SINGAPORE – Eligible travelers to Singapore from the United States, Australia and most countries in Europe can now have their Covid-19 tests done before departure through virtually supervised rapid antigen testing (ART) .

This would be more convenient and, in some cases, save travelers money.

But the option is not yet available for short-term visitors such as tourists.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in an update on its website earlier this month that the virtually supervised testing option will be available to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and license holders. work permit from certain countries.

These countries include India, the United Kingdom, member states of the European Union, and several countries in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Health has stated that travelers wishing to take advantage of this new option should only use ART kits that are approved for distribution/use in Singapore or relevant countries.

He also reminded travelers that the test must be taken within two days before departure for Singapore.

The Straits Times (ST) has contacted the Department of Health for more details on how countries are considered eligible for the scheme.

The Ministry of Health had launched a pilot program in January for those taking Covid-19 ART to do so via video consultations with health care providers.

These tests can now be used for pre-departure testing for those traveling outside of Singapore and registered routine testing.

Patients with Covid-19 can use virtually supervised ARVs to register their infections in national registries. Tests usually cost less than $30.

As of Tuesday, March 22, 27 service providers are able to virtually oversee pre-departure ARTs for travelers to Singapore.

Healthcare providers told ST they expect a rapid increase in demand for these virtually supervised tests.