN at their respective places of residence (e.g. residential address) or at other suitable accommodation (e.g. hotels or serviced apartments), if they are occupying these alone, or only with household members who are also vaccinated persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.
  
  
• Such applications to opt out of serving SHN in dedicated facilities must be made by Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) three days prior to arrival via the SafeTravel website.
  • Travellers who are not SCs or PRs and are eligible for the opt-out programme (per above conditions) may apply to opt out as part of the entry application process from 6 October 2021, 2359 hrs onwards.
  • All travellers must receive their approval to opt out and present the approval documents upon arrival in Singapore, in order to qualify for the arrangements.
  • Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to undergo a 10-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.
    
    
• Refund details will be worked out for all travellers affected by these changes, and will be shared with them separately.

New categories assigned to some countries/ regions

Based on how countries' COVID-19 situation is evolving, the following countries/regions have been upgraded to new categories:

• New entrants to Category II from 6 October 2021, 2359 hours: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
  
  
• New entrants to Category III from 6 October 2021, 2359 hours: Bahrain, Bhutan, Cyprus, Fiji, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Slovakia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
  
  
• These border measures are accurate as of 2 October 2021. For the full set of prevailing border measures for the different Categories, please visit the SafeTravel website. 

Vaccination as entry requirement for long-term pass holders

• All Work Pass and Student’s Pass holders must be fully vaccinated before arrival in Singapore. This will apply to those who wish to enter Singapore via the Work Pass Holder General Lane and Student’s Pass Holder Lane from 1 November 2021. This also includes dependents of work pass holders and work pass holders on in-principle approval.
  
  
• For all travellers applying for entry to Singapore via the Familial Ties Lane from 1 November 2021, priority will be given to those who are fully vaccinated.
  
  
• The vaccination condition for entry will not apply to those entering Singapore under the following conditions:
  • Under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).
  • Those aged below 18 years old at the point of arrival.
  • Unvaccinated individuals aged between 12 to less than 18 years old at the point of arrival can enter without proof of vaccination, on the condition that they complete the full vaccination regimen within two months after they arrive in Singapore.
  • Pass holders who are medically ineligible for vaccination may appeal for exemption from the vaccination requirement, supported by a doctor’s memo, before applying for entry approval.
    
    
• Verification of vaccination status:  Pass holders approved for entry must be able to produce the documents to prove their full vaccination status, if requested by the airlines, ferry operators or at the checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore. Those who are unable to produce the necessary documentation will be denied boarding or entry unless prior exemptions have been granted. 

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