Covid tests to cease for vaccinated travellers entering Singapore from April 26

[ASEAN NOW News]

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SINGAPORE - Travellers fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer need to take any Covid-19 tests to enter Singapore from next Tuesday (April 26).

 

According to The Straits Times, this will thus help air and sea travellers save on testing fees and remove the hassle of having to book pre-departure tests before their trips to Singapore.

 

The requirement had earlier been removed for those who enter the country via the Causeway and the Second Link.

 

The latest move means that the entry requirements for those who are vaccinated against Covid-19 will be almost restored to what it was before the pandemic.

 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the eased testing rules on Friday.

 

Currently, air and sea travellers entering Singapore will need to take either a professionally administered Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, or a recognised antigen rapid test (ART) before their trip.

 

The ART can either be administered by a professional or supervised virtually by a recognised vendor.

Transport Minister S. Iswaran said in a Facebook post on Friday evening that the air, land, and sea transport sectors are working to scale up their workforce and operations.

 

These efforts come ahead of expected high traveller volumes especially during the upcoming May Day-Hari Raya Aidilfitri long weekend, and the June school holidays.

 

“This will take time and I seek the patience and understanding from all Singaporeans and travellers,” he added.

 

“We will closely monitor the local and global public health situation and remain ready to reinstate tighter public health measures, when necessary, in consultation with the Ministry of Health.”

 

He urged Singapore residents to track the Covid-19 situation in the countries they are visiting and to plan for contingencies.

 

MOH also said that from May 1, fully vaccinated non-Malaysian work permit holders holding an in-principal approval in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors will no longer need to apply for entry approvals to come into Singapore.

 

Instead, they will need to book a slot to undergo onboarding upon arrival. The process, which can take up to four days, will include medical examinations, vaccination verification and a settling-in programme.

 

The Ministry of Manpower, the Building and Construction Authority and the Singapore Economic Development Board said in a joint statement that employers must ensure their non-Malaysian work permit holders are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

 

Eligible workers must have undergone the pre-departure preparatory programme, which comprises a two-day Covid-19 testing regime, before entering Singapore, said the agencies.

 

Rules will however not be eased for travellers who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and are aged thirteen and above.

 

MOH also said on Friday that all long-term pass holders aged thirteen and above arriving from July 1 will be required to be fully vaccinated prior to entry. This rule considers the increased availability of vaccines globally for those aged between 13 and 17.

 

Only those who are medically ineligible for vaccines will be exempted.

 

Non-fully vaccinated long-term pass holders and short-term visitors aged thirteen and above are not allowed to enter Singapore, added MOH.

 

But exceptions will be made for long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with other valid entry approval and for long-term pass holders aged 13 to 17.

 

Those who are not fully vaccinated but are allowed to enter Singapore will still have to take a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore. They will also have to undergo a seven-day stay-home notice and take a Covid-19 PCR test before the end of the stay-home notice.