Singapore removes entry approval requirement for eligible long-term pass holders

LTPHs include those who hold a long term visit pass, immigration exemption order, student pass, employment pass, entrepass, personalised employment pass, tech.pass, training employment pass, work holiday pass, dependant’s pass or S pass. Work permit holders are not included.

LTPHs have been required to obtain approval before entering Singapore since March 2020, to limit the number of imported Covid-19 cases into Singapore. The approval requirement was removed at the end of February.

Mayumi Soh of Pinsent Masons MPillay, the Singapore joint law venture between MPillay and Pinsent Masons said: “The removal of the entry approval requirement is consistent with the general trend of Singapore opening its borders up for cross-border travel. LTPHs should still take note of the general existing immigration entry requirements.”

According to a statement by the MOM, eligible pass holders entering via a vaccinated travel lane (VTL) do longer need to apply for a vaccinated travel pass (VTP). Eligible pass holders entering via a non-VTL route, such as the Work Pass Holder General Lane, no longer need to apply for an approval for entry. All entrants must follow other existing immigration entry requirements and health protocols.

Work permit holders such as migrant domestic workers and workers in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, who enter Singapore via VTL must still apply for a VTP. Those who have work permits and enter via non-VTL channels must still apply for entry approval.