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The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Dec. 28 that there will be no change to Singapore’s current Covid-19 border control regulations for incoming travellers and work pass holders from China.

The ministry said that the current border controls and vaccination requirements would remain the same, noting that China currently restricts outbound travel to those with valid reasons to travel out of the country, like education and business.

Singapore currently requires overseas visitors who are not fully vaccinated to take pre-departure Covid tests, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Short-term visitors are also required to buy insurance to cover Covid-related medical expenses.

New border controls in other countries

The clarification from MOH comes after Japan and India announced fresh border controls on arrivals from China, with other countries like the U.S. considering the same.

China recently announced it would be scrapping quarantine rules for overseas arrivals to China from Jan. 8, 2023 onwards, prompting a reported surge in travel demand among Chinese citizens, according to Reuters.

People in China are currently not restricted from leaving China, but the removal of the quarantine requirement will make it easier for travellers to return home.

Singapore is among one of the top ten countries that Chinese tourists look forward to visiting the most.

MOH will monitor situation

The ministry said Singapore’s border controls are frequently reviewed in order to keep up with the global Covid-19 situation.

It also added that it will closely monitor the international situation and adjust Singapore's border health policies accordingly “should the need arise”.

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Top image via Unsplash/shawnanggg