Rachel NguAmid the worsening COVID-19 situation globally, countries are taking precautionary measures against the coronavirus. Several countries have begun to issue travel advisories for East Asian destinations, including Singapore. Regulations such as compulsory screening and quarantine are being imposed on Singaporean tourists travelling there.
Here is a list of countries which have issued travel warnings for Singapore in chronological order:
North Korea – 22 Jan
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has imposed a ban on all foreign tourists, temporarily suspending tourists from entering the country. Pyongyang receives tourists largely from China, from which travel agencies have since cancelled bookings.
Papua New Guinea – 29 Jan
Papua New Guinea has announced a ban on all travellers from Asian ports due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Locals returning from Asian countries will be required to undergo a quarantine for at least 20 days prior to entry.
Kuwait – 8 Feb
Kuwait has issued a travel advisory urging their citizens to postpone travel plans to Singapore until the situation is ameliorated. As the number of cases rise in Singapore, the Kuwait Embassy has also encouraged Kuwait citizens in Singapore to leave at the earliest time possible.
Qatar – 9 Feb
A day after Kuwait’s travel warning for Singapore, the Embassy of the State of Qatar issued a similar warning advising all Qatari citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Singapore. Qatari citizens are highly advised to postpone non-urgent travels to Singapore until the situation improves.
South Korea – 11 Feb
South Korea is among the countries which have issued travel warnings for Singapore. The South Korean government announced travel alerts to Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. These countries are in addition to China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
Taiwan – 11 Feb
Taiwan’s Center for Disease Control has placed Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand under travel advisories. Citizens are advised against all non-essential trips to the aforementioned countries to minimize risk of community spread of COVID-19.
Malaysia (Sarawak) – 12 Feb [Updated]
The Malaysian state of Sarawak had initially enforced 14-day self-home quarantine on travellers with travel history to Singapore. In a recent update, the State Disaster Management Committee has announced that a lift on the quarantine. They strongly advise all visitors to adhere to precautionary measures stipulated by the Sarawak Health Department.
Israel – 17 Feb
Israel has banned incoming travellers with travel history to these four East Asian countries: Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. Additionally, Israeli nationals returning from these countries and China are required to be home-quarantined for 14 days. Non-essential travels to these territories are not advised.
Saudi Arabia – 19 Feb [Updated]
The Saudi National Center for Disease Prevention and Control has advised its citizens to defer non-essential travel plans to Singapore. In an updated news alert, the government has issued a temporary travel ban on all individuals with tourist visas from countries with confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks, according to the criteria established by Saudi health authorities.
India – 22 Feb
Most recently, India has issued a travel advisory on Singapore as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. Indian citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore. In addition, they are implementing universal screenings at airports for passengers on incoming flights from Kathmandu, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Also read: Travel Waivers Offered Due To COVID-19 Outbreak
With all these countries issuing travel advisories for Singapore, is it safe to travel to Singapore amidst the novel coronavirus?
The Singapore government has been going to great lengths to keep the spread of the virus at bay through a multitude of precautionary measures in place. Despite Singapore being one of the most-infected countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) officials have praised the efforts of Singapore in tackling and tracing COVID-19, even as to encourage other countries to follow its example.
Our best bet now is to exercise discernment and take precautions towards personal hygiene. Stay safe everyone!
