Ask a COVID-19 Question
Last updated: 05/20/2021
*** Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Please check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information:
Singapore has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. Singapore reverted from Phase Three to Phase Two (Heightened Alert) of its re-opening plan on May 16, 2021. Increased safe-distancing measures and regulations remain in place and are strictly enforced. Please refer to the Ministry of Health notice here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-local-situation-and-heightened-alert-to-minimise-transmission-14May.
The Government of Singapore also published additional immigration restrictions on May 4, 2021, here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-local-situation-border-measures-and-shift-to-heightened-alert-to-minimise-transmission_4May2021. Starting on May 8, 2021, Singapore reduced new entry approvals (https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/) and required many incoming travelers to serve a 21-day Stay Home Notice (quarantine). 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/traveladvisories/ea/covid-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 is making vaccines available to all Singaporeans and long-term residents in Singapore, which includes Singapore Permanent Residents and Employment Pass holders. More information 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)
U.S. citizens who are Singapore permanent residents will be permitted to enter Singapore and will be issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
U.S. citizens who are long-term pass holders must obtain permission for entry from the relevant Singapore government agency before they commence their journey. More information can be found at Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority COVID-19 border control measures page. U.S. citizens approved for entry will be issued an SHN.
U.S. citizens seeking to enter Singapore as short-term visitors will generally not be permitted to enter Singapore unless they have been issued a SafeTravel Pass or have an approval letter of entry from the relevant government agency in Singapore. U.S. citizens approved for entry will be issued an SHN.
Singapore’s measures for inbound travelers in relation to COVID-19 are summarized in this overview.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
A negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72-hours before departure to Singapore is required for entry for travelers from some countries, including the United States. Additionally, beginning January 25, 2021, all travelers entering Singapore must take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. Singapore also requires most travelers entering the country to serve a mandatory SHN, and COVID-19 testing will also take place during that SHN period. Please refer to this summary for information on SHN and testing requirements based on traveler type, and this overview on border health control measures in Singapore. Travelers with recent travel history to the UK and South Africa may be subject to additional entry restrictions. Testing and SHN requirements are fluid and subject to change on short notice. We encourage inbound travelers to check these resources regularly.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
Health screening procedures consist of the previously mentioned mandatory SHNs and COVID-19 testing for all those admitted into Singapore. Starting January 25, 2021, all travelers must take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore. For more details, please see the Ministry of Health information release here.
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. Should SafeEntry not be available at a given establishment, please present an identity card or passport should it be requested. Singapore’s TraceTogether app and token system is planned for implementation and mandatory use in 2021.
Quarantine Information:
Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
All persons arriving into Singapore, regardless of nationality, are subject to mandatory SHNs. Singapore’s measures for inbound travelers in relation to COVID-19 are summarized in this overview. Generally, SHNs last for 14 days and take place in dedicated facilities. The cost of accommodation and COVID-19 testing must be borne by all travelers with limited exceptions for those permitted to serve the SHN at their own accommodations. The cost of COVID-19 testing is chargeable in either case.
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 with recent travel to certain countries may be required to undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 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 will be limited from May 21 to June 11 in response to the Government of Singapore’s recent announcement regarding heightened social distancing restrictions in the country. Please visit https://sg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ for more information on available American Citizen Services.
Visa services will be limited from May 21 to June 11 in response to the Government of Singapore’s recent announcement regarding heightened social distancing restrictions in the country. 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.
Other links:
