Singapore Makes Paid COVID-19 Tests Compulsory For Incoming Travellers

by Sanjana Shenoy
Singapore Makes Paid COVID-19 Tests Compulsory For Incoming Travellers

For those who wish to visit Singapore, this is a mandatory piece of information. As per an advisory released by the Singapore Tourism Board, all in-bound travellers must undergo a paid COVID-19 test before entering the country. The compulsory coronavirus test costs around SGD 200 (₹11,000 approx). Incoming travellers to Singapore must mandatorily take the test to enter the country. To know more about this new rule, read on to find out.

singapore paid covid-19 tests

Incoming Tourists To Singapore Must Take Mandatory Paid COVID-19 Tests

According to the advisory released by the Singapore Tourism Board on their official website, the country 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.

Also Read: Singapore Uses Robot Dogs To Follow Social Distancing Guidelines In Parks & Gardens

The advisory makes it compulsory for all incoming travellers including citizens of Singapore to serve a 14-day Stay-Home-Notice (SHN). They must also take a COVID-19 test before their SHN period ends. This rule exempts Singaporean citizens. It also exempts 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 must serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. But if you’re planning to Singapore apart from taking mandatory coronavirus tests, do plan your trip well in advance. 

The Mandatory COVID-19 Test Costs Around ₹11,000

According to The Times of India report, the mandatory COVID-19 tests costs SGD 200 (₹11,000 approx). The report further states that those who stay at the government dedicated SHN centres must roughly pay SGD 2,000 (₹1,10,000 approx). Currently, short-time visitors are barred from entering Singaporean soil. To know more about coronavirus travel regulations in each country, you can use the IATA interactive map. 

singapore paid covid-19 tests

This excludes people 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. The Singaporean government allows only select Chinese provinces and visitors coming for essential reasons.

People willing to set shop or travel for official reasons to Singapore from China must 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. When its safe to travel again, then do visit these gorgeous places in Singapore