Singapore Opens to Travelers from 8 More Countries

Singapore continues to reopen to international travel, with passengers from 8 countries now able to enter the city-state without quarantine.

The country opened travel lanes with Brunei and Germany in September. From Tuesday, October 19, 2021, travel is now possible from Canada, the US, and 6 European nations.

Tourists from these countries are now able to visit Singapore for the first time in 19 months.

3,000 travelers per day will be allowed to enter the island nation from these countries, under the travel lane schemes. This is expected to increase over time.

Passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to take advantage of the travel lanes and avoid quarantine regulations once in Singapore. Travelers must also complete the usual travel steps, such as completing the electronic SG Arrival Card.

This move marks a big step for the island country in reopening its borders as it scales back its anti-COVID measures. An 11th travel lane will be opened with South Korea from November 15, 2021.

It is expected that more countries will be added to the list over time, enabling more people from around the world to visit Singapore.

Who Can Travel to Singapore Now?

Fully vaccinated passengers arriving from 10 different countries can currently travel to Singapore without having to undergo quarantine.

They must have stayed for 14 days in one of these approved countries before arriving in Singapore.

Travel was first reopened to individuals arriving from Brunei and Germany in September 2021.

From October 19, 2021, 8 more countries were added to the list.

At present, quarantine-free travel to Singapore is possible from any of the following places:

• Brunei
• Canada
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• The UK
• The US

From November 15, 2021, the following countries will be added to the list:

• South Korea

Vaccinated travel lane flights operate from various airports, including the following:

• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Barcelona (BCN)
• Copenhagen (CPH)
• London (LHR)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Milan (MXP)
• New York (JFK)
• Paris (CDG)
• Seoul (ICN)
• Rome (FCO)

What do travelers need to enter Singapore without quarantine?

Passengers arriving from the countries listed above via the travel lanes must meet certain criteria to gain entry to Singapore without having to quarantine.

This includes the usual entry requirements laid out in Singapore’s visa policy.

Travelers must:

• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Test negative for COVID-19 before setting off (PCR)
• Complete the SG Arrival Card
• Have a valid Singapore visa (if applicable)
• Have health insurance
• Take another test on arrival (PCR)

Singapore’s Plans for Reopening Travel

Singapore is taking a carefully planned-out approach to reopening its borders to international travel. Although authorities in Singapore are keen to restart the economy — particularly the travel and tourism sectors — the country is not throwing its doors wide open just yet.

It is slowly opening up travel lanes with different countries. Travel is currently only possible from these select few locations and only fully vaccinated passengers can take advantage of the travel lanes.

However, Singapore has taken the first steps in reopening its borders and is already planning to further de-escalate its COVID-19 travel restrictions.

With lanes already open with 10 countries and South Korea next on the agenda, it seems that the plan to reopen to foreign visitors is well underway.

The COVID-19 situation in Singapore and the way forward

The island nation took strict measures to contain the outbreak of coronavirus. Lockdowns and travel bans have been in place throughout much of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who were permitted to enter faced quarantine.

Now, over 80% of Singapore’s population is vaccinated against the virus.

Authorities in the country are keen to revive the economy. Given that Singapore is an international flight hub, the need to reopen travel is clear.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a number of measures on October 9, as the country moved into its new “Living with Covid-19” strategy.

“Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely,” he said.

However, he also stated the need to proceed with caution when opening the borders, indicating that it would be a step-by-step process.

“We must continue to re-open our borders safely,” Lee said. “Companies and investors need to carry out regional and global business from Singapore. People working for them need to travel to earn a living.”