With Singapore’s COVID-19 incidence rate on par with most global destinations, the risk of imported cases affecting the local population has decreased. This has prompted Singapore to streamline border measures by restoring and expanding the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) and placing travellers into three main groups — travellers taking VTL flights, travellers from places with low risk of Covid-19, and general travellers.
Restored VTLs
As of February 22nd 2022, fully-vaccinated travellers arriving via VTL flights, and travellers coming from countries and regions which have very low infection rates can continue to enjoy quarantine-free travel, for now. Travellers from countries and regions with situations that warrant stricter measures will be placed under the new ‘Restricted’ category. Additionally, travel history requirements for entry into Singapore will be reduced from 14 to 7 days, and in view of Omicron’s shorter incubation period, the Stay Home Notice duration will be standardised to 7 days across all countries, regions and categories.
Updated Testing Requirements
VTL travellers no longer have to take self-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) from Days 2-7 upon arrival in Singapore. VTL and Category I travellers are also not required to take on-arrival PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests. Instead, they must take a supervised self-swab ART within 24 hours from their entry into Singapore at an official testing centre. Travellers entering must still test negative on a Pre-Departure Test within 2 days prior to departure for Singapore.
For Those Who Recently Recovered from COVID-19
Fully vaccinated travellers who recently recovered from COVID-19 within 90 days of their last infection with documentary proof are exempt from all testing and SHN requirements. Non-fully vaccinated individuals who recently recovered with documentation, are exempt from pre-departure testing requirements, but will still be subjected to all other prevailing border measures.
Entry for Long Term Pass Holders
Vaccinated Long-Term Pass Holders intending to enter Singapore, excluding Work Permit holders, no longer have to obtain a Vaccinated Travel Pass, but will still need to adhere to border measures.
Singapore VTL (Air) Travel Checklist
Before Travelling to Singapore:
- Get an accepted proof of vaccination
- Apply for Vaccinated Travel Pass only if you are an STV or Eligible Work Permit Holder
- Apply for Entry Visa if required
- Check Your Travel & Transit History and Purchase Tickets for a Designated VTL (Air) Flight
- Purchase COVID-19 Insurance if you are a Short Term Visitor or Long Term Pass Holder
- Monitor COVID-19 Status, and Check Eligibility for Recovered Protocol if Tested Positive
- Arrange for your self-isolation accommodation
- Take Pre-departure COVID-19 Test (PDT) within 2 days of your departure
- Submit Health Declaration
- Complete your On-Arrival COVID-19 Test
- Get the contact Tracing App/Token if you are a Short term visitor
Departure for Singapore:
- Pre-boarding documents including:
- For Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents:
- Vaccinated Travel Pass (Air) [VTP (Air)] for the specified period of entry;
- Valid pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) for entry into Singapore showing a negative test result or Proof of Recovery (for recovered travellers);
- Long Term Pass Holders and Short Term Visitors:
- Vaccinated Travel Pass (Air) [VTP (Air)] for the specified period of entry;
- Valid pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) for entry into Singapore showing a negative test result or Proof of Recovery (for recovered travellers);
- Valid visa (for visa-required visitors);
- Acceptable proof of vaccination
- For Singapore Citizens/Permanent Residents:
Upon Arrival in Singapore
- Clear Arrival Immigration
- Undergo On-Arrival COVID-19 Test
- Travel to Declared Self-Isolation Accommodation
- Self-Isolate Pending OAT Results
- Exit from Self-Isolation
- Proof of Vaccination for Local Safe Management Measures throughout your stay in Singapore
All travellers are advised to visit the SafeTravel website for the latest on border measures. To learn more or to seek advice on travelling to Singapore, contact Transform Borders for a free consult.