VTL Countries: Guide to Your Favourite Destinations
During the 2-year travel restriction, you've been yearning for a good getaway and a well-deserved break from a hectic work-life. Finally, you're ready to jet off with flights available for vaccinated travel lanes. But what's the procedure to your destination country and back?
You've come to the right place if you're looking for information that won't leave you stranded at any airport.
We've got the latest guidelines for the top countries Singapore travellers are heading to in 2022.
VTL requirements
Who is eligible?
- Fully vaccinated persons aged 12 or older
- Unvaccinated children under 12 will be treated as fully vaccinated travellers if accompanied by a fully vaccinated person aged 18 or older.
Documents needed
- Valid proof of vaccination status in English, i.e., electronic or physical copy of your vaccination certificate. You can find more information on Notarise.
- Present a negative test result for a PCR test taken within 48 hours before your designated VTL flight departure
- Valid VISA, if the country requires it
Australia
Pre-departure: A COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before flight departure is required for all travellers aged 5 and above.
On-arrival and post-arrival:
Test requirements differ by state. Travellers are advised to refer to official sources for international and interstate travel.
Germany
Pre-departure: PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.
Malaysia
Pre-departure: ART-PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.
All Singapore-Kuala Lumpur VTL flight travellers must register and upload their digital vaccination certificates (with QR code) and pre-departure test results on the MySafeTravel portal.
On-arrival: ART-PCR test required on arrival.
Children aged two and below (as of calendar year) are exempted.
Thailand
Pre-departure: ART-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Children aged below 6 are exempted.
On-arrival: ART-PCR test required on arrival.
Post-arrival: Test & Go (for those with approved Thailand Pass QR code). ART-PCR test on Day 5 or 6.
Phuket Sandbox programme: ART-PCR test on Day 5 or 6.
Alternative Quarantine scheme: ART-PCR test on Day 8 or 9.
South Korea
Pre-departure: PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure.
On-arrival: PCR test required on arrival.
Post-arrival: Self-administered ART on Days 3 and 5. A PCR test is required on Day 6 or 7 if the stay is eight days or more.
Unvaccinated children aged six and above may enter but have to quarantine for 10 days.
The United Kingdom
Post-arrival: A PCR or lateral flow test is required on or before Day 2 of arrival. The test must be booked with a private provider before departure for the UK.
The United States of America
Pre-departure: Antigen Rapid Test (ART), NAAT, RT-LAMP, RT-PCR or TMA test taken within one day before departure.
As the global situation evolves, countries will continue to adjust their border measures. Therefore, travellers intending to fly from Singapore under the VTL scheme to these VTL countries are advised to check the prevailing entry requirements before making final arrangements.
More details can be found on the official ministry websites of the destination VTL country.
What is the process for me to come back to SG?
For a VTL flight entering Singapore, VTL travellers must follow these steps to return to Singapore quarantine-free.
Pre-departure
- Take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at an approved centre within 48 hours before designated VTL flights back into Singapore. You should test negative.
- Book and pre-pay your On-Arrival COVID-19 PCR test to be done at Changi Airport
- Submit your SG Arrival Card within three days before you arrive in Singapore
Find out where you can take your pre-departure COVID-19 test.
On-Arrival
- On entry into Singapore, your on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test at Changi Airport. (Pre-book and pay for it on the Safe Travel Changi Concierge)
- After clearing arrival immigration, you must travel directly to your accommodation on private transport (i.e., private hire car or taxi) after your test. You are to self-isolate and remain there until you receive a negative result to reduce risk to others around.
Post-Arrival
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and other travellers entering Singapore must adhere to the following COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) procedures and requirements:
- Self-administered ART tests are required from Days 2 to 7 post-arrival, with your day of arrival considered Day 1
- For Days 2, 4, 5 and 6, you must self-administer an ART at your place of accommodation and upload the test results online using the link sent to you after arrival in Singapore. Self-test ART kits authorised for use in Singapore can be purchased at most clinics, pharmacies, and e-commerce platforms.
- For Days 3 and 7, you must undergo a supervised self-administered ART at a Combined Test Centre or Quick Test Centre. You will be provided with a link via your contact details to book these tests.
- You must test negative on your self-administered ART before you can leave your accommodation for that day. This does not apply on Days 3 and 7 when you must go to a centre for your supervised tests.
Process for VTL application
SCs and PRs
Fully vaccinated travellers (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) are not required to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP).
However, if vaccinated overseas, they can attach their overseas vaccination certificate when submitting their SG Arrival Card for a smoother immigration process.
Permanent residents must also ensure they hold valid re-entry permits.
Foreign Visitors
Short-term visitors and Long-Term Pass holders must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) up to three days before their intended date of entry into Singapore.
Children aged 12 and below (as of calendar year) are exempted.
Do visitors with a valid Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) need to apply separately for a visa to enter Singapore?
What is VTP?
A VTP is a Vaccinated Travel Pass document for travellers entering Singapore under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) and intending to stay between 3-60 days. Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Where to apply for VTP?
Long-Term Pass Holders or Short-Term Visitors who had their COVID-19 vaccination done in Singapore and, in so doing, have vaccination records in Singapore, can apply for a valid Vaccinated Travel Pass (Air) [VTP (Air)], here.
Long-Term pass holders and Short-Term Visitors whose vaccination was done overseas and in doing so have non-Singapore issued vaccination certificates will need a valid Vaccinated Travel Pass (Air) [VTP (Air)], which they can apply for here, and accepted proof of vaccination, if necessary.
How long does the VTP application take?
VTP applications must be submitted between 7 and 60 days before the date to enter Singapore and be supported with proof of vaccination containing a QR code (if available).
Successfully submitted applications will be issued with a VTP immediately.
How long is the validity?
A VTP is valid for a single entry into Singapore and for 6 calendar days from the chosen entry date to accommodate last-minute flight changes.
Is there a fee to apply for a VTP?
No, there is no fee payable for applying for a VTP (Air).
Is there a limit on the number of times you can apply?
No, there is no limit to the number of times VTL flights travellers can apply for a VTP. However, every entry into Singapore requires a new VTP (Air) application.
How long am I allowed to stay in the VTL country?
Some countries allow 30 days' stay, some up to 6 months. Please refer to the official website of your country of travel.
Ensure you have travel insurance
While not compulsory, Singaporean travellers are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
We recommend that VTL travellers get minimum coverage of S$30,000 to cover COVID-19-related costs such as:
- 24-hour Assistance Hotline
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
- Trip Cancellation Trip Curtailment
