Media Release from CAAS on lifting of border restrictions for visitors from Australia and Vietnam

01 Oct 2020

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

 

SINGAPORE WELCOMES VISITORS FROM AUSTRALIA AND VIETNAM

FROM 8 OCTOBER 2020

 

            From 8 September 2020, Singapore lifted border restrictions for visitors[1] from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand.  As of 30 September 2020, 1700 hrs, we have approved 331 applications from the two countries to enter Singapore and received 136 visitors, and none of the visitors tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival. From 8 October 2020, 0000 hours, we will also lift the border restrictions for visitors from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam. 

 

2          Both countries have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Over the last 28 days, Vietnam has zero local COVID-19 case, while Australia (excluding Victoria State) has a virus local incidence rate of 0.02 per 100,000. The risk of importation from these countries is low.

 

3          From 1 October 2020, 1200 hrs (Singapore time), visitors travelling from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) for entry into Singapore on or after 8 October 2020[2]. Applicants must have remained in either Australia (excluding Victoria State) or Vietnam in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their entry. They will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore, without a need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). 

 

4         We will also update the travel advisory to allow travel to Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam. Travellers are advised to check the entry requirements imposed by these countries and take the necessary precautionary measures.

 

5          From 2 October 2020, 0000 hrs (Singapore time), Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders returning from Australia (excluding Victoria State) and Vietnam will similarly undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, in lieu of a 7-day SHN with a COVID-19 test administered before the end of the SHN. They are strongly encouraged to register and pre-pay for their post-arrival COVID-19 test prior to departing for Singapore at https://safetravel.changiairport.com.

 

Requirements for visitors entering under the Air Travel Pass

 

6         To protect public health in Singapore, ATP applicants must comply with the following conditions of travel:

 

(i)        Travel History - They must have spent the last 14 consecutive days in Australia (excluding Victoria State) or Vietnam before departing for Singapore. All visitors must travel to Singapore on direct flights without transit.

 

(ii)      Post-Arrival COVID-19 Testing - Upon arrival in Singapore, visitors must undergo a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at the airport. To expedite the COVID-19 PCR test at the airport, before departing for Singapore, visitors are strongly encouraged to register and make payment at https://safetravel.changiairport.com.The test results will be out within 48 hours, and typically within 12 hours. After taking the COVID-19 PCR test, visitors are to take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the airport to their declared place of accommodation[3]. They must remain isolated at the accommodation until the test result is confirmed to be negative. Checks will be made to ensure that this is adhered to. After being notified of their negative test results, visitors will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore.

   

(iii)     Contact Tracing – To facilitate the contact tracing process, visitors must download the TraceTogether app[4] on their mobile devices and keep it activated during their stay here. They are advised to download the app prior to departing for Singapore, and not delete it for 14 consecutive days after leaving Singapore. Should they subsequently test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days after leaving Singapore, they will be required to upload data in the app upon request by the Singapore Ministry of Health.

 

(iv)     Medical Costs - Visitors must be responsible for their medical bills related to COVID-19 while in Singapore. This includes costs related to tests and isolation imposed on visitors for public health reasons should they be suspected of being infected with COVID-19, as well as medical treatment for COVID-19.

 

7          Visitors can apply for the single-entry ATP, at no charge, between seven and thirty calendar days prior to their intended date of entry into Singapore. More details on the conditions of the ATP, application requirements and process, and Frequently Asked Questions can be found at www.safetravel.ica.gov.sg.

 

8          For further queries on the ATP, visitors can email to COVID_ATP_Enquiries@caas.gov.sg.

30 September 2020

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