Updated Singapore Travel Guide for Filipino Travelers

Updated November 28, 2022

It makes me really happy to see that a lot of people are now back to traveling. Singapore has been one of the first countries to open its doors to tourists. It’s amazing how they were able to adapt easily to the “new normal” but what can I say, it’s Singapore.

So before I get swamped again with work stuff, let me share this one quick travel guide.

You probably have seen a dozen blogs about Singapore already but just in case you want to make sure, I created this based on my personal experience and my recent travel to Singapore.

Travel Requirements

“What to prepare when planning for a Singapore trip?”

I have asked the same question a lot of times to many people. Travel guidelines change frequently and if you don’t clarify, you might miss one important piece of information which may lead to inconveniences and delays in your travel.

Since Filipino tourists can enter Singapore visa-free, you will only need to prepare the following:

Vaccinated Tourists

#1 Return Tickets

Filipinos are allowed to stay in Singapore for a maximum of 30 days. Your travel dates should be within 30 days or you have to request an extension from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

First-time travelers and frequent travelers might be asked to present this at the Philippine Immigration checkpoint and in Singapore.

#2 hotel/hostel booking

Singapore accommodations are not that cheap. Although you can find cheaper deals, most affordable accommodations offer capsule or dorm-type rooms. If you’re particular about the bathroom and don’t like to have a shared one (just like me), then you’ll have to set a slightly bigger budget for your accommodations.

I highly suggest reserving your hotel/hostels ahead because prices get high as it nears your travel date. You can always look for free-cancelation accommodations.

Both first-time travelers and frequent travelers might be asked to present this at the Immigration checkpoint.

#3 proof of vaccination

This is one of my frustrations about the PH government agencies. When will we ever evolve and be more coordinated? *sigh*

I know of some people who found it hard to get their vaccination certificate from the Department of Health (DOH) VacxCertPH. It’s either their records won’t show or it’s incomplete.

I’ve reached out to VaxCertPH’s support to update my records and add my booster shots but it seemed impossible as “the system has issues”. They advised me to use my first VaxCert without the booster shots or to request the World Health Organization (WHO) Yellow Card from the Bureau of Quarantine.

So which document is really valid to present during your trip?

These are the acceptable proof of vaccination according to the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine:

World Health Organization (WHO) International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
Vaccination Certificate from the Department of Health VacxCertPH
National or State Manual/Digital Vaccination Certificate of the Country/Foreign Government
Other proof of vaccination permitted by the IATF

These are the acceptable proof of vaccination according to Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority:

Vaccination Certificate (VaxCertPH)
World Health Organization (WHO) International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis issued by the Bureau of Quarantine
EU Digital Covid Certificate (EU DCC)

#4 Travel INSURANCE

I’ve read many blogs about Singapore travel and I’ve seen that having travel insurance is no longer required for vaccinated tourists.

Although Singapore Immigration will not ask for this once you arrive, PH immigration might. I wasn’t asked to present my travel insurance to the immigration officer (both in the PH and in SG) but my friends were asked to present theirs before boarding our flight to Singapore.

I used to dismiss getting travel insurance before but now I find it really essential. It’s not just for your health. Travel insurance can also cover flight delays, trip cancellations, missing or damaged baggage, etc.

#5 Singapore ICA Arrival Card

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration is required before entering Singapore. Tourists planning to visit Singapore are required to accomplish and submit their entry request, individually or by group, up to 72 hours before their arrival.

Getting the SGAC is easy, you just need to fill out the necessary fields just like filling out the old arrival card. A confirmation code will then be sent to your email. You will have to present this at the Singapore Immigration checkpoint.

Download their app on your mobile phone or go to their official website for more information: https://www.ica.gov.sg/

#6 Philippine e-arrival card

Similar to the SGAC, you will need to accomplish and submit an entry request to go back to the Philippines. The Philippine E-Arrival Card used to be the One Health Pass.

Filling it out could be a struggle as sometimes the website crashes. It’s best to get your PH E-arrival Card 48 hours before your flight back to the Philippines. You will need to present this at the check-in counter in Singapore and at the PH Immigration checkpoint on your arrival.

You may request your PH E-arrival Card here: Philippine Arrival Card

Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated Tourists

#1 Pre-Departure Test (PDT)

Within two days before departure, the traveler must take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. The Pre-Departure Test (PDT) report, which shows a negative test result, must be in English (or accompanied by a notarized English Translation), and clearly states the traveler’s name, date of the test, as well as the traveler’s date of birth or passport number per the passport used to travel to Singapore.

A PDT is not required only if you tested positive for COVID-19 between 14 to 90 days before your date of departure for Singapore. You can use this tool to check if the pre-departure test can be waived, and the documentation required to prove your first infection or recovery.

#2 Travel INSURANCE With COVID-19 Coverage

Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated tourists must ensure they have travel insurance covering COVID-19, with at least $30,000 (SGD) of medical coverage. Read the COVID-19 insurance and medical treatment page for more details.

#3 Return Tickets

Filipinos are allowed a maximum of 30 days in Singapore visa-free. Travel dates should be within 30 days or you have to request an extension from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

#4 hotel/hostel booking

Reserve your hotel/hostels ahead as prices get high as it nears your travel date. Singapore accommodations are not cheap. So save some $$ by booking your accommodations early.

#5 Singapore ICA Arrival Card

Download their app on your mobile phone or go to their official website for more information: https://www.ica.gov.sg/

#6 Philippine e-arrival card

Request your PH E-arrival Card 48 hours before your flight back to the Philippines.

For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated tourists 15 years and older

Present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, or other similar establishment taken 24 hours before departure from his/her origin or port of embarkation. Those who fail to present a negative pre-departure test result shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test upon arrival at the airport.
For minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason whatsoever

He/She should follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them.

Singapore Travel Tips

Singapore is not a hard country to explore. Their public transportation system is very efficient and it’s not confusing too. Here are some tips for your next Singapore trip:

Stay connected, get a sim card

You can easily find free WiFi hotspots in Singapore but sometimes it doesn’t work. So if you always want to stay connected, I find it cheaper to just get a sim card than to rent a Pocket WiFi. A sim card with 100 GB data allocation is more than enough for a one-week trip.
Get an EZ-Link card

Instead of buying single-trip tickets every time you ride the train, get this reloadable card you can use for public transport. You can also use it for some retail shopping or dining. An EZ-Link card costs 10 SGD, 5 SGD is usable. You can reload or top up easily in selected MRT stations, bus interchanges and stops, TransitLink Ticket Offices, and 7-Eleven outlets.
Download Singapore MRT App

It’s an offline app you can use to help you plan or check your train routes.
MRT stations inside malls and establishments

The sun is out and you need to go to your next SG spot. I know how Singapore’s heat can be draining. Try going inside the mall! Most malls are connected to an MRT station.
Saving a seat? Leave your bag

For someone who’s from the Philippines, leaving your belongings behind seems scary but not in Singapore. When you see bags, even gadgets, left on tables or chairs in malls, hawker centers, and restaurants, that means someone is saving that spot.
Keep left

If you’re walking or taking the escalator, always keep left, especially when you’re not in a hurry.
Tip or no tip?

Tipping is not actually a part of Singapore’s culture. The staff doesn’t expect tips, so don’t feel obligated. But if you are really happy with the service, tips are most certainly appreciated.
Tap water is drinkable

You can drink water straight from the tap but if you’re not comfortable, you can find hotels and hostels that offer free water for drinking. Buying water can be expensive in Singapore. A small bottle costs approximately 100 Php or 2 USD.
Pack accordingly

Singapore is hot and humid all year round. Pack and wear lightweight or comfortable clothes.
Eat where the locals eat

If you’re like me who likes to try different cuisines, don’t dine at touristy restaurants. You can find a lot of hawker centers and hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Singapore. You just need to do a little bit of research.
Free admission tourist spots

If you don’t mind Singapore’s heat, most tourist spots are walkable. Many of these spots you can enter for free.

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If you want to save some $$$, include these spots in your itinerary:

Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront, Gardens by the Bay

Fort Canning Park
Address: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Nearest MRT Station: Doby Ghaut

CapitaSpring
Address: 88 Market St, Singapore 048948
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place

Sentosa Beaches (Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong)
Nearest MRT Station: Imbiah Station

Old Hill Street, Clarke Quay
Address: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay

Merlion Park
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place

The Float at Marina Bay, Helix Bridge
Address: 20 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039805
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront

Haj Lane, Arab Street, Little India
Address: Kampong Glam
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis

Peranakan Traditional Houses
Address: Singapore, 287 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427540
Nearest MRT Station: Eunos

I’ll be writing a separate entry for our food explorations, budget, and itinerary, so keep posted!

I hope this will help you plan your Singapore trip. If you have questions or need any clarification, feel free to leave a comment or message via e-mail. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

xo,