COVID-19 Information

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December 3, 2021

*** Effective November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.

U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel but are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test one (1) day before their flight. U.S. citizens and LPRs who are fully vaccinated will need to present airlines with proof of vaccination and of a negative COVID-19 test three (3) days before their flight. ** UPDATE: On December 02, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amended its October 25, 2021 Order. All air passengers two (2) years old or older with a flight departing to the United States from a foreign country on or after 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than one (1) day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. For the full list of requirements and exemptions, please review the language in the Order.

Exemptions will be considered on an extremely limited basis. Please contact your nearest embassy or consulate to apply for an exemption. Please visit the CDC webpages for more information about exemptions and the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States.

Country-Specific Information:

Singapore has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. The Government of Singapore entered a “Transition Phase” of its reopening plan as of November 22, 2021. Safe-distancing measures and regulations remain in place and are strictly enforced. For details on the status of the gradual reopening plan, please refer to Ministry of Health updates and notices here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19.

The Government of Singapore reduced the duration of the Stay-Home Notice (quarantine or “SHN”) at dedicated facilities from 14 days to 10 days or fewer for travelers arriving from most countries starting October 13, 2021: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/shn-and-swab-summary. For the latest information on border controls and traveling to or from Singapore, please see https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/. For the latest Ministry of Health updates on Singapore’s COVID-19 situation, please see: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19. Further official updates may be found at https://www.gov.sg/.

COVID-19 Testing:

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Singapore? Yes

If so, are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), any company or individual may arrange at their own expense (SGD $250) a PCR test from approved providers. This includes individuals who require pre-departure testing. Approximately 600 clinics provide PCR testing, and can be found here and here. Test results may be delivered via email and text message or may be picked up from the testing lab in hard copy. Travelers departing Singapore for destinations that require pre-departure COVID-19 testing should consult this departure overview. For more information, please refer to this notice from the MOH.

For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review the following page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/covid-19_testing_required_US_Entry.html.

Humanitarian exemptions to this order will be granted on an extremely limited basis and will only be considered when the country of departure lacks adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. To submit information in support of an exemption, email SingaporeACS@state.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

Are vaccines available in Singapore for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes

The Government of Singapore continues to make vaccines available to all Singaporeans and long-term residents, which includes Singapore Permanent Residents and Employment Pass holders. FAQ here . Additionally, starting August 18, 2021, eligible short-term pass holders may also receive vaccinations by the Government of Singapore. Details here.

Which vaccines are available in Singapore? Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been reviewed and endorsed for use in Singapore. The Government of Singapore maintains information here on vaccine availability and eligibility.

For more information on Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination program, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Health.

For official information about local availability of COVID-19 vaccine, please refer to Government of Singapore websites here and here.

Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Please see Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes (subject to restrictions as noted below)

For information about acceptable proof of vaccination to apply for VTL entry into Singapore, please refer to official guidance on acceptable records here: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/faq#vaxcert.

Please refer to the SafeTravel Lanes tool on the following page for information on alternative procedures for admission into Singapore: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview. Travelers who enter Singapore via a SafeTravel Lane program other than the VTL may be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health.

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes

A negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR or ART test taken within two days before departure to Singapore is required for entry for most air travelers from most countries, including the United States. Requirements for pre-departure testing and test result certificates are detailed here along with an explanation of the “two days before departure” timing. Passengers must also take a PCR test at the airport after arrival in Singapore. Testing and quarantine requirements are subject to change on short notice. Please check official Government of Singapore resources in advance of travel.

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes

Health screening procedures consist of the previously mentioned COVID-19 testing and possible mandatory SHN (quarantine). All travelers must take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/covid19-tests/pcrtest

Residents on long-term passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower or Immigration & Checkpoints Authority must apply for extensions of their passes with the appropriate Singapore government agency.

Short-term visitors who are already in Singapore are not affected by this policy and may apply online if they need to extend their stay in Singapore.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? No

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

While there are no movement restrictions in place, there are still certain rules that must be followed. All persons in Singapore must wear a mask whenever outside of their residence in public places including public transport, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls. Current phase 3 social distancing rules limit gatherings to eight persons, such as groups in restaurants and homes.

Almost all businesses use the SafeEntry process for contact tracing purposes, as implemented through the TraceTogether mobile app and token system.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No

Beginning October 19, 2021, travelers from the United States may apply for quarantine-free entry into Singapore under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) program. For current guidance, please refer to the website of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA): https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process and https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/faq. For U.S. citizens that do not qualify for VTL admission, mandatory SHN (quarantine) period of seven days may apply https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/shn-and-swab-summary.

Violation of a Stay-Home Notice may be punishable under Singaporean law. On July 15, 2020, the Singapore government issued a new Health Advisory for Persons Issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Please visit this link for that advisory notice and other updates.

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Consular Issues:

The U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. The Department continues to proactively communicate travel advice and warnings to U.S. citizens amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of our efforts to give U.S. citizens timely information so that they can make informed choices about travel abroad, the Department advises that the United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas should follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

U.S. citizens abroad should also register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) so they can receive important messages from their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, including timely Alerts and updates to Travel Advisories

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes

While commercial flights are operating, flight capacity is significantly less than was available in pre-COVID-19 times.

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

Transit through Singapore may be possible depending on the origin and destination countries and chosen airlines. Transit passengers are required to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 48 hours of their departure. Prospective travelers are advised to consult with their airlines about transit permissions through Singapore.

Is public transportation operating? Yes

All forms of public transportation require that travelers wear masks, including taxis and ride-hailing services.

Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)

Individuals who breach their Stay-Home Notice may be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both.

Consular Operations:

American Citizen Services appointments and Visa Services appointments remain limited to comply with social distancing requirements. Please visit https://sg.usembassy.gov/services/ for more information on available American Citizen Services. Please visit https://sg.usembassy.gov/visas for more information on available immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services.

Local Resources:

Beware of Scams: The Singapore Police Force has advised the public to be on guard against scams. While scams are always a risk, the prevalence of such activities has increased during this heightened COVID-19 environment.

Exercise good judgment and do not give out any bank details, credit card numbers, One-Time Passwords (OTP), or personal details, to include passport, NRIC, or FIN numbers. Singapore authorities will not request anyone to provide such details over the phone. You can find more information at www.scamalert.sg which explains the different types of scam calls and includes individual stories on the latest techniques being employed by scammers.

Safe-distancing and other How-To’s: Tips from the Government of Singapore on keeping safe found here. Dengue fever in Singapore: Please read this previous 11 June 2020 Health Alert regarding the current and historically large dengue fever outbreak in Singapore. Updates on this situation can be found here.

Safe-distancing and other How-To’s: Tips from the Government of Singapore on keeping safe found here.

Dengue fever in Singapore: Please read this previous 11 June 2020 Health Alert regarding the current and historically large dengue fever outbreak in Singapore. Updates on this situation can be found here.

U.S. Embassy in Singapore

U.S. Embassy in Singapore