Mission Updates

Update on COVID-19 on 25 Mar 2020

25 Mar 2020

Thank you for staying connected with us during these challenging times. Many of you have confirmed your e-registrations and updated your current plans including travel to Singapore. The Singapore Missions in the US will remain available if you require consular assistance. We are guided by advice from the US authorities, and you should pay heed to local advisories and instructions.

Singaporeans in the US. Based on your circumstances, you may have chosen to remain in the US. There may be an extended period of uncertainty. Please continue to stay abreast of the latest developments by referring to the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may also wish to refer to the website of the US State Department for information on travel. Please heed the advice of local authorities, have the contact number of your medical care provider handy as well as ensure you have the necessary supplies and health coverage. Where there is guidance on stay at home and social distancing, please adhere to these requirements. We hope that you keep in touch with your families in Singapore to update them on your situation and well-being.

Additional Precautionary Measures for Entry into Singapore. Singapore has seen an increase of COVID-19 cases with many imported from overseas. Returnees from the US and UK account for a significant share of the imported cases. Hence, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have implemented additional precautionary measures to reduce the risk of further importation of COVID-19 to Singapore. Please see MOH’s and ICA’s press releases of 22 March 2020, 23 March 2020 and 24 March 2020, key points of which are as follows:

• Short-term visitors are not allowed to enter or transit through Singapore.

• Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders (include work passes, Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass and Long-term Visit Pass) returning to Singapore will be issued a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN), unless they are transiting in Singapore without leaving the transit area.

• The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will only allow the entry/return of work pass holders, including their dependents, for those providing essential services such as in healthcare and transport. They would need to obtain MOM’s approval before they can commence their journey. The application link is here.

• From 27 March 2020, 0900 hrs, all travellers arriving in Singapore including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders must submit a health declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before proceeding with immigration clearance. Travellers can submit their health declaration up to three days prior to arrival in Singapore. They must re-submit their health declaration if there are changes to their health condition or travel history before arriving in Singapore. The health declaration form can be accessed online here.

• From 25 March 2020, 2359 hours, all US returnees will be provided dedicated facilities to serve their 14-day SHN. You do not need to make a prior booking. Transportation will be arranged to send the returnees directly from the airport to the pre-assigned hotels. The Singapore Government will absorb the cost of accommodation and transport.

Flights to Singapore. There is limited flight connectivity to Singapore. If you are planning to return to Singapore in the near future, please finalise your travel plans urgently. If you are unable to book your flight on SIA’s website, you can reach out via usasin_students@singaporeair.com.sg with further details (passenger name, ticket number & local contact number) and SIA representatives will contact you as soon as possible. If this is not possible, please reply to this email with your request so that we may alert SIA.

The Singapore Embassy staff can be contacted 24 hrs a day at 202-537-3100. For regular email updates from SGN, please sign up at http://go.gov.sg/sgn-covidupdates. If you know of Singaporeans who have yet to e-Register, please encourage them to do so through the MFA e-Register at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg to be included in the mailing list for future updates. Doing so will also enable us to contact and render necessary assistance during an emergency. For Singaporeans who are unable to eRegister due to issues with their SingPass, please access this online form in the interim to be included in our email updates. This message will also be posted on the Singapore Embassy’s website (www.mfa.gov.sg/washington) as well as Facebook and Twitter.

Take care and stay healthy.