Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 15 Sept. 2021 and was updated on 21 March 2022 to reflect new information.
21 March 2022 Update: The government of Singapore announced that all overseas Singaporean (OS) citizens who have registered to return to the country for vaccination via a vaccination channel will need to do so by 31 March 2022. Once the vaccination channels close in April 2022, OS citizens will be required to complete a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and then can be vaccinated at a Vaccination Centre in Singapore. For more information on entry requirements for Singapore, click here.
Key Points
- The Singapore government will launch two dedicated vaccination channels for overseas Singapore citizens to return to Singapore to be vaccinated
Overview
On Sept. 11, 2021, the Singapore government announced that it would launch two dedicated vaccination channels to make it more convenient for overseas Singapore citizens to return to Singapore to acquire a vaccine. The channels are open to medically eligible Singapore citizens who are based overseas and are interested in returning to Singapore to receive a vaccine. Singapore citizens currently returning from Category II-IV countries/regions will be required to serve the full Stay-Home Notice (SHN) before they are eligible to receive their first dose of vaccination, followed by the second dose 3-4 weeks later. The vaccination channels will be for Singapore citizens arriving via Changi Airport and Tanah Ferry Terminal.
Upon arrival, Singapore citizens traveling for purposes of vaccination must adhere to one of the following options:
- Receive the first dose upon arrival in Singapore without serving full SHN, and then may return to their resident country on the next available flight or ferry. Individuals can complete their vaccination regimen by repeating this process for their second dose;
- Under this criteria, overseas Singapore citizens will be subject to the same prevailing border measures until they depart on the next available flight or ferry.
- Receive their first dose upon arrival in Singapore, complete full SHN at a designated facility, and receive the second dose after the required dosing interval returning to their resident country;
- Under this criteria, overseas Singapore citizens are subject to the prevailing border measures on the pre-departure test, on-arrival testing regimes and length of SHN based on their 21-day travel history
All overseas Singapore citizens who return to Singapore for vaccination must stay at an appointed dedicated facility where the vaccination will be offered on-site while they are under SHN. Overseas Singapore citizens will bear the cost associated with returning for vaccination, stay in a designated facility, swab tests and additional travel costs.
What are the Changes?
The Singapore government will launch two travel channels for Singapore citizens overseas who seek to be vaccinated to ensure that more Singapore citizens who are medically eligible are vaccinated worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Overseas Singapore citizens should register their interest in using either vaccination channel via the Ministry of Health webpage. Prior to arriving in Singapore, citizens should ensure that they obtain re-entry approval and get return flights/ferry tickets for the travel back to their resident country. For additional information visit the Ministry of Health website.
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This article was updated on 21 March 2022 and may not be the most recent update concerning COVID-19 entrance restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measurers. For the most recent updates be sure to check our Global Mobility Resource Center.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
