From January 25, all incoming travelers will have to take a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival.

With the Covid-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, Singapore’s Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that it would be imposing new regulations for arrivals including Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders. Every inbound traveler who enters the Lion City after 11:59 p.m. on January 24 must be tested on arrival regardless of their residency status.

The city-state’s borders remain open to those from Australia, Brunei, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Vietnam who hold an Air Travel Pass, as well as business travelers entering through Reciprocal Green Lane arrangements. But from February 1, all short-term visitors will be required to have travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 (about US$22,550) in case of Covid-19-related medical treatment and hospitalization.

Singapore has also tightened its border restrictions in response to the emergence of more transmissible variants of the virus in specific countries. After serving out their 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities, citizens and permanent residents returning from the United Kingdom and South Africa will have to spend another seven days in self-isolation at home. They will be tested for the coronavirus three times, firstly upon arrival, then at the end of their SHN, and finally after the additional seven-day home isolation period. The new rule will take effect this Wednesday (January 19).

In a statement, the Singaporean health ministry said, “As the global situation evolves, we will continue to adjust our border measures to manage the risk of importation and transmission to the community. The Ministry of Health will also continue to review the data and evidence on any new viral strains and update the measures accordingly.” It added that the SafeTravel website would be updated to reflect any changes to Singapore’s border measures.