Frequently Asked Questions
Click to jump to the following sections:
- Stay Home Notice (SHN) and Dedicated SHN Facility
- Transport arrangements during SHN
- COVID-19 Tests
- Outbound Pre-Departure Test and Health Certificates for Travellers Departing from Singapore
- Payments and Refunds
- Vaccinated Travellers intending to travel to Singapore
- Travellers who require the use of Nebuliser
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please check here (MOH’s FAQs) and here (MOM’s FAQs) for more information.
Stay Home Notice (SHN) and Dedicated SHN Facility
1. Am I required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN)? How long is the SHN?
The duration of your SHN, if required, depends on your travel history prior to arrival in Singapore, and Safe Travel Lane used. Please check the page here on the Safe Travel Lanes available depending on your traveller profile and travel history.
The length of your SHN will be stipulated in the Entry Approval Letter or Safe Travel Pass issued.
2. My place of residence is unsuitable for me to serve my Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Where can I book an accommodation to serve my SHN?
Travellers without a suitable place of residence for SHN may make a direct reservation with a suitable hotel from this list. Before a room booking is made, travellers should check and ensure that the hotel can accommodate guests serving their SHN.
3. I am presently serving my Stay-Home Notice (SHN). How do I obtain my daily necessities?
An SHN is a legal notice issued under the Infectious Diseases Act, which directs its recipients to remain in their place of residence or SHN-Dedicated Facilities (SDF) at all times for a stipulated period. Any breach in SHN requirements is punishable under Singapore’s laws and additional penalties such as the revocation of a Work Pass may also be taken by the relevant authorities.
Travellers should note that basic essentials such as water, cleaning supplies as well as daily meals (three times a day based on dietary preference) will be provided by the SDF. Should you require extra food and essentials, you may opt for home delivery services or enlist the help of others. When collecting these items, please refrain from collecting them personally. If you have other specific needs during the SHN period you may call the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at 6812 5555.
4. When does the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) generally begin and how would I know if it has ended?
The SHN commences from the time the notice is issued to the traveller on arrival in Singapore and will be in effect until the traveller is notified of a negative result from the final COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test (“PCR test”) at the end of SHN. The duration of the SHN will be stated on your SHN document, and you can also click here to calculate the end date of your SHN.
Travellers who are serving SHN at their own place of residence may end their SHN after they have received confirmation of a negative result for the SHN exit PCR tests.
Travellers who are staying in SDF will be alerted by the SDF concierge on their check out time when they have received confirmation of the PCR test result.
5. What should I do if I need to attend to an emergency before checking into my Stay-Home Notice Dedicated Facility (SDF)?
As a condition for entry into Singapore, all travellers must commute directly to their SHN accommodation or SDF immediately after clearing immigration. The failure to do so constitutes a breach of the SHN requirements which is punishable under Singapore’s laws.
In the event of an emergency, travellers may contact the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at 6812 5555 for assistance and advice.
6. Am I permitted to serve my Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at an SHN-Dedicated Facility (SDF) of my choice?
Due to the fast-changing demands for SDFs, travellers will be assigned to an available SDF upon arrival. Travellers who wish to book an SDF suite at a specific hotel at an additional cost may click here for more information.
7. Due to the circumstances of my travel, e.g. I’m travelling with my extended family, I have some specific room requirements. How do I request for room adjustments?
Travellers already in SDF may contact the concierge at the Stay-Home Notice Dedicated Facility (SDF) first for help.
For travellers who are not yet in Singapore or for request that the SDF is unable to facilitate, e.g. caregiver support, SDF opt-out, travellers may wish to refer to this page for more details. Travellers may also contact the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at 6812 5555 for assistance and advice
8. I previously received approval to serve my SHN at my own place of residence instead of at an SHN Dedicated Facility. However, I discovered I am unable to serve my Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at my earlier declared SHN accommodation. What should i do?
Travellers who encounter difficulties serving their SHNs at their declared SHN accommodation may refer to this page for more details, or contact the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at 6812 5555 for assistance and advice.
Transport Arrangements During SHN
1. [For Travellers with Category (I), (II) or (III) travel history] I am on self-isolation or serving Stay Home Notice at my own accommodation. What are the commuting/transport-related rules I should take note of in Singapore?
All travellers with a 14-day travel history (excluding transit) to only Categories (I), (II), and (III) countries/regions, will be able to serve SHN at self-sourced accommodation and commute using their own private vehicle, taxis (including street-hailed taxis) or book a private-hire car (GrabSHN, Go-Jek, Ryde, MVL(TADA)) via the provider’s respective apps.
(i) If you are using your own transport
Travellers may be picked up from the airport by an authorised hotel and transport service representative/family member from the same household/friend in a private vehicle. However, there should not be more than one person picking up the traveller, and the traveller must be ferried directly to their declared place of accommodation.
If there is more than one traveller, those sharing the same vehicle should have the same travel history and are heading towards the same declared place of accommodation.
All persons in the vehicle must wear face masks throughout the journey. In addition, the following precautions are strongly encouraged:-
- Vehicle windows must be wound down with air conditioning turned off.
- Where practicable, the front passenger seat should be left unoccupied;
- The back seat should only be occupied by the traveller(s)
- The driver should wipe down the vehicle after dropping the traveller off at his/her declared place of accommodation. Please refer to the National Environmental Agency (NEA) guidelines for more information.
(ii) Booking taxi/private-hire vehicles
When securing a transport booking, travellers must inform the transport operator as well as driver that they are served with a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Travellers that opt to arrange for transport using a mobile application may key “SHN” in the chat/note/comment box or by checking the SHN checkbox (if provided within the app). Travellers that board a taxi/private hire car should sit alone in the back seat, with windows down and air-conditioning turned off.
Only travellers with the same travel history and heading to the same declared place of accommodation are allowed to share a taxi/private-hire vehicle, subjected to permitted passenger capacity in the back seat.
All travellers are prohibited from taking public transport, e.g. public buses/trains.
2. [For travellers with Category (IV) travel history] Due to personal circumstances, I have obtained approval to serve SHN at my place of residence/hotel/ serviced apartment. What are the types of transport that I can take?
Travellers who have obtained approval to serve SHN at their own accommodation must make a transport booking with the transport provider Strides Transportation (Tel: 6477 5977). For booking instructions, click here. The following costs will apply, which will be borne by the traveller.
| Trip | Cost (SGD; Excludes 10% credit card charge) |
|---|---|
Packaged Trip, covering commutes from:
|
200 |
| Ad-hoc round trips approved by the relevant authorities | 90 |
| Ad-hoc single trip approved by the relevant authorities | 45 |
Travellers must rely on the same transport options when commuting from their SHN accommodation for the COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test that is administered on the last day of SHN.
The use of public transport (e.g. trains, buses and street-hailed taxis) is prohibited.
Click here to Go Back To Top.
COVID-19 Tests
1. I have an upcoming flight to Singapore. Do I need to be tested for COVID-19 before travelling? What test should I take and how long before my departure should I be tested?
Travellers approved for entry into Singapore will be informed via a condition stipulated in the Entry Approval Letter or SafeTravel Pass on whether they need to be tested for COVID-19 before arrival. Alternatively, travellers who are planning to visit Singapore may refer to the specific safe travel lanes to check if he/she needs to be tested before arrival.
To test for COVID-19, travellers bound for Singapore may be required to take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 2 days before departing for Singapore. Category II and/or III travellers arriving in or transiting through Singapore can take either a professionally administered COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) to fulfil the pre-departure test requirement. From 2 December 2021, 2359 hours, Category I travellers arriving in or transiting through Singapore must also take a professionally administered PCR or ART within 2 days of their departure for Singapore and obtain a negative result. Category II/III/IV travellers will still be required to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test as usual.
Singapore currently only accepts pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests taken at an accredited or authorised testing facility, or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) administered by a trained professional, including a medical professional or government-recognised trained professional. Self-swabs are not allowed. Travellers should ask for a copy of their negative test result as it will be considered by the airline and immigration officer as proof that the traveller has been tested for COVID-19. The documentary proof should:
- Be in English (or accompanied with an English translation);
- Contain the traveller's name, and Date of Birth or Passport number (per the passport used to travel to Singapore); and
- Reflect the date and result of the test
Handwritten negative PDT results are not accepted.
Travellers who fail to produce the required documentary proof of having taken the COVID-19 test within the stipulated time before arrival in Singapore may be denied boarding or turned away.
In general, travellers who are required to take a COVID-19 test must do so within 2 days before departure to Singapore. For passengers on direct flights to Singapore, the 2 days will be counted from the scheduled departure day of the flight to Singapore. For example, if the PDT is taken on 1 November 2021, it will be valid for departures (for air/sea checkpoints) or arrivals (for land checkpoints) up to 3 November 2021, 2359 hours.
For passengers who are taking a connecting flight to Singapore, the 2 days will be counted from the scheduled departure of his flight from his first embarkation point of his journey to Singapore. For example, if the passenger’s flight itinerary is LAX-NRT-SIN, the COVID-19 test must be taken within 2 days before the scheduled departure of his flight from LAX.
2. I am transiting via Singapore. Do I still need to have a valid negative COVID-19 test result?
Click here for the relevant details.
3. What will happen if I arrive in Singapore and do not have a valid negative Covid-19 test certificate?
As a condition to enter Singapore, travellers may be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result. This may be enforced by the airline during pre-boarding checks. Unless there are other compelling reasons, travellers failing to meet this condition will be denied entry into Singapore.
Travellers who present falsified COVID-19 test certificates will be dealt with accordingly, and may be barred from future applications for entry into or stay in Singapore.
4. I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. When can I travel into Singapore?
Travellers who are unwell or recently diagnosed with COVID-19 should defer their travels.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, airlines will deny travellers from boarding an aircraft if they have a recent diagnosis of COVID-19, i.e. first diagnosis made 14 days or fewer from date of travel. Travellers should only schedule their trip to Singapore 14 days after the first diagnosis and after they have fully recovered from COVID-19.
5. I have recovered from COVID-19. Am I required to be tested for COVID-19 before departure for Singapore?
If a COVID-19 test is required to be taken 2 days before departure, i.e. a condition for entry into Singapore, travellers must take the test regardless of whether they have recovered from COVID-19.
Travellers will be denied boarding by their airline or ferry if they are:
- diagnosed with COVID-19 infection 14 days or less, from the date of travel; and/or
- tested positive on the COVID-19 test within 2 days before departure for Singapore.
6. How will I be informed of my COVID-19 test result at the end of SHN?
Hardcopy/softcopy of the COVID-19 test result will not be issued. Travellers who are Work Pass Holders (and their dependants) will receive their results via SMS or email. All other travellers will receive their swab test results via email. However, travellers who test positive will be informed via phone call and further assistance will be provided.
Travellers with a SingPass account may login to HealthHub to view their swab test results once available.
7. Can I refuse the COVID-19 test in Singapore?
As a condition for entry into Singapore, travellers may be required to take a COVID-19 test while in the country. These conditions would be made explicit during application and reiterated to the traveller again, by way of a condition stipulated in their Entry Approval Letter or SafeTravel Pass.
Action will be taken against travellers who fail to comply with any of the stipulated requirement/condition for entry into Singapore. This may amount to a fine and/or imprisonment term as prescribed in the Infectious Diseases Act. Additional penalties such as revocation of Work Pass may also apply.
8. Do I have to complete my Stay-Home Notice (SHN) if I have been tested negative for COVID-19 before departing to Singapore?
Yes, travellers must complete their SHN even after they are tested negative for their COVID-19 test before departing to Singapore. You may refer to the illustrations here on the general duration of your SHN.
9. I am travelling with my child. Is my child required to be tested for COVID-19 before entry into Singapore? Are infants exempted?
Travellers arriving from countries that require a COVID-19 test must do so if they are three years old and above in that calendar year (i.e. born in and before 2018) and departing for Singapore from their first point of embarkation. Travellers whose children are below three years old in that calendar year, i.e. born after 2018, are exempted.
10. Why do children need to take the COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test (“PCR test”)?
Regardless of age, infected individuals can transmit COVID-19 to other members of the community if undetected. As part of border health control measures to detect cases early and minimise the public health risk of community transmission, COVID-19 testing is extended to inbound travellers aged 3 and above (in that calendar year).
11. My child is very sensitive/has frequent nosebleeds. Can he/she be excused from the SHN+ exit swab?
In Singapore’s context, the COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (“PCR test”) is carried out by trained personnel in adherence with the prevailing safety protocols/procedures. Should your child be assessed to have medical contraindications and is unsuitable for the PCR test, alternative arrangements may be made.
12. I am unwell. Can I postpone my COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test (“PCR test”) appointment?
Travellers who are due to take their PCR test but are feeling unwell should remain in their Stay-Home Notice (SHN) accommodation, e.g. own residence or SHN-Dedicated Facility (SDF), and alert the relevant agencies listed in this page.
Click here to Go Back To Top.
Outbound Pre-Departure Test and Health Certificates for Travellers Departing from Singapore
1. I have been vaccinated in Singapore. Am I still required to take a pre-departure test to leave the country?
Travellers who have been vaccinated in Singapore should check with the authorities of the destination country/region, on whether they are still required to take a pre-departure test before arrival. Non-vaccinated individuals (including children) who intend to travel should likewise check on the prevailing border and health control measures they should abide by in the destination country/region.
2. Do clinics need to help travellers digitally authenticate and endorse their HealthCerts?
No, the traveller should digitally authenticate and endorse their HealthCerts themselves at https://www.notarise.gov.sg . When issuing the HealthCerts to them, clinics, labs and/or the tech provider should also highlight the requirement to the traveller. In the event that the tech providers are already performing digital authentication and endorsement via Application Programming Interfaces (API), travellers will receive an endorsed document without having to transact on the Notαrise portal.
3. The PRC embassy stipulates both PCR and serology IgM tests for all travellers entering China. Since the HealthCert is currently only for PCR tests, how will travellers meet the entry requirements?
The combined PCR and IgM HealthCert will be available soon. In the meantime, travellers should highlight to the clinic if their PDT is for the purposes of entry to China, in which case they should be issued with an additional paper certificate in accordance with the PRC embassy’s requirements. This page will be updated accordingly when the combined schema is available.
4. The country/region I am travelling to requires a test other than a PCR test. Since the HealthCert is currently only for PCR tests, how will travellers show their test results to the relevant authorities?
In such a case, the traveller may request for a hardcopy test result from the doctor to show to the airlines and immigration authorities of the arrival country/region.
5. How will travellers receive their Pre-Departure Test (PDT) certificate?
The test results will be sent to the traveller by either the clinic where the PDT was taken, or by their partnering clinical laboratory. This will be in the form of a digital certificate in accordance with the HealthCerts schema and standards. In the event the traveller does not have the ability to show the digital certificate on arrival at the destination country/region, the traveller may request for a hardcopy from the doctor.
6. Can travellers still use digital certificates without a SingPass account (e.g. foreign citizen who is a short-stay traveller)?
Travellers may still digitally authenticate and endorse their test certificate on www.notarise.gov.sg without signing in to SingPass. However, please note that the traveller will only be receive the endorsed HealthCert via email, with no additional copy stored in the SingPass mobile app.
7. What if the digitally authenticated and endorsed certificate was not sent to the traveller?
Please check the email spam folder. If the email is still not there, please contact .
8. Can a third party transact on behalf of a traveller who requires the assistance to digitally authenticate and endorse their PDT certificate?
Yes, a third party may do so if they have the digital certificate of the traveller(s) that they will be transacting on behalf of.
9. Where can GP clinics find out more about digital certificate capabilities and providing PDTs?
Clinics may refer to the following circulars on the MOH website: Mandating Digital Health Certificates for COVID-19 Pre-Departure Testing, and Extension of Deadline for Digital Health Certificates for COVID-19 Pre-Departure Testing
10. Where can I see my vaccination records?
Vaccination records are kept electronically in the National Immunisation Registry, as well as on apps such as TraceTogether and HealthHub. You can also refer to your physical vaccination card that is given to all vaccinated individuals. These are for your own reference, to check if you are vaccinated.
11. Can I use my physical vaccination card for travel purposes?
The physical vaccination card that is given to all vaccinated individuals is not meant to be used for travel purposes. We are actively engaging international counterparts and monitoring global developments on the development and recognition of digital vaccination certificates for travel purposes. Travellers should also take note of the latest travel advisory for Singaporeans and residents of Singapore published by MOH.
12. How can I prove to foreign authorities that I have been vaccinated?
The physical vaccination card that is given to all vaccinated individuals is not meant to be used for travel purposes/ proof of vaccination. For purposes of travel, you can request for a digital vaccination certificate from Notαrise. This will be sent to your email and/or Singpass app, and can also be printed out. Please be aware that the use of this digital vaccination certificate is subject to the prevailing entry requirements of your destination country.
Travellers should check the MFA website for the latest travel advisories to other countries/ regions, as well as the immigration authority or embassy of the destination country/ region on the relevant health requirements imposed on travellers from Singapore. Travellers should also take note of the latest travel advisory for Singaporeans and residents of Singapore published by MOH .
Click here to Go Back To Top.
Payments and Refunds
1. Do I have to pay for my stay at a Stay-Home Notice Dedicated facility (SDF) if I request for it?
Yes, all travellers serving their Stay-Home Notice at an SDF are required to pay for the cost of the accommodation.
2. When and how should I pay for my COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test (“PCR test”) and Stay-Home Notice Dedicated Facility (SDF)?
All arriving travellers are required to pay for their Covid-19 test and SDF. Travellers who are sponsored may work out the payment arrangement with their application sponsors.
When and how payment is collected, will depend on the travellers’ scheme of travel:
| Scheme of Travel | Payment Mode |
|---|---|
| Air Travel Pass | To expedite the test procedures at the airport, travellers arriving via air transport should register and pay for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test here, before arrival. |
| Connect@Singapore | Please enquire and make the necessary arrangement with your Appointed Facility. |
| Periodic Commuting Arrangement | Credit Card or NETS payment is collected at the point of application for the costs of SDF and COVID-19 PCR tests during SHN.
Travellers should register and pay for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test separately here. |
| Reciprocal Green Lane | To expedite the test procedures at the airport, travellers should register and pay for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test, using the relevant links below before arrival. |
| Student’s Pass Holder Lane | PayPal payment link for SDF stay and COVID-19 PCR tests during SHN will be provided upon provisional approval of application. To expedite clearance at the airport, travellers should register and pay for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests here. The PCR test will cost SGD$125 including GST. |
| Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident Familial Ties Lane | Credit Card or NETS payment for SDF stay and COVID-19 PCR tests to be taken during SHN will be made at the point of application.
To expedite clearance at the airport, travellers should register and pay for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests here. The PCR test will cost SGD$125 including GST. |
| Work Pass Holder General Lane (WPHL) (Helpers and Confinement Nannies, all other Work Pass Holders and their dependents) |
Credit Card or NETS payment for costs of SDF stay and COVID-19 PCR tests during SHN will be made at the point of application.
Application sponsors, i.e. employer/employment agent, must click here to book and pay for the tests before the helper/Confinment Nanny arrives in Singapore. The PCR test will cost SGD$125 including GST. Note: The instructions in the table above do not apply to:
|
3. How do I request a refund for my COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test (“PCR test’) as well as stay at the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) dedicated facility (SDF)?
Pre-payments made for relevant costs such as SDF and COVID-19 test fees during the entry application process are non-refundable for drop-outs and last minute cancellations. All forfeited pre-payments will go toward covering the relevant costs have been incurred to secure and prepare the accommodation for the traveller.
Requests for refunds will only be considered if there are strong mitigating factors. These may include flight cancellation by the airline, or changes in border policies that has prevented the traveller from leaving for Singapore. In such instances, travellers may submit a refund request to the channels, below, based on their corresponding pass type and/or scheme of entry:
| Traveller pass type/ Scheme of entry | Refund Channels |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens (SC) and Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) and SC/PR Familial Ties Lane users | go.gov.sg/sto-enquiry |
| Work Pass Holders travelling to Singapore via the Periodic Commuting Arrangement | COVID_SafeTravelAppeals@mti.gov.sg |
| Work Pass Holder Lane (Helpers and Confinement Nannies) |
Use the relevant form below to cancel the helper or nanny's entry approval at least 5 days before the approved entry date: |
| Work Pass Holder Lane (All other Work Pass Holders and their dependents) |
Use the relevant form below to cancel the pass holder's entry approval at least 7 days before the approved entry date: |
| Student’s Pass Holder Lane user | Refund Form |
Travellers who have paid for their on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test separately at the airport or land/sea checkpoints, please refer to the following:
| For bookings made at the airport |
|
| For bookings made at the land/sea checkpoints: | Travellers may wish to directly email to sea.checkpoints.refunds@parkwaypantai.com for their refund or cancellation requests. |
Click here to Go Back To Top.
Vaccinated Travellers intending to travel to Singapore
1. Can a vaccinated traveller be exempted from prevailing border health measures (e.g. SHN, COVID-19 PCR Test)?
Fully vaccinated travellers utilising the Vaccinated Travel Lane via flight and land are not be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice. Please refer to the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Air) [VTL (Air)] and Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land) [VTL (Land)] for more information.
Click here to Go Back To Top.
Travellers who require the use of nebuliser
1. I require to use a nebuliser to manage my medical condition, what must I do before I enter Singapore?
All travellers who require to use a nebuliser daily or on an ad-hoc basis for their management of medical condition are required to declare the usage before arrival into Singapore. Travellers may submit their declaration through the link provided in their entry approval.
The declaration would not affect your entry approval status/application for entry into Singapore.
Travellers would be required to arrange for a tele-consultation upon arrival at their SHN location for assessment on conversion to an inhaler/spacer.
2. I require to use a nebuliser to manage my medical condition, would i be allowed entry into Singapore?
Yes, travellers who require to use a nebuliser would be allowed to enter Singapore. However, travellers are required to declare the usage before arrival into Singapore.
Click here to Go Back To Top.