The Port & Airport Health section oversees quarantine functions to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases into Singapore. The section also issues permits for the transfer of human remains.

At Changi Airport, Port Health works together with the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority (ICA) to screen passengers from yellow fever endemic countries. Passengers from endemic countries without valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required to undergone risk assessment to check whether they show any symptoms of yellow fever.  If fit to enter Singapore, they are issued with a health alert card, and then placed under surveillance for a period of up to six days.

Port Health works together with the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to manage the inbound health clearance and quarantine of vessels at the sea port. The primary focus is to regulate and control the arrival of vessels from plague-infected countries and those with death or sickness on board. In addition, Port Health also carries out checks on ship sanitation standards and issue Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) as per the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.

The issue of coffin permits for the import, export or transhipment of human remains also falls under our purview. This permit is required when repatriating a deceased person’s remains to their home country.

Port Health issues the following permits and licences, which can be applied for online at the links below.

• Fumigation permits (for the carrying out of fumigation on a vessel or wooden packing as required under the ISPM 15)
• Fumigation licences (for individuals wishing to become licensed fumigators)
• Ship Sanitation Control/Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certification (vessels requiring renewal of Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate)
• Coffin permits

The import and export of animals (domestic pets, livestock) comes under the purview of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore.