In Parliament
Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Efforts to Reduce Costs of PCR Tests for Entry Into and Exit from Singapore through Changi Airport
1 November 2021
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Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Transport
a. what efforts are made to reduce the costs of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for entry into and exit from Singapore through Changi Airport; and
b. whether the Ministry will consider more regular antigen rapid tests or other less costly alternatives prior to departure and upon arrival into Singapore as a means of lowering the cost of travel and to support the revival of the aerospace sector in particular.
Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:
1. The Changi Airport Group (CAG) has established a dedicated facility at Changi Airport to support the on-arrival testing (OAT) requirements for travellers coming to Singapore. The facility has to cater to large volumes of travellers arriving during peak hours, and also has dedicated manpower deployed around the clock to accommodate the arrival times of travellers throughout the day.
2. The service standard for OAT results is within 12 hours from the time of testing. Based on CAG’s experience thus far, travellers typically receive their results sooner, usually within eight hours.
3. CAG conducts regular cost reviews to ensure that the pricing for the OAT is competitive. Since OAT was introduced in June 2020, CAG has lowered the testing fee twice, from the initial cost of S$300 to the current cost of S$160.
4. As part of its latest cost review, CAG has called for and awarded a new tender for the provision of lab testing services. With effect from 18 November 2021, CAG will lower the OAT fee further to S$125. More details are available on CAG’s website.
5. We continue to work with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to review our border measures and testing protocols for travellers, including the number and type of tests required, to facilitate the safe resumption of international air travel while safeguarding public health.