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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Singapore
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10 MINUTE READ
June 17, 2020

Location:  Singapore

Event:  The Singapore Ministry of Health has confirmed 40,969 cases of COVID-19 in the country of Singapore.

“Phase One” Ending and “Phase Two” Beginning: Measures and Regulations

To prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, Phase One of the post-circuit breaker period started on 02 June 2020. Many strict safe-distancing and other regulations remain in place. Strict enforcement of these regulations is expected to continue.

The government of Singapore has previously announced the “Phase One” period during the month of June 2020. Due to an overall improving situation the government of Singapore announced that the “Phase Two” period of re-opening will begin on 19 June 2020.

Phase Two will allow for retail and restaurant businesses to re-open, as well as public parks and playground. Small group gatherings will be permitted. Please read this official government of Singapore article detailing Singapore’s Phase Two plans as well as a listing of permitted activities and guidance during Phase Two.

Updates from the Singapore government can be found at https://www.gov.sg/

Wear masks in public and carry identification

Based upon updated guidance delivered to the U.S. Embassy, all should wear a mask whenever outside of their residence in public places including public transport, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls. Identity cards or passports should always be carried as many businesses now require them to be presented upon entry.

Safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts”

A guide list of safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts” is found from this official Singapore government source.

Returning to the United States

International commercial flight options currently exist in Singapore. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Singapore at this time.

Based upon our most recent information, the following airlines are operating flights to the United States from Singapore: ANA, British Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. As of 16 June, there are 72 commercial flights available flying direct or via transit to the United States:

3 non-stop flights to Los Angeles

24 via London Heathrow

21 via Seoul Incheon

14 via Tokyo Narita

5 via Amsterdam

5 via Doha

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

Singapore Border and Entry Restrictions 

The government of Singapore, which has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has declared that from 23 March 2020, 11:59 pm short-term visitors are generally barred from entering or transiting through Singapore until further notice, with few exceptions. This order remains in effect.

  • Prospective short-term visitors seeking entry to Singapore can apply directly to Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority to seek advance approval for entry. Please read and follow directions here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19
  • Transit may be possible for travelers with flights originating from certain countries and using certain airlines. Prospective travelers are advised to consult with their chosen airlines about transit permissions through Singapore.

At this time Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders and their dependents, and other visitors have who have received approval from the Ministry of Manpower, Immigration and Checkpoint Authority or other controlling government authority are permitted entry into Singapore. Please see more details here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19

Those permitted entry into Singapore, outside of Safe Pass/Green Lane arrangements, will be issued 14-day “stay-home notices” (SHNs). On 15 June 2020 the government of Singapore announced significant changes to this policy. All potential foreign travelers to Singapore are encouraged to read this official article detailing those changes.

  • From 17 June 2020, 11:59pm, travelers entering Singapore who have been in the following countries/regions for the last consecutive 14 days will be able to serve their 14-day SHN at lodging of their choice: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
  • From 17 June 2020, 11:59pm other travelers entering Singapore will be required to serve their 14-day SHN at a government-designated facility. The cost of this stay, estimated to be 2,000 SGD, is the responsibility of the traveler.
  •  From 17 June 2020, travelers entering Singapore will also be required to obtain a COVID-19 test while serving their SHN. The cost is estimated to be up to 200 SGD and is the responsibility of the traveler.

Violation of a Stay-Home Notice may be punishable under Singaporean law.

As of 27 March 2020, all approved travelers arriving in Singapore must submit a health declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance.  For more details see the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority notice.

U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services office

The U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services office remains open for U.S. citizens on an “emergency only” basis.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of a truly urgent passport, report of birth, or other emergency service please follow instructions found at: https://sg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

Please note: Effective 23 March 2020 U.S. Embassy Singapore has suspended routine visa services until further notice.

Travel Advisories and Warnings

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Singapore advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

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