It's official! Singapore and Hong Kong's air travel bubble agreement will take effect starting from Nov 22. The scheme will start with one flight a day into each city with a quota of 200 travellers per flight, which will be increased to two flights a day from Dec 7.
There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel, and no need for a controlled itinerary.
However, the arrangement will be suspended for two weeks if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of unlinked Covid-19 cases is more than five in either Singapore or Hong Kong.
Travellers must also meet the following eligibility criteria and adhere to prevailing border control measures and public health requirements.
- Travelers from either side must test negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours from their scheduled departure.
In lieu of serving quarantine or stay-home notices, all travellers will be required to test negative 72 hours before their scheduled departure.
Those departing from Singapore will need to apply to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to take the Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at least seven days prior to departure, with a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong.
Those travelling from Dec 1 onwards would not need to apply for approval, and can go directly to one of the 600 clinics and private healthcare providers in Singapore to get their PCR tests done.
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, travellers from Singapore will be required to take another Covid-19 test and remain at the airport until the results are confirmed. This could take about four hours. Make sure to book and pay for your tests before departing from Singapore!
- Only those who have remained in Singapore or Hong Kong for the last 14 days prior to departure are eligible to fly under the new bubble.
Unfortunately, holders of work permits and S Passes in the construction, marine shipyard or process sectors are excluded from the arrangement.
- Hong Kong travellers flying to Singapore must apply for an air travel pass and download Singapore's TraceTogether mobile app.
Hong Kong travellers to Singapore must download and register for the TraceTogether app on their phones, and ensure that it is activated throughout their stay. They must also keep the app on their phones for 14 days after leaving Singapore.
- All travellers must comply with prevailing public health and safe distancing measures
That includes wearing masks and observing limits on group gatherings, along with other safety measures imposed by the destination country.
- If travelers in either countries contract Covid-19, they are to bear the full cost of medical treatment, subject to the policies of the respective cities.
To avoid the hassle, make sure to follow the rules, wash your hands, and wear a mask.
Safe travels everyone!