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.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@balglobal.com.

Singapore recently announced that it would add five more countries to the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) scheme.

Key Points:

  • Authorities plan to add India and Indonesia to the VTL scheme alongside Finland, Malaysia and Sweden on Nov. 29.
  • The government plans to add Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to the VTL scheme on Dec. 6.
  • Travelers arriving through the VTL will be subject to PCR tests instead of serving a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice.
  • Travelers must meet the eligibility criteria and follow applicable border control measures and health requirements for entering Singapore through the VTL scheme.

Additional Information: Returning Singapore citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated will not need to apply in order to make use of the VTLs for travel. Travelers intending to leave Singapore and go to a VTL country/region must check with entry requirements of their destination country. Other countries covered by the VTL scheme include: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. More information can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The dates on which VTLs become available may be postponed depending on the virus situation. Individuals wishing to use the VTLs should consult BAL before traveling. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

Singapore recently announced that it would add Finland, Malaysia and Sweden to the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) scheme at the end November.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Nov. 29, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to travel from Finland, Malaysia and Sweden under the VTL scheme.
    • Travelers arriving through the VTL will be subject to PCR tests instead of serving a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice.
    • Travelers must meet the eligibility criteria and followed the border control measures and health requirements for entering Singapore through the VTL scheme.
    • Other countries covered by the VTL scheme include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, the U.K. and the U.S.
  • Beginning Nov. 12, travelers from category II, III and VTL countries will be able to enter the country with a choice of proof of a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure or the current requirement of a negative PCR test.

Additional Information: Travelers intending to leave Singapore and go to a VTL country/region must check with entry requirements of their destination country. More information can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The VTLs scheme’s beginning date may be postponed if the COVID-19 situation worsens. Individuals wishing to use the VTLs should consult BAL before traveling. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

Singapore has announced that it will add Australia and Switzerland to the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) scheme in November.

Key Points: 

  • Beginning Nov. 8, fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel from Australia and Switzerland under the VTL scheme.
  • Travelers arriving through the VTL will be subject to PCR tests instead of serving a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice.
  • Travelers must meet the eligibility criteria and followed the border control measures and health requirements for entering Singapore through the VTL scheme.

Additional Information: Travelers intending to leave Singapore and go to a VTL country/region must check with entry requirements of their destination country. More information can be found here. Unlike other VTL schemes which are open to all travelers as long as they meet the minimum 14-day travel history requirement, the VTL arrangement with Australia is only open to Australian citizens & permanent residents at this time.

BAL Analysis: The VTLs’ beginning date may be postponed if the virus situation worsens. Individuals wishing to use the VTLs should consult BAL before traveling. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Singaporean government recently announced that it would lift its travel ban for long-term pass holders with travel history from six South Asian countries and ease health protocols for others entering the country.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Oct. 27, long-term pass holders with a 14-day travel history in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka will be allowed to enter or transit though the country.
  • Travelers from Category II, III and IV countries will no longer have to take a PCR test on arrival.
  • Travelers from Category III and IV countries will no longer have to take additional antigen tests during their Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
  • Travelers from Category III countries will be able to serve their SHN at home.

BAL Analysis: The decision to end the travel ban on the South Asia region is welcome news, as many long-term pass holders have been stuck in the effected countries since May of 2021. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean government has reduced its education qualifications lists on the Employment Pass Online (EPOL) and myMOM portals.

Key Points:

  • Authorities have reduced the list of recognized education institutions and removed the bachelor degree class types within the online portals.
  • Individuals who are applying, renewing or appealing applications should re-enter their educational information as needed.
  • Applicants can check if their qualifications or education institution is listed using the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Tool.

BAL Analysis: Authorities may be intending to increase the education requirements for getting an employment pass by reducing the education qualifications lists.

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

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Singaporean government has announced the expansion of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to additional countries, including the United States.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Oct. 19, travelers from Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. will be able to use the VTL.
  • Beginning Nov. 15, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to travel between Changi Airport in Singapore and Incheon International Airport in South Korea via VTLs.
  • Travelers arriving through the VTL will be subject to PCR tests instead of serving a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice. PCR tests are to be taken 48 hours before departure sand on arrival.
  • Travelers must meet the eligibility criteria and follow border control measures and meet health requirements when entering Singapore or South Korea.
  • Both Singapore and South Korea will mutually recognize each other’s COVID-19 vaccinate certifications.

BAL Analysis: Individuals wishing to use the VTLs should consult BAL before traveling. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean Ministry of Health has updated its country classification lists and entry requirements for individuals who have travel history in countries 21 days before arriving in Singapore.

Category I:

  • Category I countries and areas include: Hong Kong, Macao, mainland China, and Taiwan.
  • Individuals from Category I countries and areas can enter Singapore without proof of vaccination but must take a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine until the results are received.

Category II:

  • Category II countries include: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
  • Individuals from Category II countries can enter Singapore without proof of vaccination but must take a PCR test 48 hours before departure, take a PCR test upon arrival, quarantine for seven days, and take another PCR test on day seven of the quarantine.

Category III:

  • Category III countries include: Austria, Belgium Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
  • Individuals from Category III countries can enter Singapore with but must be fully vaccinated before arrival; take a PCR test 48 hours before departure and upon arrival; quarantine for 14 days; take antigen tests on days three, seven and 11 of quarantine; and take a final PCR test on day 14 of the quarantine.
  • Long-term pass holders must take a test to confirm their vaccination status within 14 days of completing the 14-day quarantine; upon confirmation, such individuals will be able to enter malls, restaurants and other public places.

Category IV:

  • Category IV countries includes all other countries and regions not listed above except Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
  • Individuals from Category IV countries can enter Singapore with but must be fully vaccinated before arrival; take a PCR test 48 hours before departure and upon arrival; quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility; take antigen tests on days three, seven and 11 of quarantine; and take a final PCR test on day 14 of the quarantine.
  • Long-term pass holders must take a test to confirm their vaccination status within 14 days of completing the 14-day quarantine; upon confirmation, such individuals will be able to enter malls, restaurants and other public places.

Additional Information: Travelers from the Philippines are subject to additional antigen rapid testing upon arrival. Entry remains banned for travelers from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. All changes to border measures, entry requirements and health protocols will be updated on the SafeTravel website.

BAL Analysis: 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Singaporean Ministry of Health recently announced updates to its entry and testing requirements for Category II, III and IV countries.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Sept. 9, all individuals traveling to or transiting through Singapore from Category II, III or IV countries must show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. Previously, tests had to be taken within 72 hours.
    • Travelers will still be subject to an on-arrival PCR test, Stay Home Notice (SHN), and a PCR test at the end of the SHN.
    • A full list of country and region classification categories can be found here.
  • Beginning Sept. 9, fully vaccinated travelers from Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Sweden may apply to carry out the 14-day SHN at home or another suitable location.
    • Fully vaccinated travelers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland may continue to apply to opt out of the facility-based SHN and carry it out at their respective residences.

Additional Information: All changes to border measures, entry requirements and health protocols will be updated on the SafeTravel website. Individuals should check the website before traveling to Singapore.

BAL Analysis: 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. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Singaporean Ministry of Health has opened a new Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) for travelers from Brunei and Germany.

Key Points:

  • All travelers, including Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, who qualify for the VTL will not have to undergo the mandatory quarantine when traveling to Singapore.
  • All travelers, except Singapore citizens and permanent residents, must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) starting Sept. 1 for entry into Singapore from Sept. 8 onward.
    • Individuals must submit VTP applications between seven and 30 calendar days before their intended entry date into Singapore.
    • Singapore Citizens and permanent residents do not need to apply for a VTP to use the VTL.
  • Travelers must take a PCR test 48 hours before departure and on day one, three and seven of arrival. More information regarding the travel lane’s specific requirements can be found here.

Additional Information: Travelers must be fully vaccinated in their VTL country of departure or Singapore. An individual is fully vaccinated if 14 days have passed since they received the last applicable dose of a Singaporean approved vaccine.

BAL Analysis: Officials introduced the VTL to help alleviate the burden of border measures and quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers. 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@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.