S’pore Looking To Expand Vaccinated Travel Lane After Initial Success

Travel. 

Once something we woke up every day fantasising about, travel is now an endangered activity, on the verge of extinction.

At least that’s the way it feels in our minds. 

Despite higher vaccination rates across the globe, some countries are still hesitant to open up, with fears of imported infections triggering yet another outbreak.

Fortunately, our recently-launched Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) has allowed nearly a thousand travellers to travel to and from Germany and Brunei, without the need for a stay-home notice.

And things have gone so smoothly that we could soon open up to more countries.

S’pore Looking To Expand Vaccinated Travel Lane After Initial Success

Of the more than 900 travellers who have entered Singapore under the VTL, just one COVID-19 case was detected.

The case was soon isolated and quarantined, and the rest of the travellers have fully complied with the mandatory testing regime.

These promising results have given the authorities the confidence to consider expanding the scheme to more countries.

Reader: *tries to slow breathing* Don’t get excited. Don’t get excited. 

The VTL, which launched on 8 Sep, is currently open to Brunei and Germany.

But according to Transport Minister S. Iswaran, several other countries and regions have already expressed interest in opening VTLs with us.

Reader: OH MY GOD IT’S TIME TO BOOK TICKETS!

In total, 2,500 have applied to enter Singapore via the VTL.

Something to Note

Do note that just because Singapore has a VTL with another country, it doesn’t mean we’re permitted to travel there, especially without serving quarantine.

Now, for example, we have a VTL with Brunei and Germany, but we cannot travel to Brunei unless we qualify under the reciprocal green lane.

So before you book any tickets, make sure to check a country’s requirements for entry first.

How it Works

Once you’ve checked the requirements, you’ll need to remain in Singapore (or Germany if you’re coming here) for 21 days prior to departure.

As the name suggests, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated and take a COVID-19 test 48 hours before departure.

You’ll also likely have to fill in a health declaration or arrival card of some sort online before flying.

Before flying off, you’ll need to present a COVID-19 negative certificate, a vaccination certificate, and your passport of course, once you’ve wiped off all the dust from 2020.

Once you’ve arrived, you won’t need to quarantine, but you’ll have to isolate until you receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test.

In total, you’ll have to take four COVID-19 tests; before departure, on arrival, and on Days 3 and 7.

If all goes well, you could be allowed to continue on your holiday. Yes, it really is possible.

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Feature Image: Sing Studio / Shutterstock.com