Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning

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Photo of Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning by Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

Singapore has finally opened its door to Indians and the rules are much more simpler. It's almost like going back to the good old days, when you could easily come to Singapore and have all the fun (with only a few extra documents).

This article is your guide to know all the new developments in the rules, what you must know while planning your trip, what you must do after arriving in Singapore, the restrictions (which are very few) within Singapore, and much more!

This travel list is for following travellers:

1. Fully vaccinated adults against COVID-19, with at least two doses;

2. For children aged 12 and below and not fully vaccinated

Check this 'Automated Self-Help Tool' before you begin

This is the easiest self-help tool to help you determine quickly the latest entry and health requirements. Put in your details on the self-help tool and check out the requirements for you and your group travelling with you. www.checkfirst.gov.sg

Step 1: Pre-Departure Requirements for Singapore

(c) Kadambari Bhatte

Photo of Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning by Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

1. Ensure All Vaccination Documents are in Order

You will need a vaccination acceptance letter which will be checked during the immigration and boarding checks.

2. What To Do?

Firstly, you can obtain a recognised 'digital vaccination certificate' in India from Cowin.gov.in. This site is recognised by Safetravel Singapore so showing anything else won't comply. Additionaly, while travelling Internationally keeping a digital vaccination certificate handy is always good.

Once you have a recognised Digitally Verifiable Vaccination Certificate (DVC), use the Vaccination Check Portal (VCP) to verify that your DVC is recognised by the Singapore authorities.

After receiving a vaccination acceptance letter which you can use for boarding and immigration checks.

3. What if for some reason you do not have a recognised Digital Vaccination Certificate, or have had difficulties verifying your DVC on VCP?

You can still prepare a 'Vaccination Certificate' manually in English, or accompanied with notarised English Translation, with the following details:

1. Name (per travel document used for entry)

2. At least one personal identifier, e.g. date of birth/passport number (per travel document used for entry)

3. Country of vaccination

4. Name of vaccine(s) administered, i.e. different names for different vaccine type

5. Vaccination date(s)

4. Obtain Approvals and Prepare Travel-Related Documents

Apply for a tourist visa for Singapore. You can check all details for visa on this website.

5. SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration

Once you are done with above and have a valid visa and air tickets, apply for 'SG Arrival Card.' Check all the detailed information over here.

You must apply for the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health declaration within 3 days before arrival. Once you apply you will receive an email acknowledgement which you can use for smoother preboarding and immigration clearance.

6. COVID-19 Pre-Departure Test (PDT)

PDT is not required if you Tested positive for COVID-19 between 7 to 90 days before your date of departure for Singapore. Now that's one step less. Check here if the pre-departure test can be waived, and the documentation required to prove recovery.

Incase you aren't from the above category you must get a PDT done within 2 days before departure from an internationally accredited or recognised medical facility; OR Antigen Rapid Test (ART) that is administered by a trained professional. In my opinion ART is the best choice, cheaper and faster!

7. Install and Activate TraceTogether

Install and activate TraceTogether mobile application. This guide will help you set up your account, and its a very easy process. If you have children accompanying you who are aged six years old or below, this step is exempted for them.

Step 2: Departure for Singapore

(c) Kadambari Bhatte

Photo of Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning by Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

Pre-boarding Document Check

Before leaving for airport make sure you have the following ready:

Passport, Valid visa, Pre-departure test results, Health declaration, Vaccination Certificate and SG arrival card ready. When you go for check-in your airlines will check all of these before you proceed further.

Step 3: Immigration Clearance in Singapore

(c) Kadambari Bhatte

Photo of Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning by Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

On clearing immigration you will receive an email with an e-Pass, which will state the period of stay granted instead of stamping your passports.

Upon arrival you can do get an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) administered which will cost S$30 each. You can do this from a quick test centre or from your accommodation within 24 hours of arrival in Singapore.

Step 4: Health Protocols during Stay in Singapore

(c) Kadambari Bhatte

Photo of Want to Travel to Singapore? We Heard You! Here Is Everything You Need To Know Before Planning by Kadambari Bhatte (curlytravelmess)

You must use the Trace Together app when you enter any public place like mall, restaurants etc. Simply scan the bar code at the entry. This step is to ensure everyone from a Covid free place.

Also show your vaccination at the entry for any restaurants or cafe you go to if you are going to have a seated meal.

Visit the Ministry of Health website for the latest public health measures.

Incase You Contract Covid On Your Vacation and Recovering from COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay, you will be conveyed to a suitable COVID-19 care facility. Information on treatment and costs for COVID-19 for travellers can be found on this page.

Although all these steps may overwhelm you while going through it, trust me it's a simple process. It's just a few steps in addition to getting your visa. Plus everything is done online so it does not take too much time.

Follow me on Instagram @curlytravelmess for more travel insights and stories!

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