As we grapple with Covid-19 the past two years, international travel has not been the same. We have seen increased restrictions and even complete border closure around the world. In attempts to reach normalcy, the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) plan has been announced for travellers in certain countries. Let�??s break down the details, eligibility criteria, and things you need to prepare before you embark on your holiday.
What is VTL?
The Singapore Government has implemented the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement to allow people to travel quarantine-free. This applies to fully vaccinated travellers from other countries to enter Singapore and fully vaccinated Singaporean residents to travel for leisure. All Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and unvaccinated children aged 12 and below are not required to apply for the Vaccinated Travel Lane applications.
The countries that are part of this arrangement include Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Malaysia (ongoing), the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Eligibility for VTL Travel
As stated by ICA, this travel arrangement only applies to those fully vaccinated under the World Health Organisation�??s list of Covid-19 vaccines:
To travel via the VTL arrangement, separate VTL flights have been arranged, and you can only travel to and fro via these designated flights served by Singapore Airlines (SIA). If you travel by planes that are not VTL approved, you may have to serve the stay home notice of 14 days quarantine.
According to Mothership, your 14-day travel history must only include Singapore or any other active VTL destinations to travel. Let�??s say that you make a trip to South Korea from Singapore and plan to travel to another destination that�??s not part of the VTL destinations. In that case, you have to spend 14 days in South Korea before you�??re able to travel back to Singapore.
However, the trip that you have planned does not have to be 14 days long. For instance, you can travel to South Korea for a week from Singapore and arrive back in Singapore via a VTL flight.
VTL Checklist
Here are the things that you need to have done or prepare before you travel:
1) A Valid Passport
Firstly, ensure that you have a passport with at least 6 months validity. Do apply online with ICA to renew your passport if it�??s expiring soon.
2) Vaccination Certificate
Secondly, travellers need to show their vaccination certificates to clear the immigration and other checks conducted at departure halls. You need to produce your physical or digital vaccination certificates to travel. Here�??s more information about the various eligible vaccination certificates that are valid from ICA.
3) Covid-19 PCR Tests
Thirdly, you need to take two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests before and after your trip. You may book your tests with any of the following MOH-approved providers. Singapore Airlines has also collated the PCR Test requirements for various countries that need to be followed.
One needs to be administered 48 hours before your scheduled flight and the other upon arrival at Changi Airport. Do note that you will be isolated till your test results are negative.
4) Carry Protective Face Masks
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If you have more questions regarding the VTL arrangements, do check out ICA�??s Frequently Asked Questions for more details.
Hope you feel more prepared to start planning for your next holiday. If you found this article informative, be sure to follow us on Instagram for more tips like these!
