As most of us have excitedly heard by now, the borders are opening further, thanks to the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), and we’re one step closer to our dream destination. Planning to stroll down the streets of Seoul? Or enjoy macarons in front of the Eiffel Tower? Before you jet off, you may wonder, what are the new restrictions we need to be aware of? What Covid-19 tests we need to do? What should we prepare for travelling during a pandemic? Fret not, we’ve covered everything you need to know in this article, as concise as possible, to help you travel safely and smoothly.
Who is eligible?
VTL is open to all fully vaccinated individuals- that means two weeks after receiving the full regimen of permitted vaccines listed in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use Listing, such as Moderna and Pfizer-BionNTech. You need to show proof of your vaccination on the HealthHub or TraceTogether app, or to be even safer, digitise and download your vaccination certificate in case of app issues overseas.
If you have unvaccinated children under 12 years old (born in or after 2009), no worries- they are mostly allowed too, so you don’t have to miss out on the year-end holidays. Just make sure that they are:
1) Singaporean, permanent resident, short-term visitor or long-term pass holder
2) Accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller
3) In one of the VTL countries for 14 days before returning to Singapore
4) Taking a designated VTL flight
Where can I go under the VTL?
Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
What flights can I take?
You can take any flight if you are departing from Singapore to any VTL country, but if you are arriving in Singapore, you must take a designated VTL flight and have to remain in one of more of the VTL countries for the last 14 days before departure to Singapore.
What’s the process?
For travellers departing Singapore:
1) You should check what’s the latest advisories from your intended destination to confirm what requirements they have, as different VTL countries have different requirements. For instance, South Korea allows unvaccinated children under 12 years old, but not children of other ages who do not qualify for vaccination. You can check out different countries’ requirements and restrictions here by entering your destination.
2) You should also check out the latest information on departing Singapore from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
3) You should also be aware of health requirements, such as pre-departure tests and internationally accepted vaccination certificates. Most countries generally allow a quarantine and test-free entry under the VTL. For required pre-departure PCR tests, make sure that you allocate enough time to receive the test results before your flight. You can make an appointment and get tested at any Ministry of Health-approved COVID-19 test providers.
For travellers arriving in Singapore:
1) Non-Singaporeans and PRs must apply for a Vaccination Travel Pass first before entry.
2) All travellers, including children under 12 years old, must take two PCR tests (one within 48 hours before departure and another on on arrival). Children under two years old are not required to take any tests.
3) Travellers need to self-isolate or isolate with vaccinated household members they travelled with, while waiting for the results which will come out in 24 hours. That means travellers need to take taxi or private hire car from the airport to their place of accommodation. If there are other occupants in the place of accommodation, the self-isolating traveller must do so in a room with an attached bathroom.
If you’re preparing to return to Singapore, you can check out this in-depth ICA checklist. For a smoother process, you can also sign up for Changi Airport’s Safe Travel Concierge, where you can book on-arrival tests and more.
How can I be more prepared?
Even before the onset of Covid-19, there has always been risks of travelling to a foreign country, and we’ve had to protect ourselves and our loved ones when travelling. The pandemic has only brought even more necessary precautions to ensure our safety and health. In addition to flights to book, things to pack and itinerary to plan, being covered by the right travel insurance is one of the necessary measure every traveller should take. It is recommended to get a travel insurance that includes Covid-19 coverage as well.
This is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.