In the past couple of months, we have seen a glimpse of hope in fulfilling our sense of wanderlust; with changes to entry requirements into Singapore in light of the easing in Covid-19 situation and restrictions globally, and the new ICA SafeTravel website provides detailed information on the entry procedures. We set out on finding out more on the Vaccinated Travel Lane, also known as VTL that has gotten Singaporeans daydreaming on their next long awaited vacation. The VTL is for travellers who are vaccinated and are entering Singapore from one of the countries under the VTL agreement. Under the VTL, no quarantine is required upon entry to Singapore, as long as the traveller have remained in any of the VTL countries in the last 7 days before arrival.
To enter Singapore, you will have to prepare either a physical or electronic Vaccination Card or any vaccination certificate, which must be a WHO EUL vaccine to be recognised by Singaporean authorities. You will also need to submit an SG Arrival Card (3 days prior to your arrival in Singapore), as well as make arrangements for a PCR test both in your country of departure and upon arrival in Singapore. You may also wish to purchase Covid-19 travel insurance for yourself and your family, and a Travel Visa, if it is required. For Work Permit holders and Short-Term Visitors, you will be required to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), valid for entry up to 6 days after your chosen date of entry. For children under the age of 12, they may enter Singapore without quarantine or proof of vaccination and will not need to apply for a VTP. However, they must be a Permanent Resident, Long-Term Pass Holder, or Short-Term Visitor to Singapore in order to be permitted entry.
The VTL is extremely convenient for those who are vaccinated and are looking to either visit or move to Singapore to live for the short-term. While travel may not be as convenient as it used to be in the past, the VTL gives travellers an option for quarantine-free travel by reducing travel costs and increasing the amount of time which can be spent outside instead, thus allowing them to further enjoy their stay in Singapore.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Singaporean government has pursued a “zero Covid” strategy that has aimed to eliminate the spread of Covid-19 using strict border controls, a mask-up and social distancing mandate, as well as setting up a robust contact tracing system. However, since 2021, there has been significant easing of restrictions, as Singapore attempts to reinstate a sense of normalcy to pre-pandemic times after its leaders concluded that new variants will continue to emerge.
For expats and tourists hoping to visit Singapore this year, the Covid-19 travel restrictions may prove an inconvenience to their previously smooth and easy entry to Singapore. Since the beginning of the year, there have been a number of articles detailing the “exodus” of expats from Singapore, primarily due to the travel restrictions placed on those intending to return. Despite this, Singapore remains one of the top destinations for expats, with its high level of safety, and its economic and political stability. It is also easy to arrange for transport, accommodation, daily necessities, and the like, especially when Singapore is an international city with a high population of foreign talent.
For more information on services that can handle the nitty-gritty details of coming to Singapore for you, visit covidtravelsg.com. The team at CovidTravelSG is dedicated to making SafeTravel to Singapore a smooth and easy process for you, from booking VTL flights to purchasing the best Covid-19 travel insurance.
- Written by: Asahi Yip, Cayman Management Consultants
#sgexpats #expatlife #expatsingapore #singaporeimmigration #caymangh #travelSG #wanderlust #covid #bordermeasures #newnormal
References: