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Travelling Again? Use our Post-Covid VTL Travel Essentials Checklist

Fully-vaccinated Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) can now travel to several countries and return without being quarantined, via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), as part of Singapore’s initiative to reopen borders safely. 

Beginning from 19 October 2021, quarantine-free travel is allowed to VTL countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA). The Republic of Korea (ROK) will also be added to the VTL countries list from 15 November 2021.

Excited to travel again? Check the list below for things to prepare before you set flight:

1. Vaccination Certificate

As its name says, the VTL is only applicable for individuals who are fully vaccinated. So remember to bring along your vaccination certificate, whether it is a physical card or a QR code, when you travel. You may need to present your vaccination certificate when you pass through customs, board public transport and even enter restaurants.

The vaccines recognised are vaccines authorised under the World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO-EUL), or the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) by the Health Science Authority (HSA).

2. Flight Tickets, Hotel Reservations, Local Contact Tracing App

As we adapt to travelling in the new normal, there may be more steps to take before we travel. Always remember to print your flight tickets and proof of your hotel reservations when you travel.

Some countries, such as Brunei Darussalam, also require you to install their local contact tracing app – BruHealth, on your mobile phone throughout your stay there. To travel conveniently, always use a local contact tracing app so you can enter premises hassle-free, and get notified if you had close contact with any Covid-19 positive individuals.

3. Visa/Entry Pass/Declaration Form

If you are using a Singaporean passport, you do not need a visa to visit Europe for less than 3 months; the United Kingdom for 180 days (approximately 6 months); or Brunei Darussalam for 30 days. On the other hand, you’re required to register for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if you are travelling to Canada or the USA.

On top of that, there are also declaration forms that you might need to fill in before travelling to most countries in the VTL. Refer to the table below:

Country Entry Pass / Declaration Form to be presented prior to boarding
Brunei Get an Approved Entry Travel Pass issued by the Brunei government.
Canada Submit your information electronically (at least 72 hours before arrival) via the ArriveCAN app or website, and get an ArriveCAN receipt.
France Complete the “Sworn Undertaking To Comply With Rules For Entry Into Metropolitan French Territory” Form.
Italy Complete the Digital Passenger Locator Form.
Netherlands Complete the Health Declaration Form.
Spain Complete the FCS Health Control Form before departure via the Spain Travel Health Portal or the Spain Travel Health-SpTH App, and keep the generated QR code.
The United Kingdom (UK) Complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form online prior to arrival.
The United States of America (USA) Complete and print the “Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America” form.

When returning to Singapore, you will need to submit your SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arriving, and get tested for Covid-19 at Changi Airport, while remaining isolated until you receive a negative result.

4. PCR Test (Negative Results)

All countries in the VTL require you to take a pre-departure Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. The test must be taken in an accredited clinic, laboratory or hospital. You can also try to request for a test certificate with a QR code, for a smoother process at the customs.

Hours Before Departure Countries
48 hours Singapore, Netherlands
72 hours Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, USA

Note: Information last retrieved on 15 October 2021. Do double check the information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information.

5. Travel Insurance

Travelling today comes with new risks and higher uncertainties. If you contracted Covid-19 while on holiday, your usual health insurance might not cover for treatment or hospitalisation overseas, yet you are not allowed to return to Singapore until you are fully recovered. That’s why you should consider getting insurance with Covid-19 coverage or even Zika virus coverage.

On top of medical costs, travel insurance also covers for missing baggage or trip cancellation. Don’t let a missing bag or delayed flight ruin your trip. Protect yourself in advance to be reimbursed for these mishaps so that you can get your trip back on track.

Travel insurance is a small price to pay for a peace of mind, which is priceless during your long-awaited vacation. Check out our comprehensive travel insurance packages or contact us to learn more.


This is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

References:
https://www.gov.sg/article/do-singaporeans-need-a-visa-to-enter-the-us
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/b/brunei-darussalam/travel-page
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/c/canada/travel-page
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/u/united-kingdom/travel-page
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/u/united-states/travel-page
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/sc-pr/vtlhttps://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/singapore
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/CAAS_Vaccinated%20Travel%20Lane%20to%20Include%20Children%20Aged%2012%20and%20Below%20to%20Facilitate%20Family%20Travel_11%20Oct%202021.pdf

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