Swimming in a sea of bad news, holding on to pieces of positive developments to stay afloat. This is largely what we’ve been doing for the last two years.
New COVID-19 variants seem to pop up every few months, restrictions on social activities have been repeatedly eased and imposed, and we’ve spent more time at home than ever before.
But when the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) was announced a few months ago, it seemed that the situation was finally improving: at last, we could travel!
Numerous countries had opened their doors to Singapore residents, and we couldn’t book flight tickets quickly enough.
But less than two months after launching our VTLs, one country has reversed the decision.
Italy Suddenly Bans All Tourists From S’pore Even When There’s a VTL
From today (16 Dec), Italy will bar all leisure travellers from Singapore and Brunei from entering the country.
Both countries were placed in a category for those deemed to be at higher risk of COVID-19 infections.
The border restrictions will be in place until 31 Jan next year.
This means that residents in Singapore and Brunei can only travel to Italy for work, health or study reasons, as well as out of absolute urgency or to return to their homes.
Exemptions may be granted in certain cases, including if the tourist has a partner staying in Italy.
Even so, those allowed to enter Italy are required to self-isolate for 10 days at a declared address.
Singapore residents will still be allowed to transit through Italy as they fly to other destinations, as long as they do not exit designated areas within the airports.
Tightened Restrictions For Travellers Across Europe
Italy also tightened restrictions for travellers entering from European Union countries, likely due to a spike in cases across the continent.
Now, all travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test result even if they’re fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated travellers must also self isolate for five days on arrival. These measures will also be in place until 31 Jan, 2022.
Italy residents coming into Singapore will not be affected, however, as the VTL is still in place. Launched on 19 Oct, the VTL allowed residents from both countries to enter the other without having to quarantine.
The Italian embassy did not explain why it changed Singapore’s COVID-19 risk classification, but given that our daily caseload has been on the decline, it might have something to do with our Omicron infections.
At the time of writing, 16 confirmed Omicron cases have been reported here. If this number continues to go up, other countries could close their doors to us as well.
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Featured Image: Efired / Shutterstock.com
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