Efforts to Reduce Costs of PCR Tests for Entry into and Exit from Singapore through Changi Airport
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns efforts to reduce PCR test costs for travellers at Changi Airport and the potential use of antigen rapid tests to support the aerospace sector. Mr Pritam Singh inquired about lowering travel costs, to which Minister S Iswaran replied that on-arrival testing fees were already reduced from $300 to $160. Minister S Iswaran announced a further fee reduction to $125 effective 18 November 2021, following a new lab testing services tender. He noted that the dedicated 24/7 facility typically delivers results within eight hours and that regular cost reviews are conducted to maintain competitive pricing. The government is also working with the Ministry of Health to review the number and type of tests required to facilitate the safe resumption of international travel.
Transcript
94 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.
Mr S Iswaran: 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.
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.
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.
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.
We continue to work with the MOH 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.