COVID-19: Border measures increased, vaccinated travel lanes deferred

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean government has tightened border measures and deferred implementation of its Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) for three Middle East countries.

Key Points: 

• As of Dec. 3, travelers entering or transiting through Singapore must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure and take a PCR test upon arrival.
• As of Dec. 7, individuals arriving through the VTL scheme must take a PCR test upon arrival and antigen tests throughout the first seven days of arrival.
  • More information regarding testing requirements for VTL travelers is available here.
  • Authorities have delayed until further notice the VTLs for Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that were scheduled to open on Dec. 6.
• As of Dec. 7, authorities classified Bulgaria, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and Poland as Category III countries.
  • More information regarding travel restrictions and requirements for Category III countries is available here.

Additional Information: Visitors and pass holders with travel or transit history from Botswana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe within 14 days of intended arrival are barred from entering or transiting through Singapore. More information on entry requirements for specific countries is available here.

BAL Analysis: Authorities tightened border measures and deferred VTLs because of the Omicron variant. Border measures may change with little to no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

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