Health alerts, Travel alerts and Travel advisories

Travellers are advised to take heed the Travel Advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and other health and travel alerts from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Special attention should be given to personal protection precautions, in particular hand hygiene, and the monitoring for symptoms and signs of illness following travel.

Travellers should also refer to the Ministry of Health's FAQs on travel for some of the common questions on SARS and travel.

Arrivals to Singapore

The screening of arriving passengers has been on-going. At present, there is no need to activate the screening of departing passengers as the current SARS case is an isolated one and public health risk is low.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to activate pre-departure screening measures quickly should the need arise. Persons arriving in Singapore should be aware of the following:

• All inbound travellers will have their temperature screened with thermal scanners before they pass through immigration checks.
• A Health Alert Notice would also be distributed to all passengers.
• To be vigilant for Symptoms of SARS for 10 days after leaving any SARS-affected areas and seek medical attention immediately if you are unwell.

Departures from Singapore

Singaporeans travelling to other countries are responsible for their own health and well-being. They should have the necessary travel insurance coverage and should contact their insurance companies to find out the extent of their coverage prior to departure.

Persons who fall ill overseas and require medical attention should seek treatment at a local hospital. Please note that medical evacuation to another country would require the permission of the local government, medical advice that the patient is fit to travel and the approval of the receiving country.

Persons resident in countries where local transmission of SARS has been reported, and who have chronic illnesses, should seek medical advice about the need for extra precautions.

Singaporeans who require assistance while overseas can approach the Singapore Mission in that country for help.