As Singapore enters Phase 2 of the safe reopening of the country, the authorities are gradually reopening its borders as well. From June 18, expect travel in and out of Singapore to be a little different as additional border measures are implemented.

#1: Compulsory Covid-19 testing for all incoming travellers from June 18
All travellers entering Singapore from June 18 will still be issued Stay-Home Notices (SHN), as has been the case since Mar 21. However, on top of that, they will now be required to take Covid-19 tests by the end of their SHN. This is an additional precautionary measure to detect the virus, especially given the risks of asymptomatic cases, said the Ministry of Health.

These tests will be scheduled a few days before the SHN, and will be carried out at designated community testing facilities. These individuals 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, not public transport.

#2: Some travellers will be able to serve their SHN at home
Certain travellers will be allowed to serve out their 14-day SHN in their residences, instead of a dedicated facility. This applies to travellers who have spent the last 14 consecutive days prior to their entry into Singapore at these countries: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. They will also be subject to tests before the end of their SHN.

Singaporeans and PRs may serve their 14-day SHN at home, while Long Term Pass Holders can serve theirs at a place of residence where they or their family members are the sole tenants of, or in accommodation such as a hotel, at their own cost.

#3: All travellers to bear the cost of testing and SHN stays
All inbound and outbound travellers who enter or leave Singapore from June 18 will be required to pay for their compulsory Covid-19 tests. For those who have to serve out their SHN in a dedicated facility, and are not Singaporean or a Permanent Resident, they will have to pay for the full cost of their SHN stay at the facility.

A Covid-19 test can cost up to $200, while a 14-day SHN at a dedicated facility is $2,000.

All costs for SHN and Covid-19 tests have been borne by the Singapore government up until this point.

#4: More Long-Term Pass Holders allowed to return
The number of approvals for Long-Term Pass Holders overseas to return to Singapore will gradually increase in the coming weeks. Previously, while authorities have been allowing Long-Term Pass Holders to return, the flow of returnees coming back had been regulated.

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