Singapore to Welcome Short-term Visitors from Hong Kong and Macao under Air Travel Pass Scheme

            Effective 19 August 2021, short-term visitors from Hong Kong and Macao can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) for entry into Singapore on or after 26 August 2021. 

2.         As at 24 August 2021, 2359 hours, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has issued 230 ATPs for Hong Kong and 13 ATPs for Macao. The first short-term visitors from Hong Kong and Macao entering Singapore through the ATP scheme will arrive on 26 and 28 August 2021 respectively. Amongst the travellers issued the ATPs, 19 are expected to arrive from Hong Kong on 26 August and two are expected to arrive from Macao on 28 August. 

3.         Since the easing of border restrictions for Hong Kong and Macao on 20 August 2021, 2359 hours, 63 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents from these places have returned to Singapore as at 24 August 2021, 2359 hours. They need to undergo a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test on arrival and are allowed to go about their activities in Singapore if the PCR test result is negative. This is in lieu of a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). There are currently more than 25,000 Singapore Citizens living in Hong Kong and Macao.

4.         Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS said, “The opening to Hong Kong and Macao is part of Singapore’s effort to further reopen our borders in a cautious and step-by-step manner. We have had good response in the first one week. We expect more Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to return home in the coming months and more travellers to come to Singapore, particularly towards the end of the year.” 

5.         Since September 2020, CAAS has allowed short-term visitors from very low-risk countries/regions to enter Singapore through the ATP scheme. To date, over 33,000 ATP holders have entered Singapore. Under the ATP scheme, short-term visitors must comply with the conditions of the ATP. These include undergoing a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Singapore in lieu of a SHN and to remain isolated until a negative PCR test result is obtained. They will also need to use the TraceTogether app for their entire period of their stay in Singapore. More details of the conditions of travel can be found at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg. 

Annex: Air Travel Passes Issued