Singapore’s Entry Restrictions for China Business Travellers that you may have missed

Kiran Sidhu
Kiran Sidhu
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Terms and conditions of Fast Lane Agreements can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about Singapore’s Entry Restrictions before travelling from China.

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Firstly, the traveller needs to start their China-to-Singapore business travel plans with SafeTravel Pass. It is a mandatory document for inbound travellers from approved countries/regions seeking to make essential business and official travel to Singapore under Green/ Fast Lane arrangements. Payment is not required for a Safe Travel Pass application and is not transferable to others. 

Then, travellers must enter Singapore within this stipulated duration, and can stay in Singapore for the duration of their Visit Pass issued at the immigration checkpoint in Singapore.

Since travel restrictions change from time to time, start your business travel plans with research. Check here to see if the safe travel lanes are active or suspended.

Travellers who are granted entry into Singapore are generally issued with a Visit Pass, of which the duration would be aligned to that accorded passport holder prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reciprocal Green Lane or Fast Lane Arrangements are travel arrangements between countries to facilitate short-term essential travel for business and official purposes. 

Do download TraceTogether and SafeEntry apps for contact tracing and health declarations. By doing this it will help to keep both the business travellers and Singapore citizens safe.

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If tested positive upon returning to their home country, China, the traveller must submit the information on the TraceTogether app.  

If the traveller tests Covid-19 positive and requires healthcare in Singapore, the traveller or Sponsor is liable for the cost of healthcare. 

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Can I bring travellers from China to Singapore?

China residents travelling from these provinces, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang only, are allowed to enter Singapore for short-term essential travel for business and official purposes. The traveller must have remained in these qualifying provinces for at least 7 consecutive days prior to departure for Singapore. 

The traveller must be sponsored by a Singaporean government agency or a company. This means the company must make the application for the SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller. Applications must be processed 7 to 20 working days prior to the intended departure date. 

The traveller must enter Singapore by Air only and have a return air ticket. 

Before they fly, the traveller must take a Chinese State Government recognised Covid-19 test 48 hours prior to departure. They also need a valid visa to enter Singapore. And their maximum duration to stay in Singapore is accorded to their passport prior to the pandemic. 

The approved applicant will have to electronically submit pre-trip health and travel history declarations and declare his/her accommodation in Singapore via the SG Arrival Card, before departing for Singapore. The SG Arrival Card can also be accessed via the Visit Singapore Travel Guide App.

What must China travellers do while in Singapore during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Here are 7 must do’s while in Singapore during the Covid-19 pandemic:

1. Commute by the same pre-arranged, private transportation. You are not allowed to take any public transport. 
2. Only stay at the declared commercial place of accommodation and self-isolate while waiting for any test results. 
3. Follow the submitted and approved 14-day controlled itinerary, that is supervised by the host company or government agency.
4. Any extension to your stay must be submitted to ICA for approval at least 7 days prior to the expiry of your Visit Pass. 
5. Download and utilise TraceTogether and SafeEntry apps.
6. Report health status twice a day to an assigned Host. 
7. Follow all safety distancing measures according to the Singapore’s government. 

Be sure to follow Singapore’s Entry Restrictions for a successful business trip.

How to exit Singapore and travel back to China?

To travel back to China, the traveller is required to take a Covid-19 test within 3 days before returning. He or she must take the test and obtain a health certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19. 

This is the list of clinics that can perform pre-departure COVID-19 tests. And the procedure on how to book an appointment can be found here. Testing for fast lane arrangements can only be carried out at these clinics at the moment.

The traveller is expected to pay up to S$200 (inclusive of GST) for the pre-departure test. This is not payable by MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans.

What is the latest cut-off test timing in Singapore?

Travellers must be present at least 2 hours prior to, and no later than, the stipulated cut-off timing in the table below, if not they will not be able to obtain their results and certificate in time. 

You must present the following when you arrive at the clinic for testing:
1) Identity card or passport
2) PDF copy of the SafeTravel Pass
3) Softcopy showing your departure flight timing

You may be required to be quarantined or take additional Covid-19 tests upon arriving in China. These costs is borne by the individual. Please refer to the individual provinces or municipalities on the latest specific requirements. 

Flight departure timeLatest Cut-off Test Timing
12.00 am to 9:29 am10.00 am two calendar days before flight
9:30am to 3:29pm4:00pm two calendar days before flight
3:30pm to 11.59pm10.00am the day before flight
Latest Cut-off Test Timing in Singapore

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What must the sponsoring company comply with?

Under Singapore’s Entry Restrictions, the company is responsible for monitoring and ensuring that the traveller complies with these terms and conditions. The SafeTravel Pass may be revoked, and/or future applications by the Host rejected, if any of the terms and conditions are not complied with.
If there is any deviation in the traveller’s Controlled Itinerary, reported or otherwise, the Host shall inform the government agency Sponsor, or the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry.
If the traveller is assessed to be a COVID-19 suspect case or confirmed to be COVID-19 positive, the Host shall inform the government agency Sponsor, or MTI at the earliest possible opportunity.

The company is responsible for supervising the traveller’s compliance with these terms and conditions, including the use of the TraceTogether app and SafeEntry during the duration of his/her stay. For instance, the company must ensure that the apps remain installed and data retained for at least 14 days after returning from Singapore. 

If the traveller does not have a TraceTogether-compatible device, the company shall be responsible for sourcing said device for the traveller.

In the event of repatriation, the company and the traveller is liable for all costs incurred. 

For more information on Singapore’s Entry Restrictions and other Green Lane agreement, use Covid Entry Check.


Looking for business travel solutions under Singapore’s entry restrictions?

Contact us to find out more or sign up to TruTrip’s limited time only Builder’s Programme.

How to know if your business is ready for travel? 

Get ready for business travel here.