Fast Lane: Singaporeans Can Visit These Places in China from June 8 under Strict Conditions

With easing travel restrictions, Singapore and China resume reciprocal visits from June 8

By Krishnendu Banerjee
June 4, 2020 14:31 +08

Why Singapore Airlines was voted worlds number one airline?

As Singapore began Phase 1 of its reopening on June 2, the travel restrictions, imposed in February this year, have started to ease. After national carrier Singapore Airlines and domestic airline SilkAir confirmed that a 'green-lane' was ready to be established between the republic and Australia, New Zealand, and selected Chinese provinces for business purposes, travel will resume on June 8, albeit, with strict restrictions in place.

In what is termed as the 'fast lane' arrangement, strict visa rule will apply to the passengers. Unlike the times before the Coronavirus pandemic, people travelling to six provinces in China — Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangdong, Chongqing, Zhejiang and Jiangsu — will need to apply for a visa first, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a joint statement on Wednesday, June 3.

"In conjunction with Singapore's move towards Phase 1 of the post circuit breaker period, Singapore has explored the piloting of fast lane arrangements with a few other countries and regions," the statement read.

Automated immigration control gates are seen at Changi airport's Terminal 4 in Singapore April 30, 2018. — Singapore's Changi airport Reuters

Strict rules apply for air travel

The passengers, only for business and official purposes, willing to travel to those six provinces in China will need to take two COVID-19 swab tests — one in Singapore and the other in the destination — within 48 hours of travel at their own cost.

Under the fast lane arrangement, although the travelers need not serve quarantine which is mandatory for other countries, they need approvals from both travelling and home municipal administrations.

From Singapore to China

Sponsorship letter: Obtain a letter of approval from the Chinese business organization or the government office need to travel to
Local approval: That business/government office will need approval from the Chinese provincial authorities
Invitation to travel: Once approved, the sponsor will offer an invitation
Visa: Apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy in Singapore with a health declaration
Swab test 1: Take COVID-19 swab test within 48 hours of travel at own cost
If the test result is negative, allowed to board the flight with a mask on at all time
Swab test 2: Another COVID-19 swab test in China at own cost and remain in quarantine provided by local authorities until the result comes back negative
Negative result: Continue with itinerary within the province for 14 days with a local health QR code app provided by the local body
If need to visit any other province, prior approval required
Traveler can't visit any other province without approval within the first 14 days
Positive test result: Institutional quarantine at own cost

China flight — Airline service (Representational picture) Pixabay

From China to Singapore

Travelers entering Singapore will need to stay in those provinces for at least seven days prior to the date of travel
Sponsorship letter: Need a letter of approval from the Singapore business or the government office
SafeTravel pass: The Singapore business/ office need to apply for SafeTravel pass
Approved: Proceed to apply for visa at Singapore embassy
Health declaration: Submit health declaration and travel history online through the SG Arrival Card
Swab test 1: COVID-19 swab test within 48 hours of travel mandatory. Proceed with travel if test result is negative
Swab test 2: Another swab test will be done by Singapore authorities at the Changi airport or other airports if travel is via private plane
Sponsors will then arrange for accommodation while the traveler awaits test result
If result is negative, the traveler can continue with his/her itinerary for 14 days
Must download the Singapore contact tracing mobile app Trace Together

"This is part of Singapore's gradual reopening of our borders for Singaporeans and residents to conduct essential activities overseas and to allow safe travel for foreigners entering Singapore in limited numbers, with the necessary safeguards in place to ensure public health considerations are addressed," the MFA statement said.