Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to pneumonia (a more severe lung infection). COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by a strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 and has spread globally.

Q2

How does COVID-19 spread?

Q3

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Q4

What is the treatment for COVID-19?

Q5

Is the disease deadly? How is this compared to SARS?

It is mandatory for all persons who are 6 years old and above to wear a mask when leaving their homes. Masks help to reduce the expulsion and transmission of droplets, which is the predominant route of transmission of COVID-19. It is therefore important for you to wear a mask, so that you will not spread the infection to others if you are infected. This is important even if you feel well, because you may be infected but asymptomatic.

It may be difficult for persons who are out in the community to avoid contact with others completely, including with infected persons who have very mild symptoms or may not show any symptoms. The wearing of masks is therefore an important precaution we can all take.

Everyone must wear a mask when outside of their homes. This applies on public transport, taxis, private hire cars, walking to or at markets, and also for permitted enterprise workers at all workplace premises, whether they are frontline staff (such as food handlers, cashiers and bus drivers) or performing back office functions (such as data entry personnel and payroll executives). Individuals may remove their mask while engaging in outdoor or strenuous exercise (e.g. running/ jogging/cycling, contact sports/games, static exercises and drills including taichi and qigong, brisk walking or walking up hilly terrain), but they must put it back on after completing exercise. Those walking at a normal pace would be required to wear a mask.

For the general public, a mask that closely and completely covers the nose and mouth (i.e. without leaving a gap between the mask and the face) must be worn when persons go out of their homes.

Masks with exhalation valves (usually visible as a raised disc on the front or side of the mask), have a decreased effect of preventing the release of droplets from the wearer during exhalation, even if it does provide protection against disease transmission to the wearer. The public, especially those who are unwell with respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose), should not wear masks with valves as they may expose others to the risk of infection from droplets released through the valve.

Persons who have respiratory symptoms (such as cough, runny nose), and certain groups who are more vulnerable to or at risk of COVID-19 infection should wear surgical masks or reusable masks with better filtration capabilities. These include:
1. Seniors aged 60 years old and above
2. Persons with other concurrent medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart conditions)
3. Persons interacting with (such as providing care to) someone who has respiratory symptoms
 
Masks with better filtration capabilities are those indicated to have at least 95% bacterial filtration efficiency*. The recent reusable masks that the government had distributed (from May to June 2020) to all Singaporeans carry this specification.

The following specific groups of persons may use a face shield, in place of masks:

a)     Children 12 years and below, who may have difficulty wearing and keeping face masks on for a prolonged period of time;

b)     Persons who have health conditions that may result in breathing or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time; and

c)     Persons who are speaking to a group in a classroom or lecture-style setting, where they largely remain at the spot from which they are speaking, and are able to maintain a safe distance away from any other persons.

A face shield must be worn properly so that it covers the entire face, from the forehead to below the chin, wrapping around the sides of the face.

Plastic spit guards predominantly cover the mouth and are not considered as face shields or masks.Face coverings such as neck gaiters, bandannas, scarves or handkerchiefs are not considered as masks.

However, if an individual is alone in his or her own office with the door closed, and no other person enters the room, the individual may remove his or her mask in the room. If the room door is opened or if there is any contact with people, a mask must be used.

Everyone must wear a mask when outside of their homes. Individuals may remove their mask while engaging in outdoor or strenuous exercise (e.g. running/ jogging/cycling, contact sports/games, static exercises and drills including taichi and qigong, brisk walking or walking up hilly terrain), but they must put it back on after completing exercise. Those walking at a normal pace would be required to wear a mask.

First-time offenders will be issued composition offers of $300, and repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases. 

Children of 6 years of age and above must wear a mask when leaving their homes. If there is difficulty wearing and keeping face masks on for a prolonged period of time, children 12 years and below may use face shields in place of masks.

To protect young children below the age of 6 years, we continue to strongly encourage young children to wear a mask or face shield, especially when they need to be in a group setting or when interacting with others (e.g. in preschools). Children who may not have the coordination necessary for the proper use of masks or face shields should be supervised by an adult when doing so.

Mask-wearing is not recommended for children below the age of 2 years for child safety reasons.

Medical experts have also advised that some groups may have difficulties, including children with special needs and we will exercise flexibility in enforcement for these groups.

If you have underlying conditions, you may be more vulnerable to serious COVID-19 infection. You should stay at home as much as possible, and avoid going out unless necessary.

To protect yourself and others, you are recommended to wear a mask when leaving the house.

Face shields could be used in situations where individuals have health conditions which may result in breathing or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time. Safe distancing measures such as maintaining at least one metre distance from all persons must be observed.

Yes, you may do so, but must immediately put your mask back on after eating, drinking or taking medication. If eating outside your home, please ensure that safe distancing measures are strictly complied (e.g. maintain physical separation with others while eating) with.

Masks are required to be worn when outside one’s own home. This includes all these venues. Masks should only be removed when engaging in strenuous activity, and then promptly put back on after.

Masks are required to be worn in F&B outlets. Diners should only take them off when eating or drinking and put them back on after. 

Masks are required to be worn when outside one’s own home. Household visitors are strongly encouraged to observe safe management principles when visiting other peoples’ homes. This includes wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance of at least one metre from others, minimising physical contact and washing our hands regularly. Do not visit if you are unwell.

Social gatherings of up to any five persons can take place, in premises that are open to the public. The five persons do not need to be from the same household. If gathering at home, households may receive up to five visitors at any one time. These five visitors are not restricted to having to come from the same household either.

Nevertheless, individuals are advised to keep their daily number of contacts small and preferably limited to a regular circle of close contacts. If accepting visitors, keep them preferably to family members or very close friends, and remind them not to visit if they are not feeling well. 

The group size limit of five is meant to minimise interaction and the risk of transmission across different households, but we seek your understanding that it is not possible to easily tell in a public setting if a group of more than five is from the same household or from more than one household.

So you may choose to go out together, but we request that your household observes the prevailing group size limits in public settings and venues, so as not to inadvertently encourage others, who may come from different households, to gather into groups that are larger than five too.

Please help us to uphold a public discipline that keeps Singapore safe. 

No. In line with the prevailing group size limits, all diners (even from the same household) should be in groups of no more than 5, with at least one metre separation between groups.

Yes they can, and they will be part of the cap of five visitors to a household at any one time.

Families who are relying on the grandparents for childcare on a daily basis are advised to take the necessary safe distancing precautions to protect the grandparents. Observe personal hygiene and try to reduce interaction time as far as possible when visiting their home. Do not visit if you are unwell.

Yes, this is allowed.

Yes, these access arrangements can continue as per normal in Phase Two.

Those with general anxiety or stress may call the National CARE Hotline (Tel: 6202-6868) for support.

Those experiencing marital or parenting stress may wish to contact CPH Online Counselling at www.cphonlinecounselling.sg.

Live chat: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm

Email: Anytime, counsellor will respond within 3 working days

Can I allow people offering home-based services into my home? For example:

• repairman to fix water pipes/electricity/cable/air-conditioning issues
• part-time cleaner / gardener / tuition teacher
• day-time nanny caring for my child  

Yes, these are home-based services that are allowed. They will count as part of the 5-person cap on visitors at any one time. Service providers are required to wear masks and maintain a one-metre distancing.

Can I go into other peoples’ homes for home-based services, e.g. private dining, hairdressing services, tuition classes?

You may do so in public spaces and at facilities that are allowed to open in Phase Two. This includes parks, playgrounds, beaches, lawns and fields, stadia, swimming complexes, sports halls, hardcourts, gyms, fitness studios, bowling centres and function rooms. This applies also to similar facilities in private settings such as condominiums and clubs.

You must adhere to the respective premises’ safe management measures including capacity caps, and safe management measures for the relevant sports.

Please refer to Sports Singapore’s advisory here for more details.

The safe distancing measures are put in place to minimise interactions to prevent transmission. In line with the spirit of the intent, social gatherings of more than 5 persons should not take place.

Outdoor exercise classes organised by a registered instructor can take place with up to 50 persons in groups of no more than 5 persons. Please refer to Sport Singapore’s advisory here for more details.

Please follow the instructions of the supermarket/shop staff on where and how to queue. Alternatively, you may wish to go to an alternate supermarket/shop if possible, or come back again later at a less busy time.

These measures have been provided with the force of law under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, and are enforceable across sectors and against individuals and businesses. This will be enforced strictly, for the protection of everyone.

Enforcement officers will be on the ground, and egregious breaking of these rules will lead to enforcement action under the Infectious Disease Act or the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act. The penalties for breaches are imprisonment for up to a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both, and (for a second offence under COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act) up to a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding $20,000 or both.

Safe-Distancing Ambassadors are deployed by various government agencies to help and guide businesses and individuals to comply with the safe distancing measures. They do not impose fines.

Enforcement Officers will not collect fines on the spot, from individuals and businesses who have contravened these rules. The penalties for breaches will be issued to individuals or businesses in the form of composition letters which will state the relevant follow up actions required.

Please refer to the safe management measures and FAQs for marriage solemnisations and wedding receptions here .

You will be able to give your relatives, friends and colleagues a ride.

Privately-arranged Private Hire Car services, limousine services, and paid-car-pool services made through booking platforms will also be able to resume. Important information for contact tracing will be recorded at the point of the booking.

However, paid car-pool services arranged through informal platforms such as chat groups cannot resume because there are no means to record trip and passenger details. 

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce will continue to monitor the situation closely, with the aim of continuing to ease measures in a gradual and calibrated manner, until we reach a new normal in Phase Three. Phase Three is the state in which we expect to remain until an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is developed.

Over the course of Phase Two, some higher risk activities and settings that remain closed at the start of Phase Two will gradually be allowed to open, when they are able to implement adequate safe management measures. Prevailing limits on gathering sizes may also be relaxed in a gradual manner.

You may refer to the list of permitted services and FAQs on the https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg website.

You may also call the Enterprise Infoline at 6898-1800 from 8am to 8pm (Monday to Sunday).

You may report this to Covid_GoBusiness@mti.gov.sg.

Reduce mixing with others wherever possible, and proceed directly from point to point without stopping or dawdling. Workers who are operating outside their home are required to wear a mask at all times.

Q1

Details on the Safe Management measures for workplaces can be found at https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures. Sector-specific advisories can also be found at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/sector/ 

SafeEntry is a national digital check-in system that logs the NRIC/FINs and mobile numbers of individuals visiting hotspots, workplaces of permitted enterprises, as well as selected public venues to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 through activities such as contact tracing and identification of COVID-19 clusters. Please visit https://www.safeentry.gov.sg for details.

Individuals check in/out from SafeEntry at entry/exit points using any of the following methods:

a. Scan QR code: Use the SingPass Mobile app, TraceTogether app, your mobile phone’s camera function or a recommended QR scanner app to scan a QR code and submit your personal particulars; or

b. Scan ID card: Present an identification card barcode (e.g. NRIC, Passion card, Pioneer Generation card, Merdeka Generation card, driver’s licence, Transitlink concession card, student pass, work permit, SingPass Mobile app, TraceTogether app) to be scanned by staff; or

c. Scan TraceTogether Token: Present the QR code on your TraceTogether Token to be scanned by staff (available at selected venues); or

d.  Select from list of nearby locations: Use the SingPass Mobile app’s ‘SafeEntry Check-In’ function to select a location and check in. 

Please visit https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/safeentry/ for the updated list of places where SafeEntry needs to be deployed. 

No. In emergency situations, priority should be placed on addressing the situation. There is already other data available to help in contact tracing efforts when the need arises.

TraceTogether is a mobile application that is designed to supplement current contact tracing efforts. It works by exchanging short-distance Bluetooth signals between phones to detect other participating TraceTogether users in close proximity.

Records of such encounters are stored locally on each user’s phone. If a user is interviewed by MOH as part of the contact tracing efforts, he/she can consent to send his/her TraceTogether data to MOH.

The TraceTogether app is available for download on App Store and Google Play Store. For more details, visit tracetogether.gov.sg

You will be tested for current/active COVID-19 infection with a PCR test if your doctor assesses that there is a clinical need to do so, based on your symptoms, health condition and travel/contact history. If it is deemed that there is the need for such a test, your doctor will be able to test you or refer you to a suitable swabbing site (e.g. Public Health Preparedness Clinic, Regional Screening Centre (RSC) or polyclinics) for the test, and you will not be required to pay for the test.

Travellers from Singapore who are travelling to a destination country with a mandatory requirement for travellers to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to entry into the country may wish to refer to the ICA website (https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg) for more information on how to apply for pre-departure testing. 

Please note that a negative PCR test is possible during the virus incubation period, and does not exclude the possibility that infection is present.

The Regional Screening Centres (RSCs) are set up by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to conduct testing for COVID-19. These centres are integral to the implementation of our national testing strategy, and play a critical role in keeping Singapore COVID-19 safe. Where possible, these RSCs are located in places that are easily accessible to support the screening needs in the community. For example, RSCs have been set up at the Old Police Academy, The Float @ Marina Bay, the Bukit Gombak sport hall and Bishan sport hall. The RSCs are set up with proper infection control, and strict safe distancing measures in place to protect individuals and the community.

I am travelling overseas and am required by my destination country to be tested for COVID-19 before departure. Where can I go to get tested?

Travellers from Singapore who are travelling to a destination country that has a mandatory requirement for travellers to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to entry into the country may wish to refer to the ICA website (https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg) for more information on how to apply for pre-departure testing.  

If I defer my travel, will travel insurance cover my trip cancellation, postponement of flight tickets and hotels? How do I go about seeking refund?

You are advised to check with your respective travel insurance providers for information on coverage and compensation.

How are the frontline workers, e.g., airline staff, healthcare workers, checkpoint staff, protected, to make sure that they do not get sick and spread the diseases?

Employees working in the various sectors would have received sector-specific advisories, which include measures and precautionary measures that employees and employers can take.

Please refer to the sector-specific advisories for more details.

Contact tracing will be conducted to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases. 

If you are deemed to be a close contact of a confirmed case, you will be contacted by MOH officials and advised on the measures that you should take. In general, close contacts are identified as persons who had provided care for or have had close physical contact with the case.

Transient contacts are persons who had interacted with the confirmed case for short periods of time, such as passing by each other in the corridor or being on the same public transport or in the same public spaces. The risk of infection from transient contact is assessed to be low. 

You can also make use of the TraceTogether App function which helps check the places you have visited against the list of places visited by COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days.

To verify the authenticity of a contact tracing call, you may wish to:

1. Take down the number which the caller is calling from

2. Call MOH’s general hotline at 1800-333-9999 and provide them the caller’s number

Please note that MOH will not ask for your financial details when conducting tracing or divulge any details of confirmed cases. We will also not ask you to collect documents from us, unless you have existing business with MOH.

Q1

What is the difference between being issued a Quarantine Order (QO), being under a Leave of Absence (LOA) and being under a Stay-Home Notice (SHN)? 

A QO is a legal order issued to individuals under the Infectious Diseases Act and thus has legal force with severe penalties for non-compliance. A QO is issued to quarantine or isolate an individual who is, or is suspected to be, a carrier of an infectious disease or a contact of a person confirmed to have an infectious disease. This is with the aim of limiting the spread of the virus in the community. MOH will establish if a QO should be served out in the home, dedicated Government Quarantine Facilities (GQFs) or hospitals, based on an assessment of a person’s contact history, state of health, and the suitability of the home.

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a precautionary measure which may be applied by public agencies. We urge those who are on LOA to be socially responsible and comply with the LOA, to prevent possible transmission of infections. Persons on LOA should remain in their residences as much as possible and minimise social contact. Persons on LOA may leave their residences for daily necessities or to attend important matters, but they must minimise time spent in public spaces and contact with others.

A Stay-Home Notice (SHN) is issued to all travellers who are granted entry to Singapore, as a precautionary measure to minimize the risk of additional imported cases of COVID-19. Travellers that are serving their SHN are not allowed to leave their place of residence of SHN-Dedicated Facility (SDF) for the duration of the SHN period. Please visit https://go.gov.sg/govsg-shn for more information on SHN.

Q2

I am employed. Does being under a Quarantine Order (QO) utilise my quota for medical leave or hospitalisation leave?

Employees who are served a Quarantine Order (QO) will be deemed to be on paid sick leave. The period of absence from work would be treated as paid hospitalisation leave, as part of the employees’ hospitalisation leave eligibility under their employment contracts or agreements.  

Please refer to this advisory by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).  

Q3

What must I do when I am being quarantined? How will it affect my household members?

If you are issued a quarantine order and live with other household members who are not issued quarantine orders, you will be conveyed to a Government Quarantine Facility (GQF) to serve your quarantine period

This is because those under quarantine are not supposed to come into contact with others in order to avoid the possibility of the spread of virus through person-to-person contact. Hence, those under quarantine will need to be isolated from and cannot physically interact with others living in the same premises.

There may be exceptional circumstances in which you may serve your quarantine at home with other household members who are not issued quarantine orders e.g. if you require a caregiver.

Q4

How will those who are under quarantine orders at home be monitored?

If individual are issued quarantine orders together with all other household members, they will serve their quarantine orders at home, unless the premises are deemed unsuitable. 

Individuals under quarantine will be monitored by video calls or the QO App (HOMER) at least three times a day.

Spot checks will be carried out to ensure that they strictly adhere to the conditions under the Isolation / Quarantine Order (QO) during the period specified. If they are found to be non-compliant, the Director of Medical Services may require them to wear an electronic tag or order that they be detained and isolated in a hospital or in any other suitable place. It is an offence if they do not comply with the conditions listed in accordance with the QO.

Q5

If I need to go out to attend to urgent matters, what should I do?  What will happen if I break quarantine?

Persons under quarantine must not leave their designated location for any reason. Should they require assistance for daily needs, they should arrange with their relatives / friends to purchase groceries and assist in their daily needs whenever necessary. If they urgently need to leave their place of isolation / their home for matters needing personal attention which cannot be postponed, they must first seek the permission of the Quarantine Order (QO) Agent.

Spot checks will be carried out to ensure that they strictly adhere to the conditions under the Isolation / Quarantine Order during the period specified. If they are found to be non-compliant, the Director of Medical Services may require them to wear an electronic tag or order that they be detained and isolated in a hospital or in any other suitable place. It is an offence if they do not comply with the conditions listed in accordance with the QO.

Swab tests for PUQs, PUPS and PSHNs are conducted strictly by appointment at a designated testing sites. For PUQs, two-way conveyance to the designated testing site will be arranged for you.

For PSHNs, individual transportation (e.g. private or pre-booked taxi) to the designated testing site will have to be arranged. Please refer to the Health Advisory for PSHNs to pre-book a taxi.

You will be informed of your swab test results within 1 to 4 days via SMS notification.  If you have a Singpass account*, you may login to the HealthHub page (https://www.healthhub.sg/myhealth) to access the results.

Q9

I have been in recent contact with someone who has been issued a Quarantine Order (QO). What should I do?

Persons issued with a Quarantine Order are individuals assessed to have had close contact with a confirmed case, and they are generally well and have no symptoms.

We would advise you to monitor your health closely. If you have fever, cough or runny nose, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly. Call the clinic ahead of your visit and inform the doctor of your symptoms as well as your travel history, if any.

Q10

I heard that people who are served a Quarantine Order (QO) will receive $100 a day under the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA). Is that true?

The Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA) is set up to mitigate financial impact for those who have been served Quarantine Orders (QO). When they have completed their QO, claims of $100 per day can be made by self-employed Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, and by Singapore-registered companies whose employees under QO are Singaporean Citizens, Permanent Residents or Workpass Holders.

This allowance will not apply if the affected S Pass or Work Permit holders began their QO on or after 1 April 2020, regardless of when the QO ends. This is in view of the levy rebate and waiver of March 2020’s levies (payable in April 2020).
 
Please refer to this factsheet for more information. You can also approach your QO agent for further queries.  

Q11

I am an employer.  How do I know if my employees have been issued a Quarantine Order (QO)?  How do I apply for the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA)? 

A Quarantine Order (QO) agent will get in touch with your employee if he/she has been issued a QO.  Your employee should notify you that he/she has been issued a QO. 

You can only apply for the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA) after your employee has completed the quarantine. The person under quarantine will receive the QOA form at the end of the quarantine and pass it to the employer.  This is to ensure that he/she has fully compiled with the QO, under the Infectious Disease Act. The employer can then submit the form to MOH for processing.  

Please refer to this factsheet for more information. 

Q12

If I am unemployed, but under a Quarantine Order (QO), who can I go to for social and financial assistance?

If you are unemployed, but under a Quarantine Order (QO), and need social or financial assistance, please contact your QO agent for further assistance.

Q13

What must I do when I am on a Leave of Absence (LOA)? 

If you are placed on a Leave of Absence (LOA), you should remain in your place of residence, avoid social contact, and monitor your health closely. You should avoid crowded places and refrain from attending social or public gatherings. You should monitor your health closely and seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell.

It is not necessary for members in the same household to be segregated from the person placed on LOA, but they are encouraged to reduce interaction and minimise contact with persons placed on LOA.

For the latest information on the local disease situation and health advisories, please visit the Singapore Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.sg.

For the latest information on the global disease situation, you may wish to refer to information on the World Health Organization website at www.who.int.

What are the latest measures for inbound travellers?

What if travellers refuse to undergo testing?

Singapore Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders who refuse testing may have their immigration facilities and work pass privileges revoked or the validity shortened. All travellers, including Singapore Citizens, who do not comply with the testing or who cannot be contacted subsequently may face penalties and can be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.

When and how will travellers be issued the Stay-Home Notice?

All travellers who are required to serve the Stay-Home Notice will be issued an official hard-copy notice upon arrival at Singapore’s checkpoints.

How often will the Government review the SHN requirements for travellers from the different countries/regions?

The Government is monitoring the global situation closely and will update border measures, taking into account our understanding of the virus, as well as the developments in other countries/regions. As Singapore’s border measures will evolve as the global situation changes, please check the Safe Travel Office website for the latest updates.

Previously, all returnees were required to serve their SHN in a dedicated SHN facility. Why are we now changing this requirement?

We continually update our border measures, taking into account latest developments in other countries/regions. It is a risk-managed approach. We have also put in place an enhanced SHN surveillance regime (e.g. donning of an electronic monitoring device throughout SHN). Compliance with SHN conditions will continue to be monitored strictly, and strict enforcement action will be taken against those who breach the requirements of the SHN.

Why are we requiring persons under Stay-Home Notice to undergo a test before the end of their SHN now?

This is an additional precautionary measure to detect the virus. We will monitor the results of these tests and may make adjustments to the testing requirements over time.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents do not require prior approval to enter Singapore.

Long Term Pass holders (including those who have been granted In-Principle Approval for a Long Term Pass) must obtain permission for entry from the relevant agency before commencing their journey.

Short-term visitors may enter Singapore: (a) via the Air Travel Pass, if they are travelling from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand and Vietnam; (b) under the Green / Fast Lane arrangements; or (c) with special prior approval. All other short-term visitors are not allowed entry into Singapore at the moment.

I received my entry approval and/or booked my flight to Singapore before the changes to border measures were announced. Which measures will be applicable to me?

All travellers are required to comply with the prevailing border measures at the point of entry.

If you are required to serve your SHN in a dedicated SHN facility, you will have to pay for your stay at the dedicated SHN facility. Only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020 and return by 31 December 2020 do not need to pay for their stay in a dedicated SHN facility. From 1 January 2021, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents would have to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities.

If you are entering Singapore from a country/region that will be eligible for a shorter SHN period, or on-arrival test in lieu of SHN, please contact the agency that issued your entry approval.

I am serving my SHN when the changes to border measures (e.g. reduction of SHN duration, replacement of SHN with on-arrival test) were announced. Can I request to shorten my SHN?

No. You need to comply with the prevailing SHN requirements at the point of entry to Singapore. The authorities will not be accepting appeals to shorten SHN. 

I have obtained entry approval to enter Singapore under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement or Green / Fast Lane. How will I be affected by the latest changes to the SHN requirements?

Incoming travellers under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), Reciprocal Green Lanes (RGLs), and Fast Lanes will be subject to public health arrangements prescribed under those travel schemes.

For more information on PCA, RGLs and Fast Lanes, please refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview

I am entering Singapore under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement. How will I be affected by the border measures applicable to travellers from Sabah?

All travellers entering Singapore who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Sabah will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. This applies to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents entering Singapore under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement. Travellers from all other parts of Malaysia (except Sabah) will continue to serve a 7-day SHN at their place of residence.

I am travelling under the Singapore-Malaysia Reciprocal Green Lane. How will I be affected by the border measures applicable to travellers from Sabah?

Malaysia-based travellers under the RGL will continue to be subject to existing RGL measures (i.e. pre-departure test, on-arrival test, pre-declared controlled itinerary). Returning Singapore-based RGL travellers will be subject to the border measures in Q10, except that those with travel history in the past 14 days to Sabah will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities.

Will the prevailing SHN requirements be the same regardless of the checkpoint of entry?

Incoming travellers under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement and the Singapore-Malaysia Reciprocal Green Lane will be subject to public health arrangements prescribed under those travel schemes. All other travellers entering Singapore via any of the land, air and sea checkpoints will be subject to the prevailing SHN requirements.

What health measures will I be subject to upon returning to Singapore after my travel on the Reciprocal Green Lane / Fast Lane?

For more information on RGLs and Fast Lanes, please refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg

Why are children aged 12 and below exempted from donning the electronic monitoring device throughout their SHN period?

They will serve their SHN under adult supervision and are therefore exempted from wearing a monitoring device.

I am returning to/entering Singapore from New Zealand, Brunei, Australia, Vietnam, and Mainland China. What border measures am I subject to?

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents do not require prior approval to enter Singapore.

Long Term Pass holders (including those who have been granted In-Principle Approval for a Long Term Pass) must obtain permission for entry from the relevant agency before commencing their journey. You are not required to apply for an Air Travel Pass.

Short term visitors are required to apply for an Air Travel Pass between seven and thirty calendar days prior to the intended date of entry into Singapore.

All travellers from New Zealand, Brunei, Australia, Vietnam and Mainland China are required to take a COVID-19 test at the airport on arrival and self-isolate at a declared accommodation until you are informed of your negative test result. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents or Long-Term Pass holders may self-isolate at your place of residence. All other travellers may self-isolate at a declared place of accommodation, but it must not be at a residential address. You may refer to the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) website www.sha.org.sg for the list of hotels approved to receive visitors travelling to Singapore.

For information on the application and border requirements, please visit - https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg.

Travellers who are not Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents and who are required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN), will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure. Travellers will need to present a valid negative COVID-19 test result in order to board the flight and at immigration in Singapore.

This pre-departure test requirement does not apply to travellers who have remained in the low risk countries/regions – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong^[1], Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Vietnam – in the last consecutive 14 days prior to their entry into Singapore. Please click here for the latest measures.

^[1] Except ATB travellers who are required to undergo a PDT before entry into Singapore

[Updated 26 Nov] I am transiting via Singapore. Do I still need to have a valid negative COVID-19 test result?

At this point in time, travellers will only be able to transit through Singapore Changi Airport if they are travelling with an airline whose transfer route has been approved. Travellers are encouraged to confirm with their airlines on their eligibility to travel.

Currently, only travellers from India / Indonesia / the Philippines who are transiting through Singapore (i.e. India via Singapore to destination country) will have to present a valid negative COVID-19 test result.

Singapore only accepts test results from labs in the country that are internationally accredited or recognised by the respective Government. The test result memo must state the negative test result in English, date that the test was taken, traveller/s name and either Date of Birth or Passport Number as stated in the passport, If the personal details used are not stated in the passport, the traveller should have the relevant identity document on hand for verification.

[Updated 26 Nov] I have an upcoming flight to Singapore. When must my pre-departure test (PDT) be taken before the flight to be accepted for arrival in Singapore?

Inbound travellers, who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents and who are required to serve a 14-day SHN, must take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure in order to enter Singapore. 

Direct flight

For travellers who take a direct flight, the 72 hours will be counted from the departure of the flight to Singapore.

Connecting flights

For travellers who have to take a connecting flight(s), the 72 hours will be counted from the departure of the first leg only and the total transit duration for the trip must not be more than 24 hours. If the total transit duration is more than 24 hours, a PDT must be taken within 72 hours from the last leg (i.e. the flight to Singapore).  

For negative test result requirements, please refer to question 16.

Travellers on stipulated COVID-19 travel channels (e.g. Green/Fast Lane arrangements, or designated Air Travel Bubble (ATB) flights from Hong Kong) are required to comply with prevailing border health conditions stipulated as part of their entry permits.

[Updated 26 Nov] I am travelling with my child. Will my child be required to undergo a pre-departure test before entry into Singapore? Are children and infants exempted from the pre-departure test?

All travellers (who are not Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents), including children aged 12 and below, who are required to serve a 14-day SHN will be required to present a valid negative COVID-19 test result as a condition of entry into Singapore.

There is no exemption for children and infants.

[New] Are returning travellers to Singapore on the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGLs) subjected to the PDT before return to Singapore?

Please click here to find out more on the Reciprocal Green Lane arrangements. 

Individuals who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 infection will still be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Singapore.

If the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is positive, the recovered individual must also submit documentary proof of his/her past diagnosis of COVID-19, based on his/her first ever positive PCR test result. The date of the first ever positive PCR test result must be between 22 to 180 days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore.

Please note that individuals will be denied boarding for flights bound for Singapore if they have a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in the past 21 days.

Travellers (who are not Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) from countries where a valid negative COVID-19 test result is required as a condition for entry into Singapore, but are unable to produce a valid negative COVID-19 test result, will be denied entry into Singapore.

Airlines, Charterers and Air Operators for any flights to Singapore must conduct checks to ensure that passengers meet the requirement before they are allowed for boarding. Air operators will be responsible to repatriate any passenger rejected at the checkpoint.

If passengers are found to have produced false/forged COVID-19 test certificates, it will affect their ability to obtain or sponsor immigration facilities in the future.

Individuals who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 infection will still be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Singapore.

If the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result is positive, the recovered individual must also submit documentary proof of his/her past diagnosis of COVID-19, based on his/her first ever positive PCR test result. The date of the first ever positive PCR test result must be between 22 to 180 days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore.

Please note that individuals will be denied boarding for flights bound for Singapore if they have a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in the past 21 days.

The requirement for a valid negative COVID-19 test result applies on top of prevailing border measures for individuals. Such travellers are still required to serve a 14-day SHN, and will be subject to a test before the end of the SHN.

What are the types of transport I can take if I have been allowed to serve my 14-day Stay-Home Notice at my place of residence?

b.    leaving your place of residence for your scheduled COVID-19 test appointment at the designated testing facility

you must make transport arrangements at your own cost from the listed service provider. You must return immediately to your residence thereafter. You must return immediately to your residence thereafter. All charges are non-cancellable, non-exchangeable, and non-transferrable. Please identify yourself as a person subject to a Stay-Home Notice to the hotline operator, and just before you board the vehicle.

For all other non-emergency medical needs (such as cough, fever, runny nose, or follow-up visits for chronic conditions, refilling of prescriptions, etc.):

1. If you are staying in a designated SHN facility, you may contact the hotel front desk or equivalent for assistance;
2. For Singapore citizens, permanent residents, Long-Term Visit Pass holders and short-term visitors, you may call the SHN helpline at 6812 5555;
3. For students, you may seek assistance from your educational institution; and
4. For foreign employees (including foreign domestic workers) issued with a work pass, you may contact your employer or your Singapore employment agency. However, if you have acute respiratory infection (e.g. symptoms of cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell), please send your name, FIN and SHN residential address (i.e. Block, Floor, Unit No. and Postal Code) via WhatsApp (87253691) to MOM instead.

Arrangements will be made for you to receive appropriate medical attention. Please inform the staff / doctor of your travel history and that you have been issued a SHN prior to the start of the consultation.

All persons under SHN who enter Singapore, are required to undergo a scheduled COVID-19 test before the end of their SHN. You will be allocated a test slot and you should go for testing at the allocated test slot and venue.

If you develop fever, cough or breathlessness, or are feeling unwell, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will assess and refer you to the hospital if necessary.

No. You will be allocated a test slot and the details (e.g. date, time and venue) will be sent to you via SMS on your local mobile number / email / appointment letter.

The COVID-19 test will be scheduled a few days before the end of the SHN period. The test will be conducted at a designated community testing facility.

We regret that changes in test site cannot be accommodated, and seek understanding that we are working to improve accessibility of the test sites over time.

1. A form of photo identification with NRIC/FIN number (e.g. NRIC, work permit, driver’s license or passport); and
2. Test appointment letter/ email / SMS.

You are also advised to bring along a water bottle to keep hydrated and an umbrella in case of wet weather. A mask must be worn at all times.

You will be notified of your test result generally within 1 to 4 days after the day of swab. You should continue to adhere to the terms of the SHN.

Please remain calm and stay at your place of accommodation (e.g. home / dedicated SHN facility). Necessary transport arrangements would be made to send you to the hospital.

7-day SHN
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may serve their SHN at their place of residence. Long Term Pass holders may serve their SHN at a place of residence that they or their family members own or are sole tenants of, or suitable accommodation such as a hotel.

For further information on the things you should take note of while serving your SHN, please check out the latest advisory on the Ministry of Health website (https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19).

Work Pass and Student Pass Holders must also adhere to the relevant conditions of their Work / Student Pass which will be made available during the entry approval application process.

14-day SHN
Travellers by default will be required to serve their SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. Travellers who have been approved to serve your 14-day SHN at your place of residence (i.e. residential address), you must be either the:
(i) Sole resident; or
(ii) All household members are person serving SHN with same travel history and duration of SHN.

This will not apply for household members who are willing to serve SHN, but did not travel (i.e. all household members must be travellers with the same travel history).

If you are serving your SHN in a home with other family members, your family members may continue to live in the same home. However, you and your family should avoid contact with each other and observe good personal hygiene practices. Please check out the latest advisory on the Ministry of Health website (https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19).

If you are living with a vulnerable person, consider alternative accommodation for yourself or the vulnerable person.

If you become unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

Can my family members still carry on with their daily activities (e.g. work, school) if they live in the same household as me?

The SHN applies only to you. You should avoid contact with your family members to reduce risk of transmission. You and your family members should also continue to monitor your health, observe good personal hygiene and seek medical attention if unwell. Some organisations, may, at their discretion, impose additional precautionary measures on persons sharing residential premises with persons under SHN.  

Can persons under SHN share the same toilet as other occupants in the same household?

You are advised to avoid sharing the same toilet where possible. If it is not possible to do so, avoid using the toilet at the same time and clean toilet surfaces after each use.

You may also wish to allow some time to pass between toilet usage, in order to allow any remaining water droplets after showers to settle to the ground. Sharing the same roll of toilet paper is safe as long as the toilet roll is not stained, soiled or wet.

Do not share towels.

You are advised to defer such services requiring the entry of a non-residential person into the home during the SHN period. However, if the service is essential and required urgently, utility workers may enter the home, but you should remain at least 2 metres away from them at all times. Contact details of the worker should also be taken down to facilitate contact tracing if required. 

If you come within 2 metres of a non-residential person, other than for the purposes of receiving delivery of food or other essential supplies and services, or travelling to and from your place of residence to the community testing facility for your scheduled test, you may be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who do not have a suitable residence to serve their SHN in may appeal to serve their SHN at a dedicated SHN facility through the link go.gov.sg/shnhotelneeds. All requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Long Term Pass holders will have to secure a suitable accommodation to serve their SHN in prior to their arrival in Singapore.

Do I have to pay for my stay at a dedicated SHN facility if I request to opt-in?

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who do not have a suitable residence to serve their SHN in may appeal to serve their SHN at a dedicated SHN facility. All requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If they had left Singapore before 27 March 2020, the government will bear the cost of their stay at the dedicated SHN facility, until further notice.

I am not a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. I am arriving from a country/region which is eligible to opt to serve the 14-day SHN at a suitable place of residence instead of a dedicated SHN facility. How do I apply to opt for this option?

You may apply to serve the 14-day SHN through the relevant agency:

Please submit an application for entry approval to ICA if you are:
- An immediate family member or relative of a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident;
- Spouse-to-be of a Singapore Citizen or Singapore PR;
- PR and ICA-Long Term Visit Pass In-principle approval (IPA) holders seeking to complete formalities for their long-term immigration facilities; or
- Non-resident who has exceptional reasons to enter Singapore.

For Student’s Pass and Student’s Pass IPA holders, please approach your education institution to apply to serve the 14-day SHN outside of the dedicated SHN facility, as part of your entry application

For work pass holders and their dependants, please approach your employer to apply to serve the 14-day SHN outside of the dedicated SHN facility, as part of your entry approval application to MOM.

All travellers must present the approval to opt out upon arrival in Singapore

Travellers may serve their SHN at their place of residence (i.e. Residential address) if they are:
 
(i) Sole resident; or
(ii) All household members are person serving SHN with same travel history and duration of SHN.
 
Work Pass and Student Pass Holders must also adhere to the relevant conditions of their Work/ Student Pass which will be made available during the entry approval application process.  

The price of the SHN accommodation includes food and board for 14 days. The price is inclusive of GST and all administrative charges.

No. You will be allocated a SHN facility based on availability.

Please inform the staff at your dedicated SHN facility to assist in making the necessary arrangements.

Non-residents travelling with their spouse family may reach out to the relevant Singapore authorities managing your entry approval for assistance.

However, students should be aware that travel for overseas studies is allowed only for those of at least one academic year, for courses which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution, and which will lead to attainment of academic qualifications. 

If the overseas academic programme does not fulfil the above, students are considered to have travelled in disregard of the travel advisory.

[Updated 15 Nov] How can I apply for pre-departure testing? 

You are advised to cater sufficient time to arrange for your test appointment and receive your test results prior to departure. 

From 1 December 2020, you will no longer be required to apply for pre-departure testing.