Jazmin Li
As of 22 February 2022, Singapore no longer requires transit passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test to pass through Changi Airport. Transit passengers are also permitted to make use of the airport's transit facilities, such as shopping and dining. Additionally, Singapore has resumed its Free Singapore Tour, which was initially introduced in 1987 to showcase the country's attractions and enhance its airport's attractiveness as a transfer hub. This tour is available to transit passengers with a layover period of 5.5 to 24 hours, provided they have a valid entry visa for Singapore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 test requirement | From 22 February 2022, Changi Airport no longer requires transit passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test |
| Quarantine | Quarantine requirements vary depending on the country. For example, travellers arriving in the UK from Singapore do not need to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. |
| Transit facilities | Transit passengers can make full use of transit facilities, including shopping, dining, and airline lounges. |
| Transit Holding Area | There is no longer a Transit Holding Area for transit passengers. |
| Free Singapore Tour | The Free Singapore Tour is available for transit passengers with a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. |
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What You'll Learn
No COVID-19 testing required for transit passengers
As of 22 February 2022, Singapore no longer requires transit passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test to pass through Changi Airport. This change was implemented to reduce costs, improve convenience, and enhance Singapore's attractiveness as a transfer/transit hub.
Transit passengers through Singapore are now permitted to make full use of transit facilities, including shopping and dining, without needing to present a negative COVID-19 test. This is a significant shift from the previous arrangement, which saw travellers from specific countries confined to a Transit Holding Area, separated from the rest of the airport.
Additionally, Singapore has combined Category II, III, and IV countries into a single General Travel category, applying the same rules to all arriving passengers. This means that regardless of travel history, transit passengers can utilise the facilities in the transit area without COVID-19 testing requirements.
It is important to note that individual countries may have their own testing requirements for incoming travellers, including transit passengers. For example, Ethiopia requires all passengers over 12 to be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, while Colombia has similar requirements for unvaccinated individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific requirements of your destination country or any countries you may be transiting through.
Furthermore, some countries, like Canada, have removed all COVID-19-related travel restrictions, including testing and proof of vaccination. Thus, it is essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and updates for your specific transit or destination country.
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Transit passengers can use airport facilities
From 22 February 2022, transit passengers through Changi Airport in Singapore are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test and can make use of the transit facilities. This includes shopping, dining, and airline lounges.
Changi Airport offers a range of facilities for transit passengers, including transit hotels with flexible booking hours and comfortable accommodations. The Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Ambassador Transit Hotel, and JetQuay Suite provide short stays during the day or overnight. The JetQuay Suite package includes a shower, meal, and lounge access. Transit passengers can also access a variety of dining venues in each airport terminal.
The airport also features a Skytrain system for convenient transfers between the four main passenger terminal buildings. The Skytrain service is free and operates from 05:00 to 02:30, connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3. During non-operational hours, travellers can transfer between terminals by foot via inter-terminal travelators. A complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle bus service is also available between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Additionally, Changi Airport offers a Free Singapore Tour for transit passengers with a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. This tour provides a glimpse of Singapore's attractions, including the Jewel Changi Airport and the neighbouring Changi Precinct, which boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage.
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Free Singapore Tour for transfer and transit passengers
The Free Singapore Tour for transfer and transit passengers has been relaunched as of April 3, 2023, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour was initially introduced in 1987 to promote Singapore Changi Airport as an attractive transfer hub and entice passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination.
Tour Details
The Free Singapore Tour is designed to give transit and transfer passengers at Changi Airport a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer, including its unique attractions and cultural heritage. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is available daily, with plans to increase to nine tours per day.
Eligibility
Transit and transfer passengers with a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours are eligible to join the tour. Participants must have a valid entry visa for Singapore.
Tour Options
The City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour, and Jewel Tour have been refreshed to include new points of interest. The City Sights Tour now includes the Civic District, where travellers can visit national monuments such as the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge, and The Padang. The Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, offering an insight into Singapore's multicultural heritage. The Jewel Tour highlights sustainability features, including the Eco Community Garden at Our Tampines Hub and environmental initiatives at Gardens by the Bay.
Additionally, a brand-new Changi Precinct Tour has been introduced, showcasing the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport.
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Transit passengers must wear masks and social distance
As of 22 February 2022, transit passengers through Singapore Changi Airport are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test. Transit passengers are also permitted to make full use of the transit facilities, including shopping and dining.
However, all passengers arriving in Singapore, including transit passengers, must wear a mask at all times and practise social distancing. This means that transit passengers must wear masks that cover their nose and mouth, and maintain a safe distance from others wherever possible.
In addition to wearing masks and social distancing, transit passengers may be subject to other COVID-19 measures implemented by the airport. For example, upon arrival, transit passengers may be guided to a transit holding area or transit hotel. Those with tight connection times may be ushered directly to the departure gate.
It is important to note that COVID-19 measures and requirements can change rapidly, so it is always advisable to check for the latest updates and guidelines from official sources before travelling.
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Transit passengers may need to quarantine
As of 22 February 2022, Singapore no longer requires transit passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test or remain in a Transit Holding Area. However, individual airlines may still have their own COVID-19 testing requirements for boarding, so it is important to check with your airline before travelling. Additionally, transit passengers with a long layover may need to comply with local quarantine rules at their destination.
For example, in San Francisco, if you have an overnight layover, you are exempt from quarantine as long as you stay at a hotel near the airport. This exemption applies because the airport is technically located in San Mateo County, which has different rules from San Francisco County. Similarly, Los Angeles County only "recommends" a two-week quarantine and requires travellers to fill out paperwork acknowledging the guidelines. Transit passengers are exempt from this rule as well. On the other hand, Santa Clara County, which includes San Jose International Airport, requires anyone coming from outside the Bay Area to quarantine.
In Australia, all travellers entering the country generally need to quarantine for 14 days unless they meet a quarantine exemption category. Quarantine requirements are managed at the state and territory level, so it is important to check the rules with the respective government authority. For example, travellers who have been in New Zealand for 14 days prior to their travel to Australia may be able to enter "quarantine-free" if they have not been in a COVID-19 outbreak location. Additionally, certain travellers, such as airline crew members, may be exempt from the 14-day mandatory quarantine requirements without applying for an exemption.
In some cases, specific countries may have restrictions on transit passengers. For instance, Brunei generally bans most foreign nationals from transiting through the country, except for those on official travel, students, and individuals undergoing medical treatment, among other categories. It's important to review the specific regulations for your destination or transit location to understand the quarantine requirements for transit passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of 22 February 2022, Singapore Changi Airport no longer requires transit passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test.
It depends on your final destination. If you are returning to the UK, you will not need to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. However, you may need to quarantine if you are transiting through certain other countries. It is recommended that you check the latest guidance from your home and destination governments before travelling.
Yes, all passengers arriving in Singapore must wear a mask at all times and practise social distancing. Transit passengers must also submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arriving in Singapore, unless they are not seeking immigration clearance.
