This just in: starting from May, Singapore will accept visitors who use the Covid-19 digital travel passes, according to a spokesperson from Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore in a statement on Monday, April 5. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) mobile travel pass can be accepted for pre-departure checks, where travellers can get clearance to fly to and enter Singapore by showing a smartphone application containing digital certificates for Covid-19 tests and vaccines.
The pass has been successfully tested by Singapore Airlines. Since then, more than 20 carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, are also testing the pass. IATA's digital travel pass is being regarded as essential for reopening air travel, as many countries still have strict restrictions or quarantines in place. The app will be available for download in the second half of this month.
Currently, travellers are required to take pre-departure COVID-19 swab tests within 72 hours of their flights in order to travel to Singapore – and the results will have to be presented at airport check-in and on arrival.
This is major news, especially since our tourism sector has been experiencing a massive dip since Singapore closed its borders last year. Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been encouraging Singaporeans to explore their own backyards with the SingapoRediscovers vouchers, which is set to expire in June.
Talks are still underway with Hong Kong and Australia to start travel bubbles that would replace mandatory quarantine with tests – but this is brilliant news for everyone!
Read more:
All you need to know about Singapore's existing travel arrangements
Singapore and Australia in talks to launch a travel bubble in July
Singapore in talks to open a travel corridor to Batam and Bintan