The Singapore-Hong Kong Travel Bubble: Salient Features

• From 22 November 2020, the Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble will come into effect, allowing short-term tourists to travel between the two countries.
• Visitors must follow strict health protocols, such as a COVID-19 PCR test before departure and, if traveling to Hong Kong, another test upon arrival.
• Singapore has established similar tourism bubbles with China, Brunei, Australia, Vietnam and New Zealand.

Singapore will allow entry of short-term travellers from Hong Kong from 22 November 2020 under the Air Travel Pass (ATP) scheme.

The travel bubble makes travel between the two countries without prolonged quarantines or other restrictive controls. The ATP system allows tourists from countries deemed “low risk” of COVID-19 infection. To date, Singapore has established ATP agreements with China, Brunei, Australia, Vietnam and New Zealand.

In addition to the ATP scheme, Singapore has established “regional green lanes” to facilitate business and official travel from countries deemed “high risk”. These include:

The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble will start with one daily flight to each city, carrying about 200 passengers. From 7 December, this will increase to two flights per day.

from Hong Kong to Singapore

How to apply for ATP?

Short-term visitor applicants from Hong Kong can apply for ATP to enter Singapore. To do this, applicants should visit ATP website.

It is important to note that the application must be made 7 to 30 days before entering Singapore. Travellers must also remain in Hong Kong at least 14 days prior to their departure date.

Once approved by the ATP, an approval letter will be emailed and must be presented to immigration authorities upon arrival. ATP is valid from the date of registration until the following seven calendar days. Travellers can only obtain a visa (if required) after obtaining an ATP.

Requirements before departure

Before travelling to Singapore, applicants must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test no less than 72 hours before departure. The test must be performed at a Hong Kong government-approved testing facility, which can be found here. The certificate must state that the traveler is negative for the disease.

Applicants must also book air tickets designated by the Singapore and Hong Kong governments. these are:

November 22, 2020 (First flight)

CX759 (HKG–SIN) operated by Cathay Pacific

From November 23rd

• CX759 (HKG-SIN) operated by Cathay Pacific; and
• SQ891 (HKG-SIN) is operated by Singapore Airlines.

Although ATP has been approved, travelers cannot be guaranteed tickets for the above mentioned flights. Passengers are responsible for obtaining their own ticket.

Travelers must download and submit the Singapore Arrival Card, which details the applicant’s health and travel history, as well as the place of accommodation in Singapore. Additionally, travelers must download the TraceTogether app, which is designed to assist in contact tracing.

When checking in in Hong Kong, visitors must have the following documents ready:

• ATP approval letter;
• visa (if applicable);
• COVID-19 PCR test result certificate; and
• Download the TraceTogether app on your mobile device.

Arrive and stay in Singapore

Visitors should also present the above items to immigration officials upon arrival in Singapore.

During their stay, all visitors are required to follow any current healthcare protocols, including wearing a mask. The TraceTogether app must be activated throughout their stay in Singapore and within 14 days of leaving the country.

If travelers contract COVID-19 while in Singapore, they must bear the full cost of any applicable treatment and isolation imposed by medical officials.

from Singapore to Hong Kong

Those eligible to fly to Singapore must stay in Hong Kong on the designated flight at least 14 days prior to departure.

Under this arrangement, S-pass holders or other work permit holders issued by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower to work in marine shipyards, construction or processing sectors are not eligible to travel to Hong Kong.

Requirements before departure

Before departure, applicants should apply for a visa (if required) and be tested for COVID-19 at a government-designated testing centre no more than 72 hours before departure.

Applicants should then submit an online health declaration form, which will then generate a QR code. This code is valid for 48 hours and will be scanned upon arrival in Hong Kong.

Applicants must also book and prepay for another COVID-19 test, which will be conducted upon arrival in Hong Kong. More information can be found here. Once done, the system will generate another QR code.

Visitors should present the following documents when checking in at Singapore Changi Airport:

• Health declaration QR code;
• visa (if applicable);
• COVID-19 PCR test result certificate; and
• QR code for testing appointments upon arrival for COVID-19.

Arrival and stay

Upon arrival in Hong Kong, travelers will undergo another COVID-19 PCR test, and they will have to wait at the airport for test results. This should take no more than four hours. Passengers will receive SMS and email notifications.

All visitors must follow the current hygiene protocols established by the Hong Kong government at all times.

Editor’s Note: As of November 22, the launch of the travel bubble has been delayed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.