Indonesia-Singapore Agree On Travel Corridor During COVID-19 Pandemic

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesia and Singapore have agreed on a travel corridor arrangement (TCA ) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is earmarked for important business trips as well as diplomatic and official travel.

The travel corridor arrangement which Singapore authorities call a reciprocal green lane (RGL) will come into effect October 26.

"This means that both countries will start accepting applications on October 26, 2020. Travel will be made immediately within a few days according to the immigration e-visa application process for Indonesia and safe travel pass for Singapore," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi when launching TCA Indonesia -Singapore online, reported by Antara, Monday, October 12.

Stating that the Indonesia-Singapore TCA does not apply to ordinary trips or tours, Retno stressed that the implementation of strict health protocols will be a major part of the arrangement.

Under this arrangement, an applicant from Indonesia must have a sponsor from the government or a company in Singapore to apply for a safe travel pass , while an applicant from Singapore must have a government or company sponsor in Indonesia to apply for a visa online to the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

Regarding temporary exits at two points, namely Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal Singapore and Batam Center Ferry Terminal for sea travel and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Changi International Airport for air travel.

Then regarding the PCR test requirements, there will be two tests, namely the first test within 72 hours before departure and the second test upon arrival at the airport or ferry terminal.

The PCR test results referred to must be issued by a health institution that is jointly recognized by the two countries. The list of health institutions will soon be submitted based on the agreement between the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Singapore Ministry of Health.

"The PCR test performed at his own expense by each applicant (petitioner)," the minister said Retno.

Applicants from Indonesia who meet the requirements must register for the TraceTogether and SafeEntry applications while in Singapore, while applicants from Singapore must register for the e-HAC and PeduliLindung applications while in Indonesia.

"The remaining time until October 26 will be used by the teams of the two countries to coordinate and continue to finalize preparations at the technical level, so that their respective systems are truly ready to accept TCA / RGL applications," said Retno.

Before Singapore, Indonesia had agreed and implemented a travel corridor with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Korea and China.