In a recent message circulating on WhatsApp, travelers entering the country through land checkpoints must present some documents to immigration officials. The text message also explained the reasons for requesting these documents.
For example, travelers must present a physical Covid-19 vaccination certificate, as there is no link between the immigration and the Ministry of Health systems, and travelers should not assume that immigration officials have access to their vaccination records; A physical proof of recovery from Covid-19 must be provided when crossing borders; in addition, passengers must also hold an electronic version of the Singapore Arrival Card (SG Arrival Card), as the immigration system cannot detect the information submitted by passengers.
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore clarification
It was emphasized that travelers entering the country through land checkpoints are not required to present a physical certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery.
The Immigration Service clarified that the above information is not true. In fact, travellers do not need to present a physical Covid-19 vaccination certificate when crossing borders, because for Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term document holders who are vaccinated locally, as long as they submit the Singapore Arrival Card, their vaccination record will be It will be authenticated through the Ministry of Health system at the back end; and those residents and foreign visitors who are vaccinated overseas, as long as they successfully upload the electronic version of the vaccination certificate when they submit the Singapore Arrival Card, they do not need to present the physical certificate when they pass through customs.
In addition, under the current Vaccinated Travel Framework, recovered Covid-19 patients are not required to provide proof of Covid-19 recovery when entering Singapore through land checkpoints. Travellers are also not required to show immigration officials proof of their Singapore arrival card submission as this is automatically displayed in the authorities' clearance system.
The Immigration Department reminds travelers to prepare necessary documents such as valid travel documents before arriving at the checkpoint, and submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days before departure. The public should keep up to date with the latest information on travelling under the VTF through the authorities’ official website and social media platforms.
