11 Feb 21
Please refer to the FAQs and links below as they most likely will contain the answers to your COVID-19 related queries:
Singapore
Ministry of Health – Updates on Covid-19 Local Situation in Singapore
http://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
Ministry of Health – FAQs for Pre-departure Test
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/faqs
Ministry of Health – FAQs on Singapore’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
https://moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination
For queries on the MOH’s vaccination policy or to provide feedback, please contact MOH at the following:
General Hotline: +65 6325 9220
Email: MOH_QSM@moh.gov.sg
Online Feedback form: https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – Updates on Singapore’s border control measures
For queries related to entry into Singapore, please email ICA_nCOV_Request@ica.gov.sg.
Singapore Global Network – COVID-19 Resource Page
https://www.singaporeglobalnetwork.gov.sg/resources/covid-19
Ministry of Education FAQ for Students
https://www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
https://mfa.gov.sg/Services/Singapore-Citizens/COVID-19-Travel-Restrictions
For enquiries related to health requirements such as the Stay-Home Notice or Quarantine Order, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.sg, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg, call SHN Helpline at +65 6812 5555 or send your enquiry to ica_shnq@ica.gov.sg.
United Kingdom
COVID-19 Support and Guidance
UK Border Force
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/border-force
www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-borders
UK Visas & Immigration
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
UK Council for International Student Affairs
Guidance and Support for Students in the UK
www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare
Entry into Singapore
As the global situation evolves, Singapore will continue to adjust its border measures to manage the risk of importation and transmission to the community. Any changes to border measures will be updated on the SafeTravel website. Travellers are advised to visit the website to check for the most updated border measures before entering Singapore and be prepared to be subjected to the prevailing border measures upon entry, including payment for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, tests and treatment.
All travellers are reminded to accurately declare their travel history. Strict enforcement actions will be taken against false declarations.
Visitors to Singapore
There have been recent reports of a more contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus circulating in the UK. Officials within the UK are also concerned about this new virus and have put in place more stringent restrictions, including imposing the third national lockdown in London. To reduce the risks of spread to Singapore, there will be new border restrictions for travellers from UK for further precaution. From 23 Dec 20, 2359H, until further notice:
All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to the UK within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. This will also apply to all those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore.
Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents
Returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore, at the start of their 14-day SHN.
For more details, please refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/
Non-Singaporean Spouses and Children of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents / Long-Term Pass Holders (LTPH)
Please refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview for the relevant approvals to enter Singapore. Approvals have to be obtained via the relevant government agencies (e.g. MOE, MOM), or via the applications for a Safe Travel Pass.
Please note that travelers without an entry approval will be denied entry and may have their existing work passes revoked.
Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) for All Travellers to Singapore
As a precautionary measure taken to minimise risk of additional imported cases of COVID-19, a SHN will be issued to all travellers including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who are granted entry into Singapore.
Testing Regime
In addition to SHN, all incoming travellers will be subject to a mandatory COVID-19 test at a designated community testing facility before the end of the SHN period. Each person under SHN will receive information on the scheduled appointment slot and venue via an SMS notification. They will have to travel from their place of residence to the designated testing facility, and return immediately after the test, using their own private vehicle or designated transport. Public transport should be avoided. Travellers will have to bear the cost of the COVID-19 test.
*Updated on 10 Nov 20:
Please refer to MOH’s press release here. From 17 Nov 20 2359H, all inbound travellers from the UK, Ireland and Iceland who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure, in addition to SHN and necessary tests before end of the SHN. For more information, please refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/.
*Updated on 8 Dec 20:
From 14 Dec 20 2359H onwards, only inbound travellers into Singapore aged 6 and below will be exempted from Covid-19 testing for end-of-SHN and On-Arrival-Testing. From 14 Dec 20 2359H, all travellers from the UK, Ireland and Iceland aged 6 and below will not be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result as a condition of entry into Singapore. For more related information, please refer to MOH’s FAQs at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/faqs.
*Updated on 16 Jan 21:
Please refer to MOH’s press release here. From 24 January 2021, 2359 hours, all travellers (including SCs and PRs) will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore. The prevailing SHN requirements, including the PCR test at the end of the SHN, will continue.
You may wish to refer to this link provided by the UK Department for Health and Social Care on a list of private providers for COVID-19 testing. Please note that the Singapore High Commission does not recommend or promote any one testing provider. You are free to approach any service provider that meets your requirements.
Place of Serving SHN
Travellers should follow instructions given by officers at the immigration checkpoints on the allocation of the dedicated SHN facilities. Advance information on these facilities are unavailable due to the dynamic nature of room allocation for dedicated SHN facilities.
Costs of COVID-19 Tests and Stay at Dedicated SHN Facilities
All inbound travellers will be required to pay for their COVID-19 tests. In addition, incoming travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities. The costs are as follows:
Covid-19 test for persons under SHN: Up to S$200 (inclusive of GST)
14-day stay at dedicated SHN facility: S$2,000 (inclusive of GST)
For more details please refer to www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19. You may also contact the SHN Helpline at +65 6812 5555, send your enquiry to ica_shnq@ica.gov.sg.
*Updated on 27 Oct 20:
The cost incurred for the SHN Dedicated Facilities is chargeable for all travellers, except Singapore citizens or permanent residents who had left Singapore before 27 March 2020 and will be returning to Singapore before 31 December 2020. Please refer to MOH’s press release here. With effect from 1 January 2021, costs of stay at dedicated SHN facilities for SCs and PRs who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020 will no longer be waived. Similarly, with effect from 1 January 2021, all returning SC/PR/LTPH travellers who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020, as well as new SCs/PRs/LTPHs will also be responsible for their inpatient medical bills, should they develop onset of symptoms within 14 days of their arrival in Singapore, but they will be able to tap on regular healthcare financial arrangements for their inpatient medical bills – SCs and PRs may access Government subsidies and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield Plan to help pay for their bills, while LTPHs may tap on their usual financing arrangements, such as private insurance.
*Updated on 16 Jan 21:
Please refer to MOH’s press release here. As a further precaution, from 18 January 2021, 2359 hours, until further notice, all returning SCs and PRs from the UK will be subject to an additional 7-day self-isolation at their place of residence, following their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. The returnees from the UK will be tested at the end of their SHN (as per the current requirement), and again after they have completed their 7-day self-isolation period.
Health Declaration via The SG Arrival Card E-Service
All travellers arriving in Singapore must submit a health declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service (https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard) before proceeding with immigration clearance.
Flight Availability between London and Singapore
Currently, Singapore Airlines and British Airways are operating from London to Singapore. Qatar Airways and Emirates also fly (between London and Singapore) via Doha and Dubai respectively. However, the frequency of flights is regularly reviewed subject to demand.
Please check directly with the airlines for details on flight availability and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to travel to the UK?
Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are advised to defer all forms of travel overseas unless to countries listed in the Ministry of Health’s Travel Advisory.
National COVID Alert Levels
The UK government has introduced a 5-level Alert system to measure the threat from COVID-19. The alert levels reflect the extent of the epidemic and corresponding social distancing measures across the whole country. On 4 Jan 21, the national COVID-19 alert level was raised from Level 4 to Level 5 (most severe level). This means that there is a risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed.
With effect from 5 Jan 21, national lockdown rules apply in England. Find out what you can and cannot do here:www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home.
You may consult local restrictions guidance if you live in other areas: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is critical that everybody observes the following:
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing on the latest general restrictions, including the limit on the number of people you may meet in England. If you live in an area where local restrictions are in place you should also consult the local restrictions guidance (e.g. in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) for information about what you can and can’t do to manage the outbreak (www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home).
Students in the UK
Students who are intending to return to the UK to resume their studies should consult their respective educational institutions and other relevant parties on their academic and logistical arrangements before undertaking travel.
From 1 Sep 20, travel for students pursuing academic qualification overseas, and where distance-learning is not offered as an option by the education institution is allowed. Overseas studies should be of at least one academic year, for courses which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution, and which will lead to attainment of academic qualifications. Existing students who are completing such academic programs (i.e. balance duration of less than an academic year) are included. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies. Please see paragraphs 1 and 8 of the press release.
Singapore’s border measures will evolve as the global situation changes. MOH will continue to monitor the global health situation closely and update our border measures in accordance with the public health risk assessment. If the situation in a country/region deteriorates, more stringent measures will be put in place to limit the risk of importation and prevent community transmission from imported cases. We encourage everyone to check the MOH website regularly for the latest updates. At the individual level, do take the necessary precautions (wash your hands frequently, wear a face covering when not able to social distance) and follow local government advice.
You may also wish to obtain more information from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) at www.ukcisa.org.uk. Further guidance and support for students in the UK can be found here: www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare.
Are there travel restrictions for travellers entering the UK?
With effect from 4am on 18 Jan 21, all international arrivals to England, including those from Singapore, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure in addition to completing the Passenger Locator Form. Passengers will be subject to an immediate fine of £500 if they fail to comply with the new regulations on pre-departure testing. Failure to complete the form is punishable by a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and entry may be refused to any non-British citizen who refuses to comply with these measures. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england.
Please note that the guidance above applies to England. Travellers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and should follow the specific rules for those parts of the UK.
With effect from 15 Feb 21, if you arrive in England and have travelled in a country on the travel ban red list in the last 10 days, you will need to quarantine (self-isolate) in a government approved hotel for 10 days. Before you travel to England, you will need to book i) your hotel; and ii) two COVID-19 tests to be taken on Days 2 and 8 during your quarantine.
If you’re coming from Singapore, which is not on the banned travel list, you will need to quarantine at home for 10 days and book two COVID-19 tests before you arrive (to be taken on Days 2 and 8 during your quarantine). The government’s Test to Release scheme will remain in place, giving passengers the option to shorten the mandatory self-isolation period to 5 days.
For information on how to book the government approved hotels and tests, please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england.
You do not need to quarantine in England if you’re travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and have not been in any other countries in the last 10 days.
Until 15 Feb 21, when you arrive in England, you must travel directly to the place where you’re staying and self-isolate for 10 days. The 10-day period is counted from the day after you leave the departure country, territory or island.
In England, if you do not self-isolate, you can be fined £1,000. If you do not provide an accurate contact detail declaration – or do not update your contact detail form in the limited circumstances where you need to move from the accommodation where you’re self-isolating to another place to continue self-isolating – you can be fined up to £3,200. For GOV.UK’s update on self-isolation requirements, please see here.
For more information on how to self-isolate, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk.
New enforcement measures will also come into force with effect from 15 Feb 21. Please see press release: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-introduce-tougher-measures-and-enforcement-rules-for-quarantined-passengers.
Will there be quarantine for travellers arriving in the UK?
Yes, please refer to the above.
Visas and Immigration
Ensuring the validity of entry/work visas (where required) and adherence to immigration requirements of the UK is the individual responsibility of all travellers. The Singapore High Commission does not handle or process visas for entry into the United Kingdom. This is handled by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
The UK Government has published guidance for those affected by changes to the UK Immigration and borders regulations due to COVID-19. You can access the details via: www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-bordersor UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Now that travel restrictions are lifting globally, you will no longer be able to extend your visa automatically and you are expected to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or apply to regularise your stay in the UK. For detailed guidance and instructions, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents.
Coronavirus Immigration Help Centre
If you have immigration queries related to COVID-19, please email CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you may call +44 (0) 800 678 1767 (Mon – Fri, 0900H – 1700H). Calls to this number are free of charge within the UK. Check call charges with your phone
provider if you are calling from abroad.
For students, you are advised to consult your school pertaining to any visa matters arising from the current COVID-19 situation and travel restrictions.
You can also obtain more information from UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) via www.ukcisa.org.uk and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
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The Singapore High Commission in London will share relevant information via email and across our website and social media platforms promptly and transparently.
In the meantime, we encourage Singaporeans and PRs to e-register at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SingaporeHighComLondon or Twitter @SHCLon.
For Consular assistance, pls contact the Singapore High Commission in London or the MFA Duty Office at the following: