The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Wednesday (Sep 23) that Singapore will trial a new business travel pass for senior executives with regional or international responsibilities. The pass is specifically for senior executives who need to travel regularly for official and business purposes.
As it’s still in its pilot phase, applications are not open. Senior executives who meet the criteria set by the government and economic agencies will be given the green light.
#2: Individuals must comply with the rules
The chosen ones must follow strict public health safeguards set by the authorities.
They will keep to a controlled itinerary. Speaking of which, individuals will have to submit an itinerary of their meetings and activities, including a list of places they will visit and information on the people they will be interacting with.
#3: The travel pass does not replace any international restrictions
Image Credits: Korean Air
Though these travel pass holders are able to travel to a range of countries, they must stick to the measures set by the countries they are visiting. Reciprocal bilateral green lane conditions would also apply.
Singapore currently has cross-border travel arrangements with China, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, and South Korea. Discussions on a reciprocal green lane with Indonesia is on its way.
#4: A health declaration to be completed
Before their return to Singapore, these business travellers must fill in a health declaration form to pledge that they are symptoms-free and have not come into close contact with any COVID-19 patients.
#5: Undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival
Upon arriving in Singapore, individuals must take a PCR test in lieu of serving a stay-home notice. Until the test results are out, they must self-isolate from the public.
#6: Avoid all forms of public transport within 14 days of return
Image Credits: TODAYonline
According to GoBusiness, these senior executives should avoid all forms of public transport within 14 days of their return. In addition to that, they must use TraceTogether. Those who do not keep to the rules will have their travel pass cancelled.
#7: Authorities will consider expanding the scheme
While there is no fixed timeline for the business travel pass pilot scheme at the moment, the authorities will consider expanding the scheme should the pilot prove to be successful.
With that said, GoBusiness states that public health remains a priority. Before any further plans can be made, the relevant parties will carefully monitor this pilot program.
The vouchers can be spent on local attractions, tours, and hotels.
No limits will be given in the number of vouchers used on a single transaction.
Vouchers are valid from December to June 2021.
Attraction operators will be able to apply for an increase in their operating capacities.
Singaporeans aged 18 and above will receive S$100 in virtual SingapoRediscovers vouchers to spend on leisure attractions, local tours, and hotel staycations. These SingapoRediscovers Vouchers will be accessible through SingPass from December and can be used to offset ticket purchases and hotel bookings until June 2021.
Permanent residents will not be eligible for these vouchers.
Adult Singaporeans will be able to purchase up to six subsidized tickets for attractions and tours – each at S$10 off too. These subsidized tickets can be given to Singaporeans under the age of 18. The validity of these subsidized tickets spans from December to the end of June 2021.
Last Wednesday, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the duration of this program is timely as it coincides with the December, March, and June holidays. He stressed that this is an “economic scheme to help our tourist attractions preserve their capabilities that have been built up over their years while they consolidate the capacity in the interim”.
Because the tourism sector was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the $320 million SingapoRediscovers Vouchers program was part of the Government’s efforts to boost tourism in the country.
Since the SingPass is the primary mode of issuing these vouchers, it is a distinct identifier that will be less susceptible to fraudulent activities. The Government will design other anti-fraud mechanisms into the system as they work with the eventual appointed platform operators.
LARGER CAPACITY LIMITS FOR ATTRACTIONS
From September 18 onwards, attractions may apply for an increase in their operating capacity from 25% to 50%. The applications are subjected to the approval of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Attractions can also apply for an increase in the capacity of their outdoor shows. The maximum is five zones with 50 people per zone. These are all subjected to safety management measures.
CURRENT TOURISM STATUS
40 attractions, 214 hotels, and 438 tour itineraries were given the green light to resume operations with safety management measures in place. These numbers include Singapore’s 4 wildlife parks, hotels on Sentosa, and guided tours in Pulau Ubin. You will have a myriad of options to think about as you rediscover our own backyard.
With more than 200 deals and packages launched by the local tourism sector, the SingapoRediscovers vouchers will encourage more Singaporeans to see what the Red Dot has to offer. STB chief executive Keith Tan said that while F&B and retail businesses are part of their marketing campaigns, the core beneficiaries of these vouchers will be hotels, attractions, and tours.
What is nice about this program is that there are no limits in the number of vouchers you can use in a single transaction. The S$10 vouchers can be used across different visits or used up in a single staycation package.
The means as to how you use your vouchers is completely up to you!
While borders are slowly reopening for business travellers and official travel, restrictions for leisure travel probably won’t be lifted so soon. If you’re an avid traveller, we feel you.
For those who are dying to travel, these wallpapers and decals are a great visual reminder that the pandemic will be over one day. When that time arrives, we will be able to explore the world again!
#1: Above The Clouds
Image Credits: Hello Circus
Price: S$95 / sqm
Are you a window-, middle-, or aisle-seat kind of person? One of the greatest things about getting a window seat is the view above the clouds. Oh boy, how we miss those cotton candy clouds up from above.
Whether you choose to have this backdrop in the bedroom, study room, or home office space, it will definitely bring you back to the happy times you were up in the skies.
A few months back in June, we read with excitement how the Eiffel Tower reopened after a three-month break due to COVID-19. Though… it will be some time before we can travel to Paris to view the iconic tower.
Travellers who have treaded the grounds of Champ de Mars and seen the 300-m tall wrought-iron lattice tower can now travel back in time with this wallpaper.
Sold by Hello Circus, they are made-to-measure and numbered accordingly with the DIY installation in mind. You may also request for an installation hire at an additional cost. Get your quote from the team by clicking this link.
#3: London Houses
Image Credits: Hello Circus
Price: S$95 / sqm
This wallpaper of London houses reflects Hello Circus’s view of the townhouses at Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood in London and home to one of London’s best markets – Portobello Road Market.
This unique piece is created with 2D drawings, arranged, and photographed in 3D. It will be printed on high-quality non-woven paper in factories with the highest standards from Europe. Reinforced with nylon fibres, your wallpaper will also be resistant to colour fading.
The world’s under your watch with this world map wallpaper. Ignite your passion for adventure with this eco-friendly, child-safe, and highly durable piece from Urban Li’l. This wallpaper is produced locally in Singapore and will require about two weeks to be ready.
To order, simply click through the link to input the measurements here. Then, cart out at S$0 and the team will get back to you with a quotation of the actual price. Payment can be made offline. Oh yes, the site measurement fee at an additional S$50 is refundable upon a confirmed order.
For other colours or designs, the team at Urban Li’l can create it for you at no extra costs! Drop them a request on [email protected] or WhatsApp them using the bottom right-hand icon on their website.
#5: Wall Decals
Price: To be quoted
If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale wallpaper for your living spaces, wall decals are great to begin with. Here are some designs that caught our eye.
This quote speaks volume of the hearts of travel lovers. As we await the pandemic to pass, may our hearts grow fonder with the thought of seeing the world again soon.
For more travel-related wall art decals from The Hidden Folks, click here.
#6: Wall Decor
To complement your wallpapers and wall decals, you can also consider wall decors. We found a few eye-catching designs from Etsy.
Glove trotters will appreciate this scratch-off world map to remind them of the adventures they have gone through while abroad. You can choose to have yours done in gold or silver foil.
For all things retro, get this printable set of 12 travel posters. You can instantly download and print once payment is confirmed. The seller recommends that you print this on matte finish paper to reduce glare and bring out the rich colour.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (Sep 3), Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said together with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, the two discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which began from Aug 17.
Both have agreed that the execution of the two schemes have been generally smooth and effective. “We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries,” wrote the Malaysian leader.
Hopes for daily commuting of workers
Image Credits: The Straits Times
He added, “I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalize the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers.”
“We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and… gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic.”
FAQs on the RGL and PCA
Image Credits: AsiaOne
With so much about COVID-19 reported in the news these days, it’s hard to keep up with the changes in travel advisories. At the time of writing, Singapore and Malaysia currently have two cross-border travel schemes in place – RGL and PCA.
The RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to travel for up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes only. As for the PCA, Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country can enter for work.
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions for individuals who are keen to travel between the countries:
#1: Is emergency travel for compassionate reasons, to attend a funeral or visit a sick loved one, allowed?
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Jul 26 that both countries were working on terms to allow people to travel between Singapore and Malaysia on compassionate reasons. Authorities are working out arrangements to make it possible.
#2: Is travel for study or leisure purposes permitted via RGL or PCA?
No, the RGL and PCA are not to facilitate movement for students or tourists across the border. Those seeking to enter Singapore for study can visit the ICA website. As for those looking to enter Malaysia for purposes other than essential business and official travel should contact the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore for more deets.
#3: How can Malaysian citizens/Permanent Residents (PRs) holding a Singapore work permit apply for PCA and when can they return home?
Under the PCA, Malaysia Citizens and PRs with valid Singapore work passes should remain in Singapore for at least 90 days before returning to Malaysia for home leave. Those eligible to apply will need to have the following passes – Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. The pass should be valid for at least 15 days from the date of entry into Singapore.
The entry and exit point between Singapore and Malaysia must be via the land crossings – Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.
When they enter Singapore, travellers under this scheme need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) of at least 7 days and undertake a COVID-19 swab test. The employee must remain in the declared SHN accommodation for at least 7 days from the date of entry into Singapore and test negative for COVID-19, whichever is later. Once the employee has served the SHN and tests negative for COVID-19, the employee can commence work.
Singapore-based companies that wish to apply for the PCA for their employees may submit their applications through CorpPass. Employers may choose a date of entry within a 60-day window of their application. They must submit their applications at least 7 days before their employees enter Singapore.
#4: For Malaysia citizens/PRs who have entered Singapore via PCA, what are some of the health protocols involved?
After clearing immigration, the employees will have to take their personal transport. These include motorbikes, private buses that only ferry Malaysian passengers who are serving SHN, or taxis and private hire cars directly from the immigration checkpoint to the declared SHN accommodation. They should not stop at any other destination along the journey.
Employees should indicate clearly to the driver that they are serving an SHN. The employee should not take public transport or flag down a taxi while serving the SHN.
Those under SHN can only leave their accommodation to head to the designated testing facility for the COVID-19 swab test on the assigned date and appointment time of swabbing, with similar transportation restrictions.
The employee or the employer will bear the costs of the employee’s accommodation for the SHN and post-arrival COVID-19 swab test in Singapore, subject to prevailing Ministry of Manpower requirements.
#5: For Singapore citizens/PRs holding a Malaysia work permit, how different is the procedure to obtain PCA?
The minimum duration of stay, as well as the entry and exit points, are the same. Those eligible to apply for a PCA must hold a long term visa for business or work purposes in Malaysia.
Employers can apply for PCA for their employees to enter Malaysia via the MyTravelPass online application at least 10 working days before the date of travel. Employers also need to provide a letter of appointment and a copy of the passport during the application.
Meanwhile, as part of the health protocols outlined by Malaysia’s Immigration Department, employees will be subject to a modified Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 7 days.
They must also undertake a COVID-19 test via antibody test kits at the end of HSO and will be released from HSO if tested negative. Travellers must also subscribe to the MySejahtera application, developed by the Malaysia government to manage the COVID-19 outbreak and conduct contact tracing across the country.
These travellers may also apply for a waiver for their SHN during the duration of their short-term home leave in Singapore, after spending at least 90 days working in Malaysia.
According to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the intent of the Malaysia-issued PCA passes is to allow Singapore Citizens and PRs to re-enter Malaysia after their home leave, to continue with their business or work. In lieu of SHN, the returnee will undergo a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore, at their own cost.
#6: How can a Singapore resident apply for RGL to visit Malaysia?
All nationalities who are legal residents in Singapore and need to enter Malaysia for essential business travel and official purposes can apply for RGL. Approval is on a single-entry basis.
Unlike the PCA where employees may only travel via the land crossings, individuals entering the other country via RGL may also travel via air. Hence, Singapore residents may also fly to Malaysia via direct flights and enter through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, and Penang International Airport.
The maximum period of stay is 14 days and travellers need to submit and adhere to a controlled itinerary throughout the duration of their visit.
Before departing Singapore for Malaysia, the traveller’s sponsoring enterprise or government agency in Malaysia must apply on behalf of the applicant at least 10 days before the date of travel. The sponsor would also need to provide a traveller certificate to certify that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19 via a swab test taken within 72 hours before departure.
Documents needed for online application are a copy of the traveller’s passport, letter of invitation, an itinerary for the duration of stay, proof of hotel accommodation as well as health and travel history declaration.
Upon arrival in Malaysia, the traveller will transfer to the accommodation via transport by the sponsor or government agency. The traveller is also required to subscribe to the MySejahtera mobile app and undertake a COVID-19 swab test at the point of entry or 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.
If tested positive, the traveller will be accorded the necessary medical treatment by the Malaysia government. If tested negative, the traveller may proceed with the controlled itinerary.
#7: Is the process any different for Malaysia residents applying for RGL to enter Singapore?
All legal residents in Malaysia, who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel to Singapore for business and official purposes, are eligible to apply for the RGL. Similarly, travellers have to take a swab test within 72 hours of departure.
Residents in Malaysia seeking to travel to Singapore for short-term essential business or official travel via the RGL must be hosted by a company or a government agency in Singapore.
The host company can self-sponsor and file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller either directly or through a sponsoring government agency. Upon approval, the sponsoring company or government agency will receive a letter by email within three working days.
With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder may then apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels at least four working days before departure.
If the applicant already has an existing valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved, and the traveller need not apply for a new visa.
For travellers entering Singapore by air, it’s advisable to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test prior to entry into Singapore. Preregistration and pre-payment can be made at the online portal and travellers should expect to pay around S$300 for the test upon arrival at the airport.
For travellers entering Singapore by land, travellers will make payment via card or PayPal at the testing stations located at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint. Travellers should expect to pay around S$200 for the test upon arrival at the land checkpoints.
Unless you live in a cave or away from social media, it’s impossible to not know the updates to Singapore’s travel advisory. Yesterday (Aug 21), we wrote about how the current travel advisory to defer all travel abroad will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand.
So, we are keeping our fingers crossed for Brunei. As we await good news from the authorities in Brunei, let’s take a look at some top-rated Airbnbs you can book for your upcoming trip.
We’re starting our list off with the cheapest option! At only S$35/night, you get a double bed good for two guests. There is one bathroom with a shower area. The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments is situated in the Sungai Liang area, approximately an hour drive from Brunei International Airport.
For those travelling with your family and friends, you can book this entire house located at Bunut Perpindahan. Looking just at the price, we are honestly speechless. Recent guests have given this place a thumbs up for cleanliness! There are two bedrooms – one with a queen-size bed and the other with a bunk bed. This accommodation is a mere 20-minute drive from Brunei International Airport.
For the price you pay for an average boutique hotel room in Singapore, you get a whole bungalow space to yourself. There are two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. You can request for extra floor mattresses if necessary. Similar to our previous listing, you will be situated in the Bunut Perpindahan area, about 20 minutes away from the airport.
This studio flat is an open-concept living space. There is one king-size bed and a single bed right next to each other. You also get a two-desk workstation by a corner of the apartment. You may request for a baby cot from the host if required. It’s on the second floor of a building with plenty of options for dining and entertainment within the vicinity.
This spacious apartment comes with two bedrooms and four super single beds! Sounds like the perfect accommodation for friends travelling together. The lovely host will also pick you up from the airport if you’re arriving between 9am to 10pm. There is also a laundry machine available, suitable for long stays. You will find this apartment in the Berangan area, a 15-minute drive from the airport.
