Singapore enters Phase 3 of its reopening in 2 weeks, 28 December 2020. Announced yesterday (14 December) by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a televised broadcast. The decision to move towards the next phase was a result of the controlled management of infections in the country with close to zero cases of local transmissions.
Along with the announcement to move to phase 3, free vaccinations will also be available to all Singaporeans and long-term residents.
With the advance to Phase 3 of the reopening, there will also be some changes to the safety measures.
From 28 December onwards, there will be an increase in the permitted group size for social gatherings, from five to eight persons at one time. Along with the increase in the capacity limit for malls from 10sq m to 8 sq m per person.
Another change related to the capacity limits is the increase in capacity limits in public spaces. All religious organizations will allow for a maximum of 250 people for congregational and other worship services. This applies to indoor live performances as well, an increase to 250 people from the current 100.
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In line with the announcement of the Phase 3 reopening, a new segregated travel lane will also be launched from the second half of January 2021. This new segregated travel lane is only applicable to short-term business travelers from all countries arriving in Singapore.
Under the new segregated travel lane, travelers will not be required to be quarantined. However, travelers will be transported from the airport straight to the dedicated facilities where they will work and stay during their time in Singapore.
Although not required to be quarantined, travelers will be subject to regular testing throughout their stay in Singapore and they are only allowed to move within their pre-declared travel group.
This new segregated lane is similar to the reciprocal green lanes that are already in place, with the difference being that this new arrangement is open to business travelers from different countries rather than being limited to selected countries.
For more detailed information, please refer to the authorities for the official statements.
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Announced recently, Malaysia has recently the quarantine period for incoming travelers from 14 days to 10 days. This new arrangement starts on Monday, 14 December 2020. The decision to shorten the quarantine period is based on scientific evidence and practices from other countries. This shortening of the quarantine period is similar to the decisions of other countries.
For more detailed information, please refer to the authorities for the official statements.
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Singapore and Taiwan unilaterally lift border restrictions on all forms of travel between the two countries. Visitors will not be quarantined, provided that they test negative for COVID-19 on arrival. Visitors entering Singapore will have to have remained in Taiwan for two weeks before them entering Singapore. Single-entry Air Travel Pass (ATP) from Friday, 18 December 2020.
For more detailed information, please refer to the authorities for the official statements.
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The COVID-19 situation in South Korea seems to be worsening recently with over 700 new infections confirmed on 14 December 2020, making this the worst wave of infections since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could mean a setback to any travel arrangements to South Korea, a popular travel destination.
For more detailed information, please refer to the authorities for the official statements.
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Announced recently, New Zealand and Australia have agreed on a trans-Tasman, quarantine-free travel bubble, although it is still pending confirmation by the respective authorities. At the time of writing, no dates were announced as to when the arrangement will begin, but it has been reported to be in early 2021.
For more detailed information, please refer to the authorities for the official statements.
