Explainer: Do you need to wear a mask when travelling by plane, and what are the rules in other countries?

SINGAPORE — Face masks will no longer be mandated in most indoor settings from Aug 29, except in healthcare facilities and on public transport, the Government announced on Wednesday (Aug 24).

When travelling overseas, however, passengers must still wear masks when going to or leaving destinations that require masks to be worn onboard planes.

Which countries still require you to mask up when flying over and what are the mask requirements on the ground in popular destinations around the world? 

TODAY takes a look at the situations where masks still need to be worn when travelling overseas.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK ON THE PLANE?

Singapore Airlines (SIA) said that it will match its internal policies with the Government’s and will from Aug 29 no longer require face masks on board flights.

However, an exception will apply when passengers are travelling to or from destinations that require a mask, SIA told TODAY.

The airline published a document on its website listing out the mask requirements of various destinations around the world when on board flights departing and arriving at the destination, as well as whether masks are required at the destination airport.

A spokesperson from Scoot, the low-cost carrier that is a subsidiary of SIA, confirmed that the airlines has also updated its policy on the use of face masks during flights to follow the latest Government guidelines.

"Customers who wish to wear a face mask on board may continue to do so. Face masks are also optional at Singapore Changi Airport," he said.

Jetstar likewise said the airline will ensure its onboard mask policy continues to be aligned with the mask requirements in Singapore, as well as with the policies of the destinations it flies to.

Cathay Pacific said that all passengers aged two and above must wear a surgical face mask on board all of its flights to protect the well-being of all passengers and crew on board.

TODAY has sought comment from cruise operators here.

MASK-WEARING RULES OF OTHER COUNTRIES

Malaysia: Face masks must be worn indoors, including in malls and on public transportation, but are not required outdoors.

Indonesia: Face masks are required in all public spaces.

Thailand: Face masks have been optional in both indoor and outdoor venues since June 23. But the authorities still advise people to wear masks at crowded places or areas with poor ventilation or when social distancing is not possible.

Vietnam: Face masks must be worn in public at both indoor and outdoor venues.

China: Masks are required to be worn in most public settings.

Japan: There has never been a mask mandate in Japan, but many of the country's residents still don one. 

The Japanese authorities recommend that masks can be removed outdoors except when conversing with someone else in close proximity. Indoors, masks can be taken off so long as a social distance of 2m can be maintained.

During the ongoing punishing heatwave, the Japanese authorities have urged the public to take off their masks outdoors if possible to prevent heat strokes.

South Korea: Face masks must be worn when on public transport and indoors, except when consuming food or drinks. When outdoors, they should be worn if keeping a 1mr distance from others is not possible.

Australia: Mask rules in Australia vary across the different states. In general, masks are mandatory only on public transport, taxis and ride-shares, as well as in higher risk settings such as healthcare facilities. Some states such as Western Australia strongly encourage people to wear masks indoors when social distancing is not possible.

New Zealand: Face masks are generally required on public transport, taxis or ride-share vehicles. They must also be worn inside public venues or facilities or when visiting a health care service.

United States: Mask rules in the US also vary by states, cities and counties. But the authorities there have largely eased or ended mask mandates.

There are no longer any states that require people to wear masks at most public places, though several states require people to wear them in certain high-risk settings, such as at healthcare facilities.

In California, officials continue to strongly recommend them in indoor settings, including on public transport. In New York City, masks are required on public transport and in taxis and ride-share vehicles.

Germany: Masks are not required in public, including indoors, but are mandatory in medical clinics and care homes. However, media reports have said that the German officials are planning to reinstate mask mandates in preparation for autumn and winter, making it compulsory to wear masks at some indoor public spaces.

France: Masks are no longer mandatory in establishments open to the public or on public transport. But they continue to be recommended in enclosed and small spaces, and especially in hospitals.

Britain: Mask-wearing is not required in most public settings, but is advised in a crowded indoor space or on public transport.

Italy: Masks are not needed in most public settings but must be worn in hospitals and medical settings, care homes and on public transport. However, some individual venues, including galleries and museums, may impose their own mask mandates.