Singapore advises against all non-essential travels, bans short-term visitors from 7 countries

Singapore has issued an advisory for its citizens to defer all non-essential travel overseas. 

A mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) will also be issued to all incoming residents and long-term pass holders from Mainland China (excluding Hubei), Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland, or UK.

The  measure will take effect on March 16, 11.59pm. 

Photo courtesy: STB
Photo courtesy: STB

The country is also barring transit and entry of incoming short-term visitors from Mainland China, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea and Spain. Those from ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland and UK will be required to serve a 14-day SHN.

In  addition, nationals of ASEAN countries must submit requisite health information before entering, and approval is needed before traveling to Singapore.

Ministry of Health (MOH) added in a statement that the SHN will not apply to S'poreans and Malaysians at land and sea crossings with Malaysia.

Those on SHN need to submit proof of SHN residence, and remain there at all times for 14 days. They also need to undergo swab test even if they are not displaying any symptoms.