CDC Updates Singapore’s Travel Ranking to the Highest Level (Level 4)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just moved Singapore up to the “very high” risk tier for travelers.
That means anything from Level 1 (low) to Level 3 (high) is now a permanent Level 4— the brain‑burner category.
What the CDC Says
- Level 4: Very High Level of Covid‑19 in Singapore.
- “Avoid travel to Singapore if possible.”
- If you absolutely must go: you gotta be fully vaccinated before you leave.
- Even with a vaccine, you’re still at risk for catching or spreading the next Covid‑19 variant.
- Follow Singapore’s rules: wear a mask, keep a six‑foot (1.83 m) distance, and stay handy with hand sanitizer.
Why the Jump?
On Monday, Singapore reported 2,553 new infections. That’s 2,008 newly emerged in the community, 544 in migrant‑worker dorms, and a single imported case. The U.S. State Department already warned against travel on October 18, echoing the CDC’s caution.
Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Comes Afloat
Singapore’s got a lifeline for those who’re fully vaccinated. It’s rolling out a quarantine‑free travel scheme, and the first flight under this arrangement is slated to arrive Wednesday morning at Changi Airport.
- Flight SQ329 – Singapore Airlines from Amsterdam. Departs 11:15 a.m. Dutch time (5:15 p.m. Singapore) on Tuesday and lands 5:55 a.m. on Wednesday.
- Flight SQ23 – U.S. launch from New York. Departs Tuesday evening local time and touches down at 5:20 a.m. on Thursday.
These flights are part of Singapore’s newly expanded VTL list, which now includes the Netherlands and the U.S., along with Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Britain. Sweden, Germany, and Brunei were added earlier in September, with South Korea set to join on November 15.
What You Need to Know if You’re Planning a Trip
- Check the latest CDC level: If Singapore is at Level 4, don’t go unless you’re WHO‑approved.
- Get your COVID‑19 shots up to date before departure.
- Wear a mask around the airport and in crowded places.
- Maintain a six‑foot distance— yes, the distances still matter.
- Stay tuned for any changes in quarantine or VTL rules.
Heads up— the situation can change fast, so keep an eye on the CDC, the Singapore Ministry of Health, and airline updates. Safe travels!
