Singapore Establishes Travel Corridor with Taiwan: Key Features
- Singapore has established a one-way travel corridor with Taiwan under the Air Travel Pass scheme (in effect since December 18, 2020).
- The scheme is only open to countries deemed as ‘low-risk’ with applicants obligated to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Singapore.
- Singapore has already established such travel bubbles with China, Brunei, Australia, Germany, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
- An air travel bubble with Hong Kong has been postponed due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
Starting December 18, 2020, Singapore has established a one-way travel corridor to facilitate the entry of short-term visitors from Taiwan under the Air Travel Pass (ATP) scheme.
The ATP scheme enables short-term visitors from selected countries with ‘sufficiently low’ transmission levels of COVID-19 to enter Singapore under strict health protocols, such as taking a PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival in the country. The country has already established ATPs with Australia, Brunei, China, Vietnam, and New Zealand. The air travel bubble with Hong Kong has been postponed due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.For countries classified as ‘high-risk’, Singapore has established ‘reciprocal green lanes’ (RGL) to allow essential business and official travel between the selected countries and Singapore.
The following countries are participating in the RGL scheme:
- Germany;
- Indonesia;
- Japan;
- Malaysia; and
- South Korea.
How do you apply for an ATP?
Travelers must submit their ATP and visa applications between seven and 30 days before their intended date of travel. The application can be made through the link here.
Once the application is approved, the traveler will receive an approval letter via email. Travelers should note that the ATP is valid for single-entry use into Singapore anytime between the intended date of entry and up to seven calendar days after.
Furthermore, once visitors receive their ATP, they can subsequently apply for a visa – if required. Information on visa application requirements can be found here.
What are the pre-departure requirements?
In order to apply for an ATP, travelers must have spent at least 14 consecutive days in Taiwan before the departure date.
Travelers will then need to submit their health, travel history, and accommodation declarations via the SG Arrival Card e-service, no later than three days prior to their arrival in Singapore. The traveler must also download the TraceTogether app, a contact tracing app.
The traveler must register and pre-pay for a COVID-19 test before arrival, which will be conducted upon arrival at Changi International Airport. The government has stated that results can take up to 48 hours.
In addition, the traveler must book accommodation in Singapore where they will serve their isolation period while awaiting their COVID-19 test results. The accommodation must be non-residential and an individual room with a separate bathroom.
Visitors can review the Singapore Hotel Association website for a list of hotels currently accepting visitors under the ATP scheme.
Arrival in Singapore
Upon arrival in Singapore, the traveler must present the following to the immigration authorities:
- The valid ATP approval letter (physical or electronic copy);
- A valid visa (if required); and
- Evidence of payment for the PCR test and accommodation for self-isolation.
Once the aforementioned documents have been approved, the visitor will undergo a PCR COVID-19 test. They must then take private transport to their declared accommodation.
If the result is negative, then the visitor will be allowed to continue their travel itinerary while adhering to relevant health protocols. However, if the visitor tests positive for the virus then they will have to bear the cost of any medical treatment they require.
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ASEAN Briefing is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia and maintains offices throughout ASEAN, including in Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. Please contact us at asia@dezshira.com or visit our website at www.dezshira.com
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