Travelling To SG During COVID-19: 6 Things Every Malaysian Should Take Note When Planning Their Trip To Singapore

If you’re looking for a quick getaway, Singapore is definitely on the list for you. With new halal eateries and fun attractions all waiting for you to explore, it’s the perfect nearby destination that promises endless fun! Yet, if you’re still worried about the ever-changing pandemic situation, don’t worry, we got you covered! These 6 tips will help you make sure that you’re always ready for anything whilst still having a blast on your much-needed vacay in Singapore!

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Covid-19 Local Regulations, Required Documents, Travel Guides And More: What You Should Know And Bring Before Heading To Singapore

1. Keep yourself informed on the requirements for entering Singapore

The Singapore government has announced that all fully vaccinated travellers and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below arriving via air, sea or land checkpoints, will no longer be required to take a pre-departure test and undergo quarantine before entering Singapore 🥳 But do remember that you still need to show proof that you are fully vaccinated (including a booster shot), which you can do so in two ways:

Successfully verifying your digital overseas vaccination certificate on Vaccination Check Portal (VCP)
Submitting your SG Arrival Card e-service which also comes with a health declaration function which you can find via the VisitSingapore App here

Do submit your proof 3 days prior to your date of arrival in Singapore for a seamless check at any of the checkpoints! For added assurance, it is advised that you should be insured for a minimum coverage of US$22,000 for any COVID-19 related medical charges. Insurance can be purchased with a Singapore or overseas-based insurer, and you can find examples of insurance companies via this link. While you can purchase ART tests at any pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons (which are located in all major shopping malls across Singapore) or walk into any local clinic, hospital or polyclinic to get a test done, it’s especially useful to bring some with you. These will come in handy especially if you contract Covid-19 during your trip in Singapore, which we will share more later on in this article. If you’re not fully vaccinated, do note that the entry requirements remain unchanged. All non-fully vaccinated travellers aged 13 and above who are allowed to enter Singapore are required to take a pre-departure test within two days before departure for Singapore, undergo a seven-day stay-home notice period, and take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Covid-19 at the end of their stay-home notice period.

2. Additional important documents you need when you plan to drive into Singapore

For the first time in two years, you can finally take your usual weekend trips with your own private transport, car or motorcycle across the Causeway and Second Link 🤩 Do note though that for foreign-registered cars and motorcycles, you'll need these two important documents when you're entering Singapore via land:

A valid Autopass card
The Land Transport Authority (LTA)'s approval email.

The Autopass card serves as an electronic Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and is used to record the vehicle’s entry into Singapore and to pay all entry and exit fees when the vehicle is driven out of Singapore. You can apply for the VEP online via VEP Digital Services on LTA's OneMotoring website. If your Autopass card has expired, you can renew it via this link. Do note that your Autopass card needs to be topped up before your arrival to and departure from Singapore as you’ll need to pay ERP (a form of tax) at the checkpoint. You can also update the insurance validity for your VEP via the same link. Here’s a tip: when you’re applying for an Autopass, or renewing your current one, do prepare copies of all necessary documents such as car grants, insurance and road tax to upload onto the website. It can even be a quick snapshot of these documents; as long as it's clear!You need to receive LTA's VEP approval email before entering Singapore. Do note that if you're unable to provide both documents, you will be denied entry to Singapore. You can expect a reply between 7 to 14 days to receive your VEP application and approval email. Do print the email for the officers at the checkpoint to check!

3. Take note of other non-Covid-19-related documents you need before entering Singapore

We totally get it; in a heap of Covid-19 vaccination certificates and other related ones, you might forget the essentials such as your flight ticket details, accommodation reservations, car rental confirmations! Sure, it’s all in your phone, but it’s better to have a backup on standby! Print the important information and put it in a file; you want a worry-free vacay!

4. Check the local rules and regulations whilst you’re in Singapore

Singapore has majorly eased Covid-19 restrictions from April 26, which means there’s more time to have more fun! For starters, there’s no more group size limits and no more requirements for safe distancing both indoors and outdoors! Time to bring up the whole gang and have a weekend vacay to Singapore! What’s even more exciting is that masks have become optional when you’re outdoors. However, the Health Ministry encourages everyone to exercise precaution, so if you’re in crowded outdoor areas, it’s still much better for you to wear a mask. You still, however, need to wear masks when you’re in indoor settings such as taking taxis or public transport. You won't even need to use TraceTogether or SafeEntry (Singapore’s version of Malaysia’s MySejahtera App) to check into malls or attractions you’ll be visiting; but that does not mean you should delete the app! Certain places still use the TraceTogether app due to them still maintaining vaccination-differentiated safe management measures (VDS). This includes large events with more than 500 participants at a time, such as large-scale gala dinners, weddings, company dinner and dance events, and conference dinners. VDS will still be needed for food and beverage establishments - including restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres - as these are mask-off settings regularly frequented by many, including people who may be vulnerable.Moreover, Singapore might reactivate them based on the severity of the pandemic situation, and certain vaccinated-differentiated settings such as F&Bs might undergo random vaccination checks. P.S. Not sure how to navigate these rules when you’re in Singapore? When you use the VisitSingapore app, you can find all the information you need for safe travel at a click of your fingertips! Download the app by clicking on this link!

5. Download a handy travel app to keep in touch with everything new in Singapore

It’s been two years since you last visited Singapore, and so much has changed! From new halal eateries to fun attractions (fancy swimming in a pool of ice cream sprinkles anyone? 😉), you’ll definitely be at a loss on where to go or even start? Why not download the VisitSingapore App? With many exclusive features such as specially-curated itineraries in popular neighbourhoods like Kampong Gelam and Little India, to halal food recommendations and even new updates on what’s hip and new in Singapore, your future trip will be made easier and fun! And it gets exciting: you will even get the chance to win a hotel stay, so click on this link and check it out now!

6. Prepare for the worst (i.e if you contract Covid-19)

As the saying goes, “if you do not want it to rain, always carry an umbrella”. If you feel unwell during the course of your trip, take an ART test. If it’s negative, you’re good to go! Do remember though to monitor yourself for more symptoms. Travellers are to bear all costs of COVID-19 related treatment, testing and recovery in Singapore, which your insurance can cover for you! It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you need a full list of rules and regulations on what to do if you’re in this situation, download the VisitSingapore app and check out the extensive list there!Ultimately, every vacation, especially during Covid-19 comes with risks, but as long as you’re prepared, you can still enjoy your vacation worry-free. Moreover, heading to a nearby destination like Singapore lets you take a much-needed break with safety, convenience and ease of mind in an uncertain time. So what are you waiting for? Remember to keep this article handy! We can’t wait to see you visit Singapore again! This article is brought to you by the Singapore Tourism Board.

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