With the addition of nine new countries to the list of destinations Singapore has opened up Vaccinated Travel Lanes(VTL) to, there’s been a truckload of information pouring in, especially since the 11 countries we now have VTLs to, all have varying requirements if you do choose to travel there. But hey, we gotchu. After two years of staying home, our travel planning skills are understandably rusty. So save all that energy to plan your ultimate revenge travel itinerary and get all you need to know about VTLs below. 

What are VTLs?

Vaccinated travel lanes basically allow for fully vaccinated travellers to enjoy quarantine-free measures upon arrival in Singapore from a list of selected destinations. 

Note that you would need to provide a valid proof of vaccination issued in any VTL destination or Singapore, regardless of which VTL destination you depart from. Children aged 12 and below in the calendar year ( in the year 2021, those who are born in or after 2009) are not required to present proof of vaccination. However the child must comply with all other VTL conditions and be accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller

At the moment, vaccinated travellers can enjoy quarantine-free travel between Singapore and two destinations, Germany and Brunei. However, starting 19 October, six more European countries – Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom – as well as Canada and the United States will be included in the list. In addition, a VTL with South Korea will begin on 15 November.

To make the most of your trip, you’d be happy to note that travelling to multiple VTL countries within the same trip is allowed.

What do I need to do before my flight?

While most VTL destinations provide quarantine and test-free entry to vaccinated travellers from Singapore, take note of the following exceptions:

Brunei: Though you would not need to quarantine upon returning to Singapore, you will need to be both quarantined and tested upon entry to Brunei.

Italy: You will need to take a pre-departure PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART)  72 hours prior to the flight.

South Korea: You will need to take a pre-departure PCR test 72 hours prior to the flight.

The UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland): Though you will not need to take a pre-departure test, note that you will need to pre-book a post-arrival PCR test on Day 2.

The USA: You will need to take a pre-departure ART 72 hours prior to the flight.

Where can I book my VTL flights?

You can travel to VTL countries on any flight, so this means that when you’re booking your flights, you’ll only see the VTL indication on the return flight to Singapore, and not the departure flight from Singapore to VTL destination. This is because the VTL requirement only applies to those arriving in Singapore. That being said, on your flight to your VTL country, you should still take a non-stop flight there, and if you do have to transit, make sure you transit in a VTL country, so that you can keep your 14 day travel history ‘clean’.

For your easy reference, we’ve compiled a list of airlines that offer VTL flights to Singapore.

Brunei: Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines

Canada: Singapore Airlines

Denmark: Singapore Airlines

Germany: Lufthansa, Scoot, Singapore Airlines

France: Air France, Singapore Airlines

Italy: Singapore Airlines

Netherlands: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Singapore Airlines

South Korea: Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines

Spain: Singapore Airlines

United Kingdom: British Airways, Singapore Airlines

United States: Singapore Airlines

From 19 October, you’ll be able to transit in another VTL country on your return flight to Singapore. So you can take any flight from VTL country A to VTL Country B, but from VTL country B to Singapore, the flight would need to be a non-stop VTL-designated flight.

What do I need to do prior to returning to Singapore?

When checking in to your flight to Singapore, you will need to show your proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before flying into Singapore. Note that the PCR test taken should be conducted by a testing institution from the list of internationally accredited or recognised laboratories, clinics, or medical facilities. 

Short-term visitors and Long-Term Pass holders will need to apply online for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) to board the VTL flights to Singapore.

What happens after I arrive in Singapore?

You will be administered another PCR test upon arrival, and thereafter will be required to leave the airport immediately for your declared self-isolation. Once you receive your negative results, which will likely be sent to you within 24 hours, you will then be able to end your isolation and go about Singapore freely.