The buzz acronym now is VTL and the minute it was announced, flights were booked up! When kids below 12 were allowed on VTL flights, Google searches soared, and internet traffic peaked across airline and accommodation websites. The news was welcomed with open arms especially for those who have been away from family for over two years. The biggest silver lining must be the requirements upon returning to Singapore with no quarantine or Stay Home Notice (SHN) required. Singaporeans, Permanent Residents (PR), long-term pass holders or short-term visitors as well as unvaccinated kids just need to test negative for their PCR test taken 48 hours before departing for Singapore, and the on-arrival PCR test at Changi Airport. You’re free to get back to life in the little red dot the minute you test negative for both tests and have a valid Vaccination Travel Pass (VTP). Here’s all that you need to know about VTL and travelling with kids in tow.
WHO CAN TRAVEL ON VTL?
Everyone who is fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are allowed to travel on the VTL. An individual is regarded as fully vaccinated two weeks after they have received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or other vaccines listed under the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use list (EUL), such as Sinovac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.
Kids under the age of 12 years old and below (born in or after 2009) who are Singaporeans, permanent residents, long-term pass holders or short-term visitors can travel on the VTL as long as they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller.
All travellers must also be in any of the vaccinated travel lane countries or Singapore in the last 14 days before returning to Singapore.
WHAT ARE THE VTL COUNTRIES?
At Present
Brunei (currently doesn’t allow travel into the country) and Germany
From 19 October 2021
Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK and USA
From 15 November 2021
South Korea – travel is allowed under the VTL but only for those who are vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals, including kids, are not allowed.
WHAT ABOUT TRAVELLING BACK TO SINGAPORE?
In order to qualify for no quarantine, you must re-enter Singapore on a designated VTL flight as specified by the aircraft carrier. You can transit via any of the VTL countries, subject to the transit country’s VTL being in place, when departing from another VTL country. You must have only been to your VTL country of departure and/or Singapore in the last 14 consecutive days before departure for Singapore. What does this mean? On your way back to Singapore, you cannot transit in a non-VTL country! Visit ICA’s website for the full designated VTL flight list and requirements.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED FOR TRAVEL?
Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP)
All Singaporean Citizens and PRs do not need to apply for a VTP to travel under the VTL. However, travellers must comply with the requirements stated in ICA’s travel checklist. Failure to do so means that the prevailing health control measures will apply, which may include serving a Stay-Home Notice.
Foreign travellers and visitors (e.g. Short-Term Visitors and Long-Term Pass holders), must apply for a VTP. Children aged 12 and below do not need to apply. Applications must be submitted between 7 and 30 days before your intended date of entry into Singapore (and up to 6 calendar days after) and has to be supported with the vaccination certificate QR code (if available). Apply here!
SG Arrival Card
Before arriving to Singapore, you are required to submit your health declaration to ICA via the SG Arrival Card e-Service that also comes with health declaration function. This does not apply to those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance. You can submit your electronic health declaration three days prior to your date of arrival in Singapore.
Visa (For Short-Term Visitors)
You must obtain a valid visa if required prior to entry into Singapore and preferably after receiving your VTP approval and before departing for Singapore. Click here for more details.
Covid-19 Insurance (For Short-Term Visitors)
All short-term visitors travelling to Singapore under VTL, must purchase a suitable travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 against COVID-19 related medical charges. You may be insured with Singapore or an overseas-based insurer. Visit here for the list of available travel insurance products offered in Singapore.
IS A POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) TEST REQUIRED UPON ARRIVAL TO SINGAPORE?
All travellers must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore except kids who are aged two and below in the calendar year (i.e. in the year 2021, those who are born in or after 2019). The test results will approximately be out within 24 hours. After taking the test, you are to immediately take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car from the airport to your declared place of accommodation. You must remain isolated at the place of accommodation until their test result is confirmed to be negative. After being notified of their negative test results, you’re free and allowed to go about your activities in Singapore! You can pre-book and make payment for the COVID-19 PCR test at the airport here!
Germany
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Germany 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
United States (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore: ART/PCR test, no more than three days before first scheduled departure time in the flight itinerary.
#2: PCR test in US 48 hours before departing for Singapore.
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
United Kingdom (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Day 2 test in the UK (from £1.25 or S$2.30 for a self-swab at a facility, to £399 for a house call swab test). Book a test before you fly from this list. Day of arrival is counted as Day 0.
#2: PCR test in UK 48 hours before departing for Singapore.
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
Denmark (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Denmark 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
Italy (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore – ART/PCR test, maximum 72 hours before arrival in Italy.
#2: PCR test in Italy 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160).
France (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in France 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
Netherlands (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in the Netherlands 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
Spain (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Spain 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
Canada (From October 19)
How many tests in total: 3 to 4
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore — PCR test, maximum 72 hours before departure of last direct flight to Canada.
#2: No on-arrival tests in Canada for vaccinated travellers, but mandatory randomized arrival tests may be required.
#3: PCR test in Canada 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#4: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
South Korea (from Nov 15)
How many tests in total: 5
#1: Pre-departure test (PDT) before leaving Singapore: PCR test 72 hours before departure
#2: In Korea: On-arrival test at Incheon Airport (from 174,000 KRW or S$197). Book here.
#3: Day 6 or 7 PCR test (S$150-200), if staying more than 8 days. Arrival day is counted as Day 0 (details TBA).
#4: PCR test in Korea 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#5: On-arrival test in Singapore (S$160).
*Information above is taken from 8Days.sg.
WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL INTO SINGAPORE?
Self-isolation is required once to step into Singapore and do note that you are not allowed to dine at any of the F&B outlets at the airport. According to ICA, the self-isolation accommodation types are:
- residential accommodation (i.e. HDB flat, condominium or landed property); or
- non-residential accommodation (i.e. hotel or serviced apartment).
You must isolate alone, or with household members who are vaccinated and have the same travel history, arrival date and self-isolation requirement. If there are other occupants in the accommodation, without the same travel history, arrival date and self-isolation requirement, you must isolate in an individual room with an en-suite toilet. More information here.
Travelling with kids under the VTL will not be daunting process as long as you keep the above procedures in mind. Whichever your destination, ensure that safe distancing is still maintained and everyone practises good personal hygiene. Always check with ICA’s VTL page for the latest news and updates.
References:
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/faq#OAT
https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/departing/overview
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/transport/unvaccinated-kids-can-enter-singapore-via-vtl-scheme
http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID-19_vaccine/WHO-EUA-qualified-covid-vaccines.pdf
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/travelinsurance
