Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process for Travellers in Indonesia
Application
1. Who is eligible to apply to travel to Singapore under the RGL?
Indonesian Citizens who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel from Indonesia to Singapore for business or official purposes.
2. I am a Singapore Citizen / Singapore Permanent Resident / Singapore Long-Term Pass holder who is resident in Indonesia. Am I eligible to apply for the RGL to travel from Indonesia to Singapore?
Under the RGL, only Indonesian Citizens who need to make essential business or official travel are allowed to travel from Indonesia to Singapore. These would include Indonesian citizens who are also Singapore Permanent Residents or Singapore Long-Term Pass holders.
3. What is a SafeTravel Pass?
A SafeTravel Pass is required for travellers from Indonesia to seek entry into Singapore under the RGL. It is non-transferable and will be valid for a single entry into Singapore anytime within the stipulated week (0000hrs Monday to 2359hrs Sunday). Travellers must enter Singapore within this stipulated week, and can stay in Singapore for up to 10 days.
SafeTravel Passes will be issued on a limited basis in order to manage the risk of imported COVID-19 cases.
Please send an email to COVID_SafeTravelEnquiries@mti.gov.sg if you have further queries related to the SafeTravel Pass
4. How do applicants in Indonesia apply to travel to Singapore under the RGL? What are the steps from the time I put in an application to the time I obtain a SafeTravel Pass? How long is the processing time? What documents do I need to submit?
Applicants in Indonesia seeking to travel to Singapore for essential business or official travel via the RGL must be hosted by a company or a government agency in Singapore. The host company can file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller either directly at https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO, or through a sponsoring government agency.1
The application for the SafeTravel Pass will be open 2 to 5 weeks before the week of traveller’s planned departure.
The processing of the application can take up to 7 working days (excluding the day of application).
You are encouraged to apply for the SafeTravel Pass as early as possible, factoring in the time necessary for the processing of the SafeTravel Pass application, and taking a pre-departure COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before departure for Singapore.
When the SafeTravel Pass application is approved, an approval letter will be issued to the sponsoring company / government agency by email. Singapore’s visa-free entry policies prior to COVID-19 will apply for Indonesian Citizens travelling under the RGL.
The approved applicant will have to submit pre-trip health and travel history declarations as well as declare his/her accommodation electronically via the SG Arrival Card, within 3 days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore.
Prior to the traveller’s departure from Indonesia, the sponsoring company or government agency should submit the traveller’s certificate of negative result for COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure and latest controlled itinerary in Singapore at http://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO, for applications for entry into Singapore from 9 Nov 2020 onwards.
The traveller is required to present his/her valid SafeTravel Pass, certificate of negative result for a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test (in English), a valid return air/ferry ticket or proof of other transport arrangements to depart from Singapore for pre-boarding checks at the airlines/ferries check-in counter and immigration counter. Otherwise, he/she may be refused boarding. Ferry passengers with symptoms, i.e. febrile or visual signs of acute respiratory infection, will be turned back on the next ferry trip upon detection at the ferry terminal in Singapore.
5. What are the responsibilities of the host company?
When a company applies for the SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller, it is also responsible for the timely submission of the accompanying documents.
The host company should also ensure that the traveller abides by the terms and conditions of the Singapore-Indonesia RGL, and the prevailing health measures during his/her stay in Singapore. Authorities may ask for proof of adherence to the controlled itinerary, including prompt answering of phonecalls or text messages to verify the traveller’s location, and other terms and conditions when the traveller is in Singapore.
You can access the terms and conditions of the Singapore-Indonesia RGL here. Action will be taken against the traveller and the host company in the event of non-compliance.
6. Can tourists apply for SafeTravel Passes?
SafeTravel Passes are only issued to travellers making short-term essential business and official travel. These passes are not applicable for tourists.
7. Can my SafeTravel Pass be transferred to my family member, friend, colleague or business partner?
SafeTravel Passes are not transferable to others.
8. Do I need to pay to apply for a SafeTravel Pass?
No payment is required.
9. Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply for a SafeTravel Pass?
There is no limit to the number of times a traveller can apply for a SafeTravel Pass. Every entry to Singapore requires a new SafeTravel Pass application.
If the traveller’s SafeTravel Pass has expired, he/she should submit a new application. One traveller can only hold one valid SafeTravel Pass for a single entry into Singapore at any one point in time. Please refrain from submitting multiple SafeTravel Pass applications or submitting new applications when you already have a valid SafeTravel Pass on hand. Duplicate applications will be rejected.
10. What happens if I do not comply with the terms and conditions for the SafeTravel Pass?
The Singapore Government takes a serious view of non-compliance with SafeTravel terms and conditions and prevailing health measures. Non-compliance will result in enforcement action taken against the traveller, including not being able to apply for travel under the RGL again.
11. What is the duration of stay that I will be eligible for in Singapore?
A traveller using the RGL scheme may stay for up to 10 days in Singapore.
12. My travel plans have changed/some information in my application is incorrect. How can I amend the details of my SafeTravel Pass application/approved SafeTravel Pass?
Both the SafeTravel Pass application and issued SafeTravel Pass cannot be amended. Please ensure that all details of the application form are accurate at the point of submission.
13. What can I do if I have changes to my controlled itinerary?
The host company or government agency should be responsible for monitoring and reporting any deviation in your controlled itinerary. The host company or government agency should email the updated controlled itinerary on behalf of the traveller to COVID_SafeTravelEnquiries@mti.gov.sg. Please include the approved STP reference number and have the necessary documents on hand for submission, and ensure that the amendments or deviation from the controlled itinerary are in accordance with the stipulated guidelines.
14. Can the sponsoring company / agency or traveller check the status of the SafeTravel Pass application?
For applications for entry into Singapore from 9 Nov 2020, the sponsoring company/agency or traveller may make enquires about the status of their application(s) at https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO.
Please prepare the traveller’s identification details and intended date of entry into Singapore as declared in the STP application.
15. Why was my application rejected?
SafeTravel Pass applications may be rejected for reasons, including the following:
- Inadequate justifications provided for reason of travel.
- Non-compliant controlled itinerary submitted.
- Wrong proof of residency submitted.
- Quota limit reached for intended week of entry.
16. Can I use the RGL to come to Singapore for long-term work?
The RGL is only for short-term essential business and official travel, and not for longterm work. Travellers seeking to enter Singapore for long-term work may wish to visit https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits for more information on a separate scheme.
17. Can I use the RGL to come to Singapore for long-term study?
The RGL is only for short-term essential business and official travel, and not for longterm study. Travellers seeking to enter Singapore for study may wish to visit https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/media-releases/mediarelease/entry-approval-required-for-all-long-term-pass-holders for more information.
18. Can I use the RGL to come to Singapore to seek medical treatment?
The RGL is only for short-term essential business and official travel, and not for seeking medical treatment. Enforcement action will be taken against travellers found to have abused the RGL to seek medical treatment in Singapore, including not being able to apply for travel under the RGL again.
Travellers who are short-term visit pass holders from other countries seeking to enter Singapore for medical treatment should apply for entry approval through their Singapore doctors.
19. Can I use the RGL to transit through Singapore?
The RGL is only for short-term essential business and official travel between Singapore and Indonesia, and not for transit through Singapore.
20. Are there restrictions on how I can travel to Singapore?
Under the RGL, travellers can depart from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport by plane, and arrive at Changi International Airport. Travellers can also depart from Batam Center Ferry Terminal by ferry, and arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
RGL travellers from Indonesia are allowed to travel from other provinces in Indonesia to Jakarta or Batam, and depart for Singapore via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport or Batam Center Ferry Terminal, respectively. RGL travellers that are travelling from other provinces must also fulfil Indonesia’s requirements for domestic travel.
Pre-Departure Measures in Indonesia
21. What health measures must I take in Indonesia before departing for Singapore?
Travellers must have remained in Indonesia for at least 14 days prior to departure for Singapore. They must monitor their health status before departure from Indonesia, and not depart for Singapore if feeling unwell. They must also undergo a pre-departure PCR test in Indonesia at least once within 72 hours before departure, and obtain a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from healthcare institutions in Indonesia listed at ANNEX A.
22. I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. When can I travel into Singapore?
You should schedule your travel into Singapore at least 21 days after your date of COVID-19 diagnosis, based on your first positive PCR test. For example, if the date of your swab which yielded your first positive PCR test is on 1 Nov (Day 1), you should only depart for Singapore on 22 Nov (Day 22) and onwards. You should not travel if feeling unwell.
Travellers with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in the past 21 days will be denied boarding on flights bound for Singapore.
23. What documentation do I need to present before I depart from Indonesia to Singapore?
Travellers are required to produce the following documents at the airlines/ferries check-in counter and immigration counter:
- A valid SafeTravel Pass approval letter (the date of entry into Singapore must fall within the period of entry stated in the letter);
- A valid certificate of negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure for Singapore (the certificate must be from one of the healthcare institutions listed in Annex A and should be in English and clearly state the time and date the PCR test was taken); and
- A return air/ferry ticket or proof of other transport arrangements to depart Singapore.
Otherwise, the traveller may be refused boarding.
Testing Arrangements Upon Arrival in Singapore
24. What COVID-19 tests will I be subject to upon arrival in Singapore? Where will the COVID-19 PCR test be administered? What are the payment modes accepted for the COVID-19 PCR test?
Travellers entering Singapore on the RGL will be directed to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at Changi International Airport or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. For RGL travellers to qualify for exemption from the Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) requirement, travellers must take the COVID-19 PCR test at the assigned swabbing station within the airport or ferry terminal. Please approach ground staff upon arrival for assistance.
Travellers arriving in Singapore by plane are encouraged to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 PCR test prior to entry into Singapore. Pre-registration and prepayment can be made via the online portal at https://safetravel.changiairport.com. Travellers should expect to pay around S$160 (inclusive of GST) for the test upon arrival at the airport.
Travellers arriving in Singapore by ferry will make payment for the COVID-19 PCR test via credit card or NETS upon arrival at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Travellers should expect to pay around S$150 (inclusive of GST) for the on-arrival swab test at the ferry terminal.
25. What if I test positive for COVID-19 in Singapore?
Travellers who test positive for COVID-19 will be given medical treatment accordingly. Travellers will be responsible for charges for COVID-19 treatment if symptoms develop during his/her stay in Singapore.
Singapore Citizens and PRs may access Government subsidies and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield Plan to help pay for their bills. Long-Term Pass Holders may tap on their usual financing arrangements, such as private insurance, where applicable.
Note that all Short-Term Pass holders will be accorded the necessary medical treatment at their cost.
26. What if I am identified as a close contact of confirmed COVID-19 cases?
MOH’s contact tracing officers will assess who among the close contacts should be placed on quarantine and a quarantine order (QO) will be issued. A QO is a legal order issued to individuals under the Infectious Diseases Act, for more information, you may refer to this link.
For travellers that requires to extend their visit pass/stay, please contact the enquiries via COVID_SafeTravelEnquiries@mti.gov.sg.
Health Measures in Singapore
27. What health measures will I be subjected to upon arrival in Singapore?
RGL travellers from Indonesia must take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore at the airport or ferry terminal, and remain isolated in a declared selfsourced, non-residential accommodation until negative test results are released (typically within 48 hours). Transportation from the airport or ferry terminal to the declared accommodation will have to be provided by the travellers’ host, subject to prevailing health measures.2 Travellers will bear the costs of the post-arrival COVID19 PCR test(s) in Singapore and stay in the declared accommodation.
If the result indicates that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19, the host company or government agency will ensure that the traveller is transported directly from the declared accommodation to the workplace and back according to the submitted controlled itinerary for the traveller’s stay in Singapore. The traveller may not use public transportation for this purpose, with the exception of private hire cars/taxis or cohorted company transport.3
Throughout the duration of the traveller’s controlled itinerary, he/she is not allowed access to common facilities or amenities in the declared accommodation, that are not within the ambit of activities related to the conduct of business activities. Such examples include gyms, swimming pools, sauna facilities or any other recreational places.
Travellers to Singapore must use the TraceTogether app and SafeEntry4, take their temperature twice daily, report their health status to the host company or government agency, and adhere to prevailing public health requirements for the duration of their stay in Singapore. If the traveller subsequently tests positive for COVID-19 while in Singapore, he/she will be required to upload his/her TraceTogether app data via the TraceTogether app, using an upload code provided by MOH. If the traveller had used the TraceTogether app on a phone that was provided by the host/sponsor, the host/sponsor will be required to upload the TraceTogether app data via the same process.
Travellers should also abide by the prevailing public health measures in Singapore.
28. What is the TraceTogether app? Does the Singapore Government track my movements via the app?
The TraceTogether app supports Singapore’s nationwide efforts to combat COVID-19 by enabling community-driven contact tracing. It facilitates the contact tracing process by exchanging Bluetooth signals with nearby phones running the same app. The proximity data collected allows the identification of people who were in close contact with an infected person more efficiently. The proximity data collected is stored locally in the user’s phone, and is only shared with the Singapore Ministry of Health if the user tests positive for COVID-19. The TraceTogether app does not collect or track location data.
The app works best on phones with Android version 5.1 and above, as well as phones with iOS version 10 and above. More information on the app can be found at https://www.tracetogether.gov.sg.
29. What is SafeEntry?
SafeEntry is a national digital check-in system that logs the personal identification numbers and mobile numbers of individuals visiting hotspots, workplaces of essential services, as well as selected public venues to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 through activities such as contact tracing and identification of COVID-19 clusters.
An existing check-in method is via scanning of a QR code at the venue with a camera phone or a QR scanner app. Hence, you are encouraged to purchase a Singapore local data SIM card, or connect your mobile phone to a Singapore local Wi-Fi network to access the form for this mode of check-in.
Alternatively, some venues allow you to complete SafeEntry by presenting your passport as identification. Establishments will assist visitors with manual SafeEntry check-in.
More information can be found at https://www.safeentry.gov.sg.
Returning to Indonesia
30. Do i need to be tested again in Singapore before i return to Indonesia? Do i need to be quarantined or be tested again upon return to Indonesia?
Indonesia requires RGL travellers who return to Indonesia from Singapore to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before departure.
The list of healthcare institutions that can perform pre-departure COVID-19 tests and details on teh procedure to book an appointment are at Annex C. The traveller must take the test and obtain a health certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19.
Travellers should make an appointment that fits your required testing window, and be present at the clinic early for the appointment, at least 48 hours prior to the flight.
RGL travellers who are returning to Indonesia from Singapore should bring the following when presenting at the clinic for testing:
- Identity card or passport.
- Softcopy showing your departure flight/ferry timing.
RGL returnees who have a valid certificate of negative PCR test result in Singapore will not be required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Indonesia. The returnees are still required to self-quarantine for 14 days before they can return to activities.
RGL returnees who do not have a valid certificate of negative PCR test result in Singapore upon arrival in Indonesia will be quarantined and tested for COVID-19(via a PCR test) at designated quarantine facilities in Indonesia.
For more information regarding Indonesia’s policy for travellers that are returning to Indonesia, please contact the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore (point-of-contact listed at Annex B)
ANNEX A
Pre-Departure COVID-19 Tests in Indonesia
Pre-departure COVID-19 tests for RGL travellers from Indonesia may only be taken at selected healthcare institutions listed here.
ANNEX B
Point-of-Contact for Travel to Indonesia under RGL
The hotline for matters pertaining to travel to Indonesia under the RGL is 0855 746 746 27 (calling from Indonesia)/ (+62) 855 746 746 27 (calling from Singapore).
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore can be contacted at (+65) 6737 7422 (telephone) or singapura.kbri@kemlu.go.id (email).
ANNEX C
Pre-Departure COVID-19 Tests in Singapore
1. At which clinics can I take the pre-departure Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test?
Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests for the Singapore-Indonesia RGL may only be performed at selected clinics for eligible RGL travellers.
Please call the clinic to make an appointment, before proceeding for the swab. Pre-departure swabs may not be performed if you do not have an appointment.
2. What is the latest timing I have to present myself at the clinic for the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test, based on my departure flight timing?
You should make an appointment that fits your required testing window and be present at the clinic early for the appointment, at least 48 hours prior to flight. Travellers who present themselves at the clinic less than 38-40 hours to the flight may not be able receive the result in time for the flight. You are responsible for checking that your testing window is in line with your destination country/region’s requirement.
3. When is the latest time/date I have to be at the clinic, based on my departure flight timing?
You should make an appointment that fits your required testing window and be present at the clinic early for the appointment.
4. How can I make an appointment for pre-departure PCR testing?
For RGL travel to Indonesia, the pre-departure PCR test must be done within 72 hours prior to departure.
Please call the clinic and book your test slot before the Cut-off Test Timing in the schedule above. This is to ensure that you will have sufficient time to meet the RGL requirements.
5. How far in advance should I make an appointment for the pre-departure PCR test?
Due to limited slots, please make your appointment with the clinic as early as possible, once your flight timing and RGL application are approved.
Please refer to the Schedule for the “Latest Cut-off Test Timing” and book your test slot within the indicated timing. This is to ensure that you meet the RGL requirements.
If you do not make a prior appointment, please note that:
- There is no guarantee that there will be a test slot for you; and
- You may not get your results in time for your flight to qualify for RGL arrangements.
Travellers who miss the cut-off test timing will not be able to obtain a test result in time for their flight.
6. What details will I need to book an appointment for the PCR test?
Please have the following information on hand when making an appointment for your test:
- Identity card number or passport number.
- Departure flight timing.
- Possible times for your test slot: Please refer to the Test Schedule to confirm your timing.
- Address in Singapore.
- Contact number.
- Email address.
7. What documents should I bring for my appointment?
Please bring the following:
- Identity card or passport.
- Softcopy booking reference showing your departure flight timing.
Testing
8. What happens if the clinic assesses that I am unable to receive the PCR test for unforeseen circumstances?
If you are unable to receive the test, you may wish to reschedule your flight, if you still wish to tap on the RGL arrangement.
Test Results
9. When can I expect to get my PCR test results?
You will receive your PCR test results and memo at least three hours before your flight.
The clinic will email the results to your email address. You will need to print and bring the memo overseas yourself.
1The term “sponsor” refers to the Singapore company or government agency making the application on behalf of the traveller. The term “host” refers to the Singapore company or government agency that receives the traveller in the destination country/region. For company-sponsored travellers, the sponsor will also be the host company.
2Travellers are allowed to use private hire cars or taxis, but not public transport.
3Cohorted company transport refers to an arrangement whereby inbound travellers on the same trip are transported in the same vehicle.
4Travellers can scan the SafeEntry QR code to submit their personal particulars using a recommended QR scanner app on phones with local data sim cards, or by submitting their passport numbers to businesses to be manually keyed into the “SafeEntry for Business” app.