A Conclusive Post-COVID Travel Guide To Singapore

Clear blue waters, picturesque sunsets, theme parks, and some of the best restaurants you’d ever visit, Singapore the Lion City has it all. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Singapore, like every other country has also been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But with an increasing rate of recovery, this island-city state has finally started to reopen for some categories of travellers. If you’re looking to visit this beautiful holiday destination, read ahead for the ultimate travel guide to Singapore to know about entry rules, safety measures, reopened attractions and more.

Entry To Singapore

• Entry to Singapore is currently open for Singapore residents, Long-Term Pass or In-Principle Approval Holders and Short Term Visitors (via Green Lane Arrangements for Work, Business and Social Visits).
• Singapore citizens and permanent residents do not have to submit any documents to re-enter Singapore except for a health declaration form within 3 days prior to the date of arrival. 
• The long term pass holders or IPA holders must obtain permission for entry from their respective agencies (Identity & Citizenship Federal Authority, Ministry Of Education or Ministry Of Manpower). If they have a travel history to India, Indonesia or Philippines, in 14 days prior to entry, they would also have to take a COVID PCR test within 72 hours before departure. The negative test result presented at the airport must be in English and must clearly mention the particulars of the passport and the date it was taken on. In addition to this, they must also submit a health declaration form within 3 days prior to arrival.
• Short term visitors can enter Singapore via the Air Travel Pass or Safe Travel Pass under Green or Fast land arrangements. The Air Travel Pass can be availed by the citizens of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand and Vietnam and the Safe Travel Pass can be availed by citizens of China, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Republic Of Korea, Japan and Indonesia. These visitors will also have to submit a COVI negative tests result taken within 72 hours before departure. The negative certificate must be in English and must clearly mention the particulars of the passport and the date it was taken on. In addition to this, they must also submit a health declaration form within 3 days prior to arrival.
• Most of the travellers arriving in Singapore would have to take a swab test at the airport and will be given a 14-day Stay At Home notice. Although, this varies for travellers coming from different countries. Specific measures on arrival fro each can be checked on ICA’s official website

Staying In Singapore 

Singapore government has issued various health and safety guidelines to keep the citizens and visitors safe. These guidelines include guidelines for workplaces, public spaces, museums, hotels, etc.

Reopened Hotels

The Singapore Tourism Board has introduced Safe Management Measures for all hotels and attractions reopened in Singapore. This includes advisory for spas, rooms, gyms, pools, events, etc. A majority of hotels and resorts in Singapore have been reopened with strict adherence to the issued guidelines to keep all guests safe. 

What Happens If You Show COVID Symptoms While Your Stay At Singapore

If you show any COVID related symptoms while staying at Singapore you must first inform your hotel or resort manager immediately and self-isolate in your room. Alternatively, you can also call the Ministry Of Health Singapore at 1800-333-9999 for immediate help. 

Local Transport

Local transport in Singapore has been resumed with all safety precautions and measures in place. This includes buses, trains and taxis. It is mandatory for all passengers to wear masks and follow social distancing when travelling in public transport in Singapore.

Safety Measures

• Singapore government has issued separate guidelines for all outdoor activities, events, hotels, public transport, etc. 
• The capacity of various reopened attractions in Singapore has also been reduced.
• It is mandatory for all to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing in public spaces across Singapore.

Experiences

Various tourist attractions in Singapore have finally been reopened with strict safety measures in place to keep the visitors safe. Here are all the things you can do to explore Singapore safely, in the new normal:

1. Visit The Jurong Bird Park

The Jurong Bird Park houses about 5,00 birds from 400 different species from all across the world. Witness the most colourful and beautiful birds of all sizes here and interact with them. The bird park was reopened in July 2020 and is following all safety measures and guidelines to keep the visitors safe.

2. Visit Gardens By The Bay

Various parts of the famous Gardens By The Bay in Singapore have been reopened with strict precautionary measures in place. This includes Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, OCBC Skyway and Far East Organization Childrens’ Garden. Witness the beautiful flowers at the flower dome or spend the day marvelling at the Cloud Forest Conservatory- either way you’re sure to have a blast!

3. Spend A Day At Universal Studios

Universal Studios in Singapore is one of the most popular places to visit with family and friends. This theme park is divided into various zones- each designed to treat you with the ultimate fun! Universal Studios has been reopened with various safety measures in place and the staff at the premises are making sure that all visitors in the park stay safe.

4. Witness The Exotic Aquatic Life At S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A Aquarium houses over 100,000 aquatic animals from 1000 different exotic species including leopard sharks, goliath groupers and squadrons of manta rays. Witness the sea life as you walk along this tunnelled aquarium and marvel at the beauty of these species. The aquarium has recently been reopened with all safety measures in place for its visitors and is making sure that everyone abides by the same. 

5. Ride A Cable Car

One of the best ways to explore Singapore is by taking a Cable Car ride. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the island, surrounding ocean and the lush green forests in the outskirts as you sit in the comfort of your private cable car. Private cable cars in Singapore have been resumed with enhanced sanitization protocols and safety measures for all visitors. 

Packing List For Singapore

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a big change in our everyday life with the introduction of masks, gloves and hand sanitizers as everyday essentials. When packing for a holiday in the new normal you must include the above and a lot of other things in your bag now. Here is a list of all the essential items to be packed in your bags:

• N-95 masks: Keep yourself safe throughout the trip with N-95 masks. Make sure you carry at least 3 of these to be able to change and wear alternatively. 
• Gloves: Keep a pack of disposable gloves (used for medical examinations) with you to keep your hands from getting contaminated. When used, dispose of them carefully and responsibly.
• Hand sanitizer: Always keep a hand sanitizer with you, in case you’re not able to wash your hands frequently. This will help you get rid of any germs and viruses on your hands and avoid infections.
• First-aid Kit: In case, you catch a fever or show other symptoms and are tested negative for COVID, you would need regular medicines to treat yourself. Keep the essential medicines with you in a first aid kit to avoid any hassles in a foreign country.
• Extra clothes & a bag: Just to minimize the risk of infection even further, you can keep an extra pair of clothes that you can wear while travelling on flights or at the airport. Keep this pair of clothes packed in a ziplock bag after use, if it’s not possible to wash them.