The Port & Airport Health section is responsible for quarantine functions to prevent the introduction of dangerous infectious diseases into Singapore and also provides permits for the transfer of human remains.

At Changi Airport, Port Health works together with the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority (ICA) to screen passengers for disease, with a focus on passengers from yellow fever endemic countries. Those without valid health certificates are vaccinated, issued with a health alert card, and then placed under surveillance for a period of up to six days.

At the sea port, Port Health works together with the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to manage the inward health clearance and quarantine of vessels. The primary focus is on controlling the arrival of vessels from plague-infected countries and those with death or sickness on board, as well as inspecting for rat infestation. These vessels are required to undergo quarantine procedures before being allowed to enter port.

Port Health is also responsible for issuing coffin permits for the import, export or trans-shipment of human remains. 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)

• Fumigation licences (for individuals wishing to become licensed fumigators)
• Ship Sanitation Control/Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certification (required for all vessels entering port in Singapore)
• Coffin permits
  

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