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Singapore opens borders via VTL to more countries around the globe
Singapore now has 24 countries/regions on the air Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) list as part of its long-term plan to re-establish its position as a leading international aviation hub. Six more will be added to the list by February 24th, 2022 (Hong Kong, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Emirates) and by March 3rd, 2022 (Israel and the Philippines). The recent additions marked a significant step in Singapore’s plans to get people traveling to the city-state again. More so, the influx of travelers will help hard-hit industries such as service and tourism to recover.
Because of this, expats and travelers (from these countries) can now enter the island provided they are fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19. In addition, they won’t have to quarantine, which makes a planned visit very appealing. Learn more as Pacific Prime Singapore explores the latest updates for individuals making plans to fly to Singapore in 2022 and beyond.
What’s the situation in Singapore?
Firstly, with a population of roughly 5.45 million people, Singapore reported 24,836 daily COVID-19 infections on February 19th, 2021. Additionally, the COVID-19 weekly infection rate is around 16,611.
Despite the threat of the new Omicron variant, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is confident that Singapore will safely return to living with the virus. As of February 21st, 2021, 94% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, one of the highest rates globally. Also, 66% of the population has already received booster shots.
A boost for domestic and international businesses
Even more, the updated VTL list has also brought plenty of optimism for businesses and industries across Singapore. The latest travel updates will also help companies plan and formulate new business strategies for the coming months.
According to the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC), its member companies expect a more positive outlook in the next 12 months. Additionally, their survey shows that 70% of members expect their sales and revenue to either increase or increase significantly compared to the year before.
Six more countries will be added by March
Hong Kong, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Emirates will be added to the VTL list in February 2022, through which travelers will be able to enter Singapore on February 24th, 2022. The remaining two countries, Israel and the Philippines, will have active VTLs with the island starting from March 3rd, 2022.
Essential requirements for travelers into Singapore
To avoid being turned away by airlines or immigration, you must first meet the basic conditions of the VTL (air). Travelers who wish to enter Singapore, but cannot fulfill these requirements may explore alternatives, such as VTL (land) and VTL (sea).
Here is a brief outline of the requirements for travelers, including expats, families, and business individuals:
- Received 2 doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine (at least two weeks) before their arrival in Singapore.
- All travelers must have valid proof of vaccination issued in any VTL country/region or Singapore. (See the list of accepted proof of vaccination.)
- Countries/regions on the list include Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, and the US. Hong Kong, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will be added to the list starting from February 24th, 2022, and Israel and the Philippines will be added on March 3rd, 2022. (Note: This list will likely change in the coming weeks and months. Visit the SafeTravel portal for more updates.)
- Fully vaccinated VTL parents or carers should accompany unvaccinated children (aged 12 and below).
- Travelers must arrive in Singapore on a designated VTL flight via any VTL (Air) countries/regions, Category I countries/regions (Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan), and/or Singapore, in the last 14 consecutive days before their departure. (Note: This list of eligible flights will likely change in the coming weeks and months.)
- Take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test or a professionally administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) pre-departure, then one more supervised ART upon arrival to Singapore. The first test should be taken within 48 hours of departure. After that, an ART within 24 hours of your arrival in Singapore. (Note: You may qualify for exemption from COVID-19 tests if you are a fully vaccinated recovered traveler.)
- Short-term travelers will be required to download and register their profile on the TraceTogether app to help with contact tracing.
- Secure insurance for COVID-19-related medical costs. The minimum coverage required is SGD $30,000. Depending on the traveler’s needs and budget, this can be a travel insurance plan or a health insurance plan.
(Note: For more information regarding requirements for travelers, flights, and a complete travel checklist for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, visit the VTL page here.)
Additional requirements for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders only
Besides the above requirements, short-term visitors and long-term pass holders must also apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP). It is intended for travelers looking to enter Singapore within 60 days. The VTP is valid for entry up to 13 days counting from your chosen day of entry.
Note that excluding Work Permit holders, long-term pass holders entering Singapore from February 21st, 2022, 11:59 pm will no longer need to apply for a VTP.
Read Pacific Prime Singapore’s blogs for more exciting news and trends
As a registered insurance brokerage in Singapore, we cover a range of topics that expats, travelers, and businesses will find interesting to read and learn from. Here are some relevant blog articles to check out:
- Travel advice for travelers during the COVID-19 outbreak
- 5 tips for safe travel with your family
- Singapore medical insurance for expats: Finding your ideal plan
To discover more easy-to-read, information-packed blog articles, head to our blog page.
Secure your travel and/or health insurance plan with Pacific Prime Singapore today!
Need to secure short-term travel insurance or comprehensive health insurance for your trip to Singapore? If you are unsure of the terms and conditions, it’s best to speak to an insurance brokerage like Pacific Prime Singapore.
Our advisors can offer 100% impartial advice across multiple plans for your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for expat health insurance, short term health insurance in Singapore, or family health insurance, contact us today to get started!
His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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