SINGAPORE — Overseas Singaporeans who arrive here through Changi Airport or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal now have a choice of taking a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine upon arrival, then taking the next flight or ferry back to their resident country.

They may return to Singapore after the required dosing interval and repeat this process to complete their vaccination regimen. 

Alternatively, they may receive the first dose after arriving in Singapore, complete their stay-home notice at a dedicated facility, and receive the second jab after the required dosing interval before returning to their resident country.

These new arrangements were announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a joint statement on Saturday (Sept 11).

They said that the move is aimed at making it more convenient for Singapore citizens based overseas to receive vaccination here.

Currently, returning Singaporeans from countries and regions in Category II to Category IV have to serve the full stay-home notice required of them, before they can receive their first dose of vaccination, followed by the second dose three to four weeks later. 

The stay-home notice period for travellers arriving in Singapore from countries and regions in Category II to Category IV is between seven and 14 days.

Countries in Category II to Category IV are those excluding Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China and Taiwan.

MOh and MFA said: “For Singaporeans with family and work commitments abroad, this makes it difficult for them to return to Singapore for vaccination given the long duration away from their resident countries.” 

Overseas Singaporeans who choose to stay here while waiting for their second jab will be subject to the prevailing border measures, the two ministries said.

These include the pre-departure test and on-arrival testing and a stay-home notice period that is based on their 21-day travel history. 

Those choosing to leave Singapore immediately after receiving the first dose will also be subject to the same prevailing border measures until they depart on the next available flight or ferry. 

Regardless of their country or region of embarkation, these travellers will be required to stay at an appointed dedicated facility where the vaccination will be offered on-site, while they are under stay-home notice. 

While the Covid-19 vaccines will be provided by the Singapore Government, these overseas Singaporeans will have to bear the costs of returning for the vaccination, including accommodation at the designated facility, swab tests and travel expenses.

Overseas Singaporeans should register their interest in using either vaccination channel via go.gov.sg/vaccinationchannels. 

Before travelling to Singapore, they should obtain the relevant re-entry approvals and return flight or ferry tickets to ensure that they can return to their resident countries after their vaccination, MOH and MFA said. 

More information can be found on MOH’s webpage for frequently asked questions.

For more information on the entry requirements to Singapore for returning Singaporeans, visit the SafeTravel website.