Singapore to launch green lane for international travel, beginning with China

As Singapore eases circuit breaker measures, it is also looking to restoring some of the people flows between countries via Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) arrangements.

"We will be launching the RGL with China first, while we remain in negotiation with a number of other countries and regions to establish similar RGL arrangements," said Gabriel Lim, Permanent Secretary of Trade and Industry.

The arrangement will begin with essential travels for official and business reasons. 

Photo: Connected to India
Photo: Connected to India

China is one of Singapore's biggest trading partners, while the island-state is one of the largest sources of foreign investment in China.

"There are thousands of people working in each other’s economy. There are even more people who travel for official and business reasons between the two countries," said Lim, explaining the reason for the RGL arrangement with China. 

Under the arrangement, inbound travellers from China to Singapore have to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours before their departure and make sure that the test results are clear. When they land in Singapore, they will take another test. 

The similar procedure applies for outbound travellers, Lim added.