Frequently Asked Questions on RGL
RESIDENTS IN COUNTERPART COUNTRIES/REGIONS
The following FAQs apply to persons who are residents in countries/regions that have established RGL arrangements with Singapore seeking single-entry, short-term essential business and official visit into Singapore:
- Brunei Darussalam;
- Mainland China – Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang;
- Republic of Korea;
Application Requirements
1. What is the SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement for travel to Singapore?
The SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement is a non-transferrable document which allows a traveller to seek a single-entry, short-term essential business and official visit into Singapore within a stipulated week (0000 hours Monday to 2359 hours Sundays), and to remain in Singapore for the duration of the visit pass issued at the immigration counters in Singapore.
SafeTravel Passes are approved on a limited basis to mitigate the risk of imported COVID-19 cases.
2. Am I eligible to apply for a SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement for travel to Singapore?
You are eligible to apply for a SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement for travel to Singapore if you are: A resident* holding a valid passport of any nationality/citizenship in the counterpart country/region with an RGL arrangement with Singapore Seeking to make a single-entry, short-term essential visit to Singapore Seeking to travel for business and official purpose
*Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Singapore Long-Term Pass holders who are holders of MOM-issued work passes (e.g. Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit and Dependent Pass) and holders of ICA-issued Long-Term Visit Passes
Long-Term Pass holders returning to Singapore after a visit to the counterpart county/region should identify themselves as travellers under the RGL arrangement during pre-departure airline checks overseas, and to ICA at the immigration counters in Singapore by presenting the official letters issued by the authorities to facilitate the registration of pre-departure tests (if required) in Singapore.
3. What are other SafeTravel Passes which I can consider for travel to Singapore for the purpose of work or study?
Travellers from Malaysia seeking to enter Singapore for long-term work may wish to visit the SafeTravel Website here for more information on the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).
Travellers can also visit the Ministry of Manpower Website here for more information on other schemes.
Travellers seeking to enter Singapore for study may wish to visit the ICA Website here for more information.
4. Can I utilise the RGL arrangement to transit through Singapore?
The RGL cannot be utilised for transit through Singapore.
Application Process
5. How do travellers apply for a SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement for travel to Singapore?
Travellers must be hosted by a Singapore-based company or government agency in Singapore. The applicant from the company or agency can file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller here.
6. What documents qualify as proof of residency in my SafeTravel Pass application under the RGL arrangement?
| RGL Travellers From | Documents to be presented |
|---|---|
| Brunei Darussalam | Bruneian citizens should present a copy of passport biodata page or yellow ID card. Non-Bruneian citizens who are resident in Brunei should present a copy of Bruneian Long-Term Pass. Accepted Bruneian ID cards include (i) purple ID cards issued to Permanent Residents who are holders of foreign passports and Certificates of Identity, and (ii) green ID cards issued to foreigners residing more than 3 months in Brunei (e.g. holder of employment pass, dependent pass, student pass and visit pass). |
| Mainland China | Chinese citizens should present a copy of passport biodata page. Foreign residents in China should present a copy of China residence permit. |
| Republic of Korea | Korean citizens should present a copy of passport biodata page. Foreign residents in the Republic of Korea should present a copy of Certificate of Alien Registration. |
The applicant from the host company or government agency will also be required to submit a copy of the traveller’s 14-day controlled itinerary, which is limited to travel between places of business and accommodation, with limited contact with the community.
7. What is the application window and processing time for the SafeTravel Pass application under the RGL arrangement?
The application for the SafeTravel Pass will be open for a period of 2 weeks to 5 weeks before the week of the traveller’s planned departure. Applications submitted less than 7 working days from the date of entry will not be accepted. The processing of the application can take up to 7 days (excluding the day of application). You are encouraged to apply for the SafeTravel Pass as soon as practicable, taking into consideration the time involved in processing the application, applying for a visa (if required) and/or taking a pre-departure COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before departure for Singapore.
8. How will I be notified on the outcome of the SafeTravel Pass application?
The applicant from the host company or government agency will be notified of the outcome of the SafeTravel Pass application via email. Alternatively, the applicant from the host company or government agency or traveller may enquire the status of the application here. Please have on hand the traveller’s identification details and intended date of entry in Singapore as declared in the application.
9. What pre-departure requirements will I be subject to before entering Singapore?
The applicant from the host company or government agency is required to submit pre-trip health and travel history declarations and accommodation details electronically via the SG Arrival Card here within three days prior to the date of entry into Singapore.
The applicant from the host company or government agency is also required to submit the traveller’s certificate of negative test result for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours before departure and latest 14-day controlled itinerary in Singapore here.
10. What is the limit to the number of times I can apply for a SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement?
There is no limit to the number of times a traveller can apply for a SafeTravel Pass under the RGL arrangement. However, there may be penalties in repeated cases of non-utilisation. Each entry into Singapore requires a fresh application. For expired SafeTravel Passes, the traveller should submit a fresh application through the host company or government agency.
11. 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 approved SafeTravel Pass cannot be amended. Please ensure that all details of the application form are accurate at the point of submission.
12. What if I need to make changes to my 14-day controlled itinerary?
The host company or government agency should be responsible for monitoring and reporting any deviation in your 14-day controlled itinerary. The host company or government agency should resubmit the updated controlled itinerary on behalf of the traveller via the “Submit Supporting Documents” Form here. Please have the application reference number and documents on hand and ensure that the amendments or deviation from the 14-day controlled itinerary are in accordance with the stipulated guidelines. A non-compliant controlled itinerary may result in the withdrawal of the SafeTravel Pass and termination of the visit pass if not immediately rectified.
13. Why is my application rejected?
Safe Travel Pass applications may be rejected for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:
- Inadequate justifications for reason of travel
- Non-compliant 14-day controlled itinerary
- Invalid proof of residency
- Insufficient quota for the intended week of entry
Visa Applications and Visit Pass Extensions
14. How can I apply for a visa (if required)?
Travellers can proceed to apply for a visa here through Singapore overseas missions, authorised visa agents, a local contact or company at least four working days before departure to Singapore. For a traveller with a valid visa, its suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass application is approved. Each visa application, including the type granted, will be considered on its own merit and subject to approval.
Nationalities/citizenships who did not require a visa prior to the COVID-19 pandemic will not be required to apply for a visa under the RGL arrangement. Please visit the ICA Website for more information on Singapore’s visa regime here. Travellers who are granted entry into Singapore will be issued with a visit pass for a validity period aligned to that accorded to the passport holder prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. How do I extend my visit pass/stay in Singapore, if necessary?
An application for extension of visit pass/stay must be submitted online using ICA’s e-Service here at least seven days prior to the expiry of the visit pass. Extension of visit pass/stay will not be accepted over the counter. Each application is considered on its own merits and subject to approval.
Pre-Departure Measures in Country/Region of Departure
16. What health measures must I take in my origin country/region prior to my departure for Singapore?
Travellers must remain in and have not travelled out of the country for at least 14 days prior to departure for Singapore. In the case of Mainland China, travellers must remain in the qualifying region (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang) for at least seven days, prior to departure for Singapore. Travellers must also monitor their health status before departure from the country/region, undergo a COVID-19 PCR test in the country/region within 72 hours before departure, and obtain a certificate of negative test result for COVID-19 issued by an authorised COVID-19 testing facility designated by the government of the origin country/region the traveller is departing from.
| RGL Travellers From | List of COVID-19 Testing Facilities |
|---|---|
| Brunei Darussalam | Please refer to the list of authorised health centres designated by the Government of Brunei Darussalam:
|
| Mainland China | Please refer to the list of medical institutions designated by the relevant provincial/municipal government in China here. |
| Republic of Korea | Please note that it may take around 3 days to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test after applying to do so. Please approach the Republic of Korea Business Travel Support www.btsc.or.kr / (+82) 1566-8110 / btsc@kita.net) for further details on the medical institutes. [Note: Website is in Korean; enquiries in English can be made via phone or email.] |
17. What documents do I need to produce to the airlines for pre-boarding checks and checkpoint counters for immigration checks?
RGL travellers by air and land are required to produce the following documents to the airlines for pre-boarding checks and immigration counters for immigration checks:
- A valid SafeTravel Pass approval letter (the date of entry to Singapore must fall within the period of entry stated in the letter).
- A valid visa to enter Singapore (for visa-required passport holders who are short-term visitors to Singapore).
- A valid certificate of negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure for Singapore (the certificate must be issued by an authorised COVID-19 testing facility designated by the government of the country/region the traveller is departing from.) The certificate should also be in English or accompanied by an English translation.
- Proof of transportation arrangements to depart from Singapore (e.g. air, train and bus return ticket). Travellers arriving by air who do not produce a return air ticket during pre-boarding checks may be refused boarding.
Testing Arrangements Upon Arrival in Singapore
18. What tests will I be subject to upon arrival in Singapore? Where will the tests be administered? What are the payment modes accepted for the tests?
Travellers will be directed to take COVID-19 PCR tests upon arrival at Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoints in Singapore. 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 and land checkpoints. Please approach the airport ground staff and land checkpoint authorities upon arrival for assistance.
Travellers entering Singapore by air are encouraged to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 PCR test. Pre-registration and pre-payment can be made on Changi Airport’s Website here. Travellers should expect to pay around S$196 (inclusive of GST) for the COVID-19 PCR test.
Travellers entering Singapore by land will make payment at the testing station located at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. Only card payments or PayPal are accepted. Travellers should expect to pay around S$150 (inclusive of GST) for the COVID-19 PCR test.
19.Do I have to pay for my COVID-19 medical bills if I am found to have COVID-19 upon return from these countries?
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders who depart Singapore on or after 27 March 2020 will be responsible for charges for COVID-19 treatment if onset of symptoms develop within 14 days of their return to 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.
With effect from 1 January 2021, this will also apply to all new and returning SCs, PRs and LTPHs who last left Singapore before 27 March 2020.
20. 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.
Health Measures in Singapore
21. What health measures will I be subjected to upon arrival in Singapore?
Travellers must take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore and remain isolated in a declared self-sourced accommodation until their test results are released (typically within 48 hours). The traveller’s declared accommodation during the first 14 days of their stay in Singapore must not be a residential address. Transportation from the airport/land checkpoints to the declared accommodation will have to be provided by the host company or government agency subject to prevailing health measures1. Travellers will bear the costs of the post-arrival COVID-19 PCR test 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, except for private hire cars/taxis or cohorted company transport2.
Travellers to Singapore must use the TraceTogether app and SafeEntryQ23, take twice daily temperatures, report their health status to the host company or government agency, and adhere to prevailing public health requirements for the duration of stay in Singapore.
22. What is the TraceTogether app? Does the Singapore Government track my movements via the app?
The TraceTogether app supports 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 here.
23. What is SafeEntry?
SafeEntry is a national digital check-in system that logs the NRIC/FIN 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 on the system can be found here.
Returning to Countries/Regions of Departure
24. Do I need to be tested again in Singapore before I return to my origin country/region of departure? Do I need to be quarantined or tested again upon return to my country/region of departure?
| RGL Travellers From | Measures on Return |
|---|---|
| Brunei Darussalam | Travellers returning to Brunei Darussalam from Singapore do not need to be tested in Singapore before their return. Travellers will be subjected to anIsolation Notice served at the Brunei International Airport, with cost borne by the traveller. However, travellers returning to Brunei may qualify for a shortened isolation period upon submitting a certificate of negative result from a COVID 19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departing from Singapore. |
| Mainland China | Travellers returning to China from Singapore will be subjected to a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test and an IgM antibody serology test within 48 hours of return to China. Please refer to the guidelines by the Chinese government here. Travellers can make an appointment in advance at selected clinics in Singapore for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test and an IgM antibody serology test to be taken at the traveller’s cost and obtain certificates of negative result.
Please refer here for the list of clinics that can perform pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests and details on the procedure to book an appointment. For IgM antibody serology tests, travellers should approach the list of MOH-approved providers providing pre-departure testing to check on the availability of the serology test that meets the entry requirements of China. There is no need to apply for COVID-19 serology tests. Testing for RGL travel can only be carried out at the listed clinics at the moment. |
| Japan | Travellers returning to Japan from Singapore will be subjected to a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test in Singapore within 72 hours of return to Japan. They will not be subjected to a COVID-19 test in Japan. There is no requirement for a serology test in Japan.
Please refer to the selected clinics that can perform pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests and details on the procedure to book an appointment. Testing for RGL travel can only be carried out at the listed clinics at this moment. Upon their return to Japan, travellers must adhere to the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and control measures of the Japanese government. The traveller will not be subject to a 14 days quarantine upon arrival. However he/she must refrain from using public transportation for 14 days after entry, and obtain permission from the relevant authorities to conduct activities according to his/her declared itinerary. RGL travellers returning to Japan may wish to check on the specific measures to be taken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Website here for more information. |
| Malaysia | Travellers returning to Malaysia from Singapore do not need to be tested in Singapore before returning to Malaysia. Upon their return to Malaysia, travellers must adhere to the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and control measures of the Malaysian government. |
| Republic of Korea | RGL travellers returning to the Republic of Korea do not need to be tested again in Singapore. Upon their return to the Republic of Korea, travellers must adhere to the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and control measures of the Government of the Republic of Korea. This may include a 14-day quarantine or COVID-19 PCR test.
As the specific requirements may change over time, travellers returning to the Republic of Korea should verify the latest requirements with the Government of the Republic of Korea. Foreign nationals/citizens with long-term residency in the Republic of Korea are required to obtain a re-entry permit before leaving the Republic of Korea. A re-entry permit allows the holder to re-enter the ROK once within the period of permission. Please click here for more information on the re-entry permit. The re-entry permit can be applied in-person at the Immigration Offices across the Republic of Korea or on the Korea Immigration Service Website here. Travellers are required to submit a medical certificate issued by a medical institution within 2 days before boarding the return flight to the Republic of Korea to the immigration office upon arrival at Incheon Airport. |
As the specific requirements may change over time, RGL travelers returning to their country/region of departure should verify the latest requirements with the respective country/region’s government.
RGL Pre-Departure COVID-19 PCR and Serology Tests in Singapore
Booking an appointment
25. At which clinics can I take the pre-departure COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and serology test?
Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests for RGL arrangements may only be performed at selected clinics found here for eligible RGL travellers.
Please call the clinic to make an appointment and verify your eligibility to be swabbed, before proceeding for the swab at the traveller’s cost. Pre-departure swabs may not be performed if you do not have an appointment or are unable to produce proof of eligibility.
For destination countries/regions that have a mandatory requirement for travellers to produce a negative COVID-19 serology test, travellers should approach the list of MOH-approved providers providing pre-departure testing to check on the availability of serology tests that meet the entry requirements of the country that they are travelling to. There is no need to apply for COVID-19 serology tests.
26. What is the latest I have to present myself at the clinic for the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR/serology test, based on my departure flight timing?
[For RGL travellers under Singapore-Brunei Darussalam RGL and Singapore-ROK RGL]
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.
[For RGL travellers under Singapore-Mainland China RGL]
You should make an appointment that fits your required testing window and be present at the clinic early for the appointment.
You must be present at least 2 hours prior to, and no later than, the stipulated cut-off timing in the table below:
| Flight departure time | Latest Cut-off Test Timing |
|---|---|
| 12.00 am to 9:29 am | 10.00 am two calendar days before flight |
| 9:30am to 3:29pm | 4:00pm two calendar days before flight |
| 3:30pm to 11.59pm | 10.00am the day before flight |
Example: If a traveller’s departure flight time for Mainland China is 12pm on 7 November, the required test must be done within 48 hours of departure, i.e. the traveller should take the test from 12pm on 5 November onwards, until the cut-off timing at 4pm on 5 November.
Travellers who do not adhere to the Cut-off Test Timing will not be able to obtain the results in time for departure.
27. How can I make an appointment for the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR/serology testing?
The pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test must be done within 72 hours prior to departure, if applicable. For the Singapore-Mainland China RGL, the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR and serology tests must be done within 48 hours prior to departure.
Please call the clinic and book your test slot before the Cut-off Test Timing in the schedule above to ensure that you will have sufficient time to meet the RGL requirements.
28. How far in advance should I make an appointment for the pre-departure PCR/serology test?
Travellers are advised to check the entry requirements of the country they are travelling to via the countries’ embassy websites. Travellers should cater sufficient time to arrange for a test appointment, inform the pre-departure test providers about the timeframe for the provision of test results prior to departure and ensure that they liaise with the pre-departure test providers to receive the test results on time.
Due to limited slots, please make your appointment with the clinic as early as possible, once your flight timing and RGL application is approved. You are responsible for checking for your testing window that is in line with your destination country/region’s requirement. Please ensure you have obtained prior approval from a Singapore government agency before calling the clinic to make the appointment.
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 the RGL arrangement.
Travellers who miss the cut-off test timing will not be able to obtain a test result in time for their flight.
29. What details will I need to book an appointment for the COVID-19 PCR test?
Please have the following information on hand when making an appointment for your test:
- Approval email to take the pre-departure PCR swab 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
30. What documents should I bring for my appointment?
Please bring the following documents for your appointment:
- Identity card or passport
- Letter issued by the relevant authorities confirming that you have been granted approval by the relevant authorities in the destination country/region to travel to under the RGL arrangement
- Softcopy booking reference showing your departure flight timing
Testing
31. What if I miss my test timing? What if I take my test after the Cut-off Test Timing?
Travellers who miss the Cut-off Test Timing will not be able to obtain a test result in time for their flight.
Please make arrangements early for your test slot so that you can qualify for the RGL arrangements.
32. What happens if the clinic assesses that I am unable to receive the PCR test due to 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
33. 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.
1Travellers are allowed to use private hire cars or taxis, but not public transport.
2Cohorted company transport refers to an arrangement whereby inbound travellers on the same trip are transported in the same vehicle.