Singapore Suspends Sale of 'No-Quarantine Entry' Air Tickets Amid Omicron Spread

Suspension of New Sales for Flight and Bus Tickets from the 23rd to January 20 of Next Year

On the 2nd, passengers are checking in for their flights at the Singapore Airlines counter in the departure hall of Singapore Changi International Airport. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Singapore will suspend the sale of quarantine-free entry air and bus tickets for fully vaccinated travelers for four weeks to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, 'Omicron.'

According to foreign media including CNBC on the 22nd (local time), the Singapore government announced that this measure will be implemented for four weeks starting from the 23rd.

Currently, Singapore allows quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated travelers from 24 countries, including South Korea, Australia, India, Malaysia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The Singapore Ministry of Health made this decision amid growing concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant, stating, "This measure aims to secure time to study and understand Omicron while strengthening medical capacity," and added, "Additionally, we will increase vaccination rates to enhance defense against the variant virus."

Health officials predicted that the number of issued air tickets will decrease to less than half of the current volume. However, travelers who have already purchased air or bus tickets will be allowed quarantine-free entry.

Nevertheless, these travelers must undergo PCR testing upon arrival, refrain from large gatherings or dining out for seven days, and take daily tests.

So far, Singapore has reported 65 cases of Omicron infections among overseas arrivals. There is also a growing trend of spread with six local Omicron infection cases nationwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.