Singapore could soon ease travel restrictions to welcome visitors who have had the coronavirus vaccination. This comes after the island state has had relative success in controlling the pandemic since they lifted lockdown measures in June.
Singapore In The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
With the measures Singapore has introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, daily cases in the island nation are now almost zero. This is mainly due to a robust contact tracing system introduced in Singapore, along with high levels of public compliance. It is also thanks to a broad foreign travel ban that is considered to be among the strictest in the world. The business and tourism hub has largely banned leisure travel during the pandemic and has also limited official and business travel agreements with certain countries.
The annual World Economic Forum is set to make its debut in Asia in May 2021, after relocating from Davos due to COVID-19 concerns in Europe. Officials are now considering safe measures that will gradually relax the travel restrictions for that reason.
Lifting Of Travel Restrictions For Those Vaccinated
One of the new measures being proposed is the lifting of the strict travel restrictions for travelers who have been vaccinated. However, Reuters reports this can only happen when the new vaccines have been proven to significantly curb the spread of the virus.
Lawrence Wong, co-head of Singapore’s virus taskforce, made a televised statement that was shared on social media. He said, “If there is clear evidence that transmission risks can be lowered significantly (by vaccines), we will certainly consider some relaxation to the SHN (stay-home-notice) regime for vaccinated travelers.”
The new proposal comes at a time when Singapore has become one of the first countries in Asia to roll out its national vaccination program last week.
Until such time as the efficacy of the vaccines is proven, vaccinated passengers with join all other arrivals into Singapore by abiding to the current COVID-19 SHN rules. These rules state that visitors who enter Singapore from low-risk countries must serve a seven-day stay home notice (or quarantine) at their place of residence. They must then undergo a COVID-19 test prior to arrival in Singapore and before the quarantine period ends.
All other travelers are required to quarantine at designated government facilities and are also subject to COVID-19 testing. While undergoing quarantine, travelers are required to wear an electronic monitoring device.
Singapore As A Travel Destination
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and is rapidly becoming one of Asia’s top destinations. Due to its efficient and widespread public transport systems, this is a destination that is quick and easy to explore.
Dining in Singapore is an experience, with a range of different and delicious options to choose from. Enjoy traditional street food, or head to one of the Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants. The city’s coffee shops also offer a variety of dining at affordable prices.
Singapore might have a modern skyline, but the concrete jungle is gradually giving way to green skyscrapers, which are like living ecosystems within the city. The nation is working towards its “City in a Garden” dream and is plowing money into becoming more sustainable. Outside the city, visitors can enjoy treetop jungle bridges, walking trails and plenty of wildlife. However, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens is the place to be.
Fans of retail therapy can shop until they drop in the air-conditioned shopping malls, including Orchard Rd, offering plenty of high-fashion or discount outlets to choose from. In local neighborhoods, bustling markets and quirky art galleries are waiting to be visited.
Once travel has settled down and has become a “new normal,” make a point of visiting Singapore.
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