Singapore VTL – What you need to know to travel

Travel has never been as complicated as it is now, so we have to be even more careful to tick all the boxes and print copies of everything! If you’re wanting to travel to Singapore for a holiday or you’re living here and have family wanting to visit, here’s some help explaining the current Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL), Vaccinated Travel Passes (VTP) and the other things to consider like PCR tests and travel insurance.

Singapore reopened its borders to air travel in September 2021; Germany and Brunei were among the first countries to form a travel bubble with the Lion City. As of this writing, Singapore now has 21 countries on the VTLs list, with six more to be added in December 2021. As a global aviation and connectivity hub, Singapore is pushing forward with its plans to welcome back air travellers from abroad and resume life. But it’s a bit of a minefield, so read on!

Wondering what the Singapore VTL options are and what the reduced travel restrictions means for travellers from abroad? Here, the team from Pacific Prime Singapore provides the latest on VTLs, including important things to consider.

Vaccinated Travel Lanes or Singapore VTL – Who’s eligible?

Under the Singapore VTL scheme, travellers from the following countries are eligible for quarantine-free travel:

• Australia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Canada
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

Other countries to follow suit include:

• Finland
• India
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Sweden

(Note: Confirmed as of 28 November 2021.)

According to the Ministry of Health, the launch date for Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE has been postponed until further notice; this is amid concerns about the Omicron variant.

Flying from a VTL country to Singapore on a VTL flight

To enter quarantine-free under the Singapore VTL arrangement, travellers must fly on designated VTL flights. Consider the following points before making your plans:

• Singapore Airlines may operate both VTL flights and non-VTL flights on the same routes, so it’s essential to review your flight plans carefully. Check the airline website for more updates.
• Travellers must not have any travel history outside of Singapore and/or VTL or Category I countries/regions in the past 14 days. This is to help rule out any chance of infection from those countries or locations.
• Short-term visitors and Long-Term Pass holders must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) online between seven and 60 days before their intended date of entry into Singapore. This is essential when making your plans. Arrange in advance, so you’re not tight for time.

Things to consider when travelling anywhere

• Are you fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that will be recognised in the country you are travelling to?
• If you’re not vaccinated, what are the quarantine processes and costs at your destination, if any?
• Do you have to have a PCR test before flying? Do you know where to go for the tests at the other end? And how much will those tests cost you?
• What type of tests are available and recognised by Singapore’s health authorities?
• Do you need to download any mobile applications or prepare documentation to show authorities?
• Will you need COVID-19 insurance before entering the designated country or location?
• Do you have a contingency plan or coverage if the worst happens, like medical evacuation or repatriation?
• Is short-term health insurance in Singapore a better choice than travel insurance, especially for your loved ones?

Make sure the health and travel insurance for Singapore is right for the unique needs and budgets of the travellers. Contact Pacific Prime Singapore for a full review of plans and requirements. They also have regional offices in those locations on the VTL list if travellers want to communicate directly with them for 100% impartial advice; you can also ask about plans ranging from travel insurance to expat health insurance that balance your needs and budget. Get a free plan comparison with their team of insurance advisors today. You can also check out their blog for more information.

Written in collaboration with Pacific Prime Singapore.

Living in Singapore? Read this to understand health and travel insurance better.

Rebecca Bisset

Heading up Expat Living, Rebecca started off in photography and video. A bit of a nomad before Singapore, she likes to travel when she can but she finds looking at properties as exciting! One day she's going to build her own house...