15 travellers have been refused entry into Singapore within the 13 hours after the travel restrictions on those with travel history to China in the last 14 days took effect.

Travel restrictions to curb spread of coronavirus from Wuhan

The travel restrictions, which kicked in on Feb. 1, 23:59 (Sat), was announced by the government on Jan. 31 (Fri) as a preventive measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak from Wuhan.

The virus, known as 2019-nCoV, has infected over 14,000 people and taken at least 305 lives.

The 15 travellers who were refused entry comprises one Spanish, one British, one Malaysian, two U.S., five PRC and five Indian passport holders.

According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), they were refused entry due to either their travel histories to mainland China in the last 14 days, or suspension of visa facilities.

Travel restrictions do not apply to S'poreans, PRs, Chinese nationals already in S'pore

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have travelled to mainland China within the last 14 days can enter Singapore, but they will be issued advisories to take 14-days Leave of Absence (LOA) from the time they arrive back here.

This is also true of Long-Term Pass holders -- holders of Work Passes and Permits, Student Passes, Dependent Passes and Long-term Visit Passes --  who have been to mainland China in the past 14 days.

Appeals will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. For example, a person holding a China passport who has been living elsewhere for a period of time can appeal the travel restriction.

The travel restrictions do not apply to Chinese nationals who are already in Singapore.

Top image via Flickr