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Everything About the VTL Flights Between S’pore & KL from 29 Nov

2021-11-19 , 9:32 am

It’s been one year and eight months since Malaysian borders were closed to leisure travellers from Singapore.

Almost two years since we last enjoyed the difference in exchange rates for eating and shopping.

Well, if you haven’t got the memo yet, leisure travel to Malaysia is becoming a reality soon.

But hold up; don’t be in a hurry to log on to the Singapore Airlines website to book your flight tickets.

Here’s everything you need to know about the VTL flights between Singapore and KL so you won’t get any “hidden” surprises.

You’re welcome~

When It Starts

The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), or quarantine-free air travel scheme between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, starts on 29 Nov 2021.

If you’re interested in being part of the first group of Singaporeans reaching Malaysia for leisure, you can start applying for the VTL from 22 Nov 2021.

The good news is, there will be no limits on passenger capacity or aircraft types for the scheme.

Who Needs To Apply

Well, here’s the good news.

Singapore citizens, permanent residents and children under the age of 12 do not need to apply for the VTL.

Only long-term pass holders and short-term visitors looking to enter Singapore will need to apply for a pass to tap the VTL.

Requirements

All passengers travelling in the scheme are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine officially recognised by both countries.

In other words, Ivermectin doesn’t count.

Children under the age of 12 are exempted from this requirement.

Six Airlines

Here’s one more good news: you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to airlines.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), six airlines will operate flights for the quarantine-free air travel scheme:

Singapore Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
AirAsia
JetStar Asia
Malindo Air
Scoot

In other words, you’re not stuck with the atas option; there are budget airlines available too.

Process

Travellers travelling to Singapore under the VTL does not have to serve a quarantine period.

However, they have to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result two days before departure.

They would have to undergo another PCR test upon arrival.

For travellers landing in Changi Airport, they’ll have to self-isolate for up to 24 hours after leaving the airport while waiting for their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result.

For travellers landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), however, you’ll only need to wait for one to three hours for your results.

Travellers will be led to wait at a designated area before immigration.

Only Air Travel

Well, if your number one destination in Malaysia isn’t KL, but nearby JB, you’ll have to wait a bit longer before travelling there becomes a reality.

The VTL between Singapore and Malaysia currently only covers air travel and not land travel.

But don’t worry because authorities on both sides are working on an arrangement for land travel into our neighbouring country.

While details are being worked out, it was announced that the opening, at least at the start, will be a controlled one.

This means a quota on daily commuters and possibly via public transport only.

Applying For VTL Flights

Now, most of you might know this already, but if you don’t here’s one thing to look out for:

When purchasing your flight tickets, make sure that the tickets you purchase are for specially-designated VTL flights.

A quick jaunt on the Singapore Airlines website showed a few flights going towards Malaysia, but only two VTL flight services.