Singapore is reopening to all vaccinated travelers

All vaccinated travelers will be able to visit Singapore without quarantining starting April 1. It's the first time Singapore has opened its borders so wide and marks a major shift in the city-state's pandemic response.

Following the news that South Korea is set to open its borders in April for the first time in two years, Singapore is also rolling back travel curbs. Since October it has been open, more or less, to vaccinated travelers from select countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, under a quarantine-free scheme known as the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) program. But now as cases decline and hospitalizations stabilize, it's ready to let the rest of the world in.

Starting April, fully vaccinated adults and unvaccinated children will enjoy quarantine-free travel to Singapore, provided they produce a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to travel.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the move will "reconnect Singapore with the rest of the world" in a televised address .

"It will give a much-needed boost to businesses, particularly the tourism sector, and it will help Singapore reclaim its position as a business and aviation hub," he added.

Singapore also rolled back some domestic curbs including the mandate to wear masks outdoors. Limits on public gatherings have also increased from five to 10 people.

Visitors on the Canopy walkway of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore — Singapore has removed its outdoor mask mandate ©Takashi Images/Shutterstock

What documentation do I need to travel to Singapore?

As well as passports and visas, should they be required, arrivals must present proof of their negative PCR and lab-produced antigen test. Proof of vaccination can be presented as a SMART Health Cards for travelers departing from the US and Canada, EU Digital COVID Certificates for those traveling from Europe, and National Health Service COVID passes on the NHS mobile app for travelers from the UK.

Three days before departure, travelers are required to apply for an (online health declaration). Travelers are also asked to purchase health insurance with at least US$30,000 coverage for COVID-related medical emergencies.

This article was first published Oct 11, 2021 and updated Mar 24, 2022.