COVID-19 Mask Mandates Lifted in Most Public Places of Singapore
On Wednesday, August 24th, 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed that mask wearing will not be mandatory in Singapore except for in public transportation and in healthcare facilities (including clinics or Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics) from Monday, August 29th, 2022.
While the mask mandate is lifted in private transportation, school buses, private bus services, and taxis, it is still recommended and encouraged that people wear masks in crowded situations, as it is still an effective way to prevent risk. Furthermore, workplaces can set their own policies regarding mask wearing for their employees.
In addition to the mask mandates being lifted, it is also now recommended that all children aged 5 to 11 receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine after five months after their second dose.
General Border Measures for All Travellers Coming to Singapore
As for travellers entering Singapore who are not fully vaccinated, they will no longer have to undergo a 7-day SHN upon arrival or an exit SHN Polymerase Chain Test (PCR) test. They will however, still be subjected to test negative on a Pre-Departure Test within 2 days before coming to Singapore. Short-term visitors will still be required to purchase COVID-19 travel insurance during their stay just as before. It is still also mandatory for all coming to Singapore to submit their SG Arrival Card. However, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who are not vaccinated who are aged 13 and above do not have to apply for approval to enter the country.
| Vaccinated Travellers | Not Fully Vaccinated Travellers |
|---|---|
| No specific requirements | Pre-Departure PCR Test, professionally administered ART, or self-administered ARTs supervised by licensed Singapore providers (including remotely supervised ARTs) conducted within 2 days before departure for Singapore.* |
Countries With Border Restrictions
COVID-19 Test Required before Entering
| Asia | Africa |
|---|---|
| Japan | Angola |
| Myanmar | Central African Republic |
| South Korea | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Tajikistan | Equatorial Guinea |
| Eritrea | |
| Guinea-Bissau | |
| Madagascar | |
| Niger | |
| Senegal | |
| Sierra Leone | |
| Somalia | |
| Sudan |
Closed for Travellers
| Asia | Africa | Middle East |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan | Cameroon | Syria |
| China | Eswatini | Yemen |
| North Korea | Lesotho | |
| Taiwan | Libya | |
| Turkmenistan | Western Sahara |
Countries Where Masks are Mandatory
While many countries have lifted mask restrictions, there are still many countries where wearing a mask is mandatory. On commercial flights and ferries, masks will not be required on: * Outgoing commercial flight and ferries from Singapore to places that do not need masks onboard * Incoming commercial flight and ferries coming Singapore from places that do not required masks onboard However, masks still will be mandatory when going to or leaving from destinations that have mask wearing mandates and with certain airlines. For more detailed information on the requirements, passengers are recommended to check with the policies of the provider as most travelling service providers still require masks to travel with them.
| North / South America | Asia | Europe | Africa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | Afghanistan | Ukraine | Chad |
| Bolivia | China | Congo | |
| Columbia | India | Democratic Republic of Congo | |
| Honduras | Indonesia | Egypt | |
| Peru | Malaysia | Ethiopia | |
| Venezuela | Laos | Lesotho | |
| Qatar | Liberia | ||
| Solomon Islands | Libya | ||
| South Korea | Nigeria | ||
| Taiwan | Senegal | ||
| Turkmenistan | South Sudan | ||
| Vietnam | Togo | ||
| Tunisia | |||
| Uganda | |||
| Zimbabwe |
Travel Insurance
As more countries are loosening up their restrictions including travel, more Singaporeans are looking for travel and vacation destinations. While it is not mandatory, it is recommended that travellers purchase travel insurance in case of the unexpected including encounters of COVID-19.
Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance provides a variety of different insurance plans for those with different needs. They provide insurance for single trips and multi-trips for individuals and for families as well. They cover for all COVID-19 related trip interruptions no matter the plan before, during, and after the trip. If you have to cancel your trip, experience travel delays due to a quarantine, or get sick abroad. Find out more details regarding the different travel plans here.
Singlife with Aviva Travel Insurance
Singlife with Aviva Travel Insurance is known for their well-rounded coverage on their plans. Regardless of whether you are a business traveller, going for sports, or just going for vacation, they provide some of the best medical and trip coverages. They have Lite plans, Plus plans and Prestige plans to fit everyone’s needs.
Etiqa Travel Insurance
Many are looking to plan a vacation with their loved ones, friends, or family. Etiqa Travel Insurance provides some of the cheapest plans for families with many options to choose from. They have Entry plans, Savvy plans, Luxury plans, and a COVID-19 add-on coverage for all the different plans.
Conclusion
Even though mask mandates have been lifted almost all over the world, it is always important to be mindful of the safety of yourself and others around you. As the border measures are also loosening up in many countries, travelling is becoming more desirable for everyone, locally and overseas. Thus, COVID-19 coverage and other travel insurance coverage is just as important as before as it may be hard to predict any emergency situations.
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Fiona is a full-stack marketer working in the digital sphere for more than six years.
A self-proclaimed foodie and bargain hunter, she wants to bring the best deals and value to the community around the world. When not working on her pet projects, Fiona can be found sipping a coffee while reading a paperbacks or watching mystery thrillers on Netflix and Disney+.