Singapore
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Restrictions on short-term stays which in most cases is defined as under 90 days.
- Restrictions on long-term stays which in most cases is defined as over 90 days.
The types of restriction are:
- HIV testing/disclosure required for work visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for study visa.
- HIV testing/disclosure required for residence.
- Ban on work.
- Ban on residence.
- Deportation based on HIV status.
Restrictions on entry to Singapore
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Singapore based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS, Singapore deports non-nationals on the basis of HIV status. However, it does not report any HIV testing or disclosure requirements on entry.
The US Department of State reports to be unaware of any HIV entry restrictions for visitors to Singapore.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Singapore
We are aware of some official restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV in Seychelles.
According to UNAIDS, Singapore requires HIV testing for work and study permits.
According to the US Department of State, non-national workers applying for an employment pass are required to undergo a medical screening for HIV, and a positive test will result in the rejection of an application.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Singapore
We are aware of some official restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Seychelles.
According to UNAIDS, Singapore requires HIV testing for residence permits and denies these on the basis of HIV status.
According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arriving in Singapore. Travellers entering Singapore, including residents and visitors, should submit a health declaration as part of the SGAC submission. The electronic health declaration is in place for purposes of disease control, specifically to guard against importing diseases of concern, to protect the health of Singapore residents. Those who make false declarations may be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Historic regulations in Singapore
For more than two decades, non-nationals living with HIV were not allowed to set foot in Singapore. However, the Guardian reported that the ban on those entering on short-term visit passes was lifted on 1 April 2015, but will limit their stay to a maximum of three months.
Treatment access in Singapore
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Seychelles. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
Singapore’s public healthcare facilities are exclusive for its citizens and permanent residents who are entitled to subsidised care based on their contributions to a national insurance scheme. Private healthcare facilities are more costly than their public ones. While Singapore’s healthcare standards are high, the cost of medical treatment is a concern for many. Medical expenses can vary depending on factors such as the type of treatment, the healthcare facility, and whether you’re a public or private patient. It’s prudent to be financially prepared for unexpected medical bills, especially for complex treatments and procedures.
For lower-income citizens government schemes can cover up to 100% of treatment costs, and HIV medication is subsidised by 50-75%. Rates of subsidies for permanent resident non-nationals are lower than for citizens.
There are several hospitals and clinics across the island where HIV treatment is dispensed. Costs for basic HIV treatment vary greatly with substantial subsidies for Singaporeans and permanent residents in government hospitals. Private clinic costs can range from $400 to $1,200.
More information is available on the website of Action for AIDS Singapore.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Singapore page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
