Singapore-bound travellers, keep this in mind the next time you need to head to the island nation! As per an advisory released by the Singapore Tourism Board, all in-bound travellers will now require to undergo a paid COVID-19 test before entering the country. Here’s what we know about it. By Bayar Jain
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As per an advisory released by the Singapore Tourism Board on their official website, the Asian nation has mandated COVID-19 tests for all incoming tourists. With travel restrictions easing in the country and borders gradually re-opening to welcome tourists, safeguards against the virus have been put in place, states the advisory.
The advisory makes it compulsory for all incoming travellers – including citizens of Singapore – to serve a 14-day Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) as well as COVID-19 test before their SHN period ends. This rule, which came into effect on June 17, however, exempts Singaporean citizens and long-term pass holders entering from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam from serving their quarantine periods at dedicated centres. All other travellers will be required to serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.
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As per a report by The Times of India, the mandatory COVID-19 tests are priced at SGD 200 (roughly INR 11,000). The report further states that those who stay at the government dedicated SHN centres will have to cough up roughly SGD 2,000 (approximately INR 1,10,000).
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Currently, short-time visitors will be barred from entering Singaporean soil, except those entering under Green or Fast Lane arrangements, or those with prior special approvals. Port calls for cruise vessels have also been temporarily suspended. The ‘fast lane’, however, comes with its own set of restrictions as per the advisory. Currently, only visitors coming for essential reasons from select Chinese provinces would be allowed. Those willing to set shop or travelling for official reasons to Singapore from China will be required to get necessary approvals from the Singapore Government Agency prior to their visit. This rule also applies to Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders returning to the country from China.
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