This information is Vital for trip planning if you're planning on travelling on the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL).
After being grounded for almost two years, it looks like leisure travel is set to take off again soon, with Singapore opening Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) to 11 countries now, which means people can travel from countries under the VTL to Singapore without having to serve a Stay-Home Notice.
VTLs have just been extended to Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States, and will take into effect from Oct 19; the South Korea VTL takes off Nov 15. The existing VTL arrangements are with Germany and Brunei.
The entry requirements for returning to Singapore on the VTL are crystal clear: Do two PCR tests — one 48 hours before arriving back in Singapore, and another on-arrival at Changi Airport — in lieu of quarantine.
However, your pre-trip planning should also factor if you need any pre-departure tests (PDT) before you even leave Singapore — these vary from VTL country to VTL country.
Where to take a PDT in Singapore: Go to one of the MOH-approved PCR and ART swab providers and clinics (full list here).
Where to take a PDT overseas to return to Singapore on the VTL: You must get a PCR test at a provider that’s approved by the country’s health ministry or equivalent. Self-administered PCR and ART tests are not accepted for entry into Singapore. MOH and Singapore Airlines have provided lists of swab test providers here and here.
How many Covid-19 tests you’ll have to take if you’re doing a return trip on the VTL (ie. Sin-VTL country-Sin):
South Korea (from Nov 15)
How many tests in total: 5
#1: Pre-departure test (PDT) before leaving Singapore: PCR test 72 hours before departure
#2: In Korea: On-arrival test at Incheon Airport (from 174,000 KRW or S$197). Book here.
#3: Day 6 or 7 PCR test ($150-200), if staying more than 8 days. Arrival day is counted as Day 0 (details TBA).
#4: PCR test in Korea 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#5: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
United Kingdom (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Day 2 test in the UK (from £1.25 or S$2.30 for a self-swab at a facility, to £399 for a house call swab test). Book a test before you fly from this list. Day of arrival is counted as Day 0.
#2: PCR test in UK 48 hours before departing for Singapore.
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Denmark (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Denmark 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Italy (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore – ART/PCR test, maximum 72 hours before arrival in Italy.
#2: PCR test in Italy 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
France (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in France 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Netherlands (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in the Netherlands 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Spain (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Spain 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Germany
How many tests in total: 2
#1: PCR test in Germany 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#2: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Canada (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 3 to 4
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore — PCR test, maximum 72 hours before departure of last direct flight to Canada.
#2: No on-arrival tests in Canada for vaccinated travellers, but mandatory randomized arrival tests may be required.
#3: PCR test in Canada 48 hours before departing for Singapore
#4: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
United States (from Oct 19)
How many tests in total: 3
#1: Pre-departure test in Singapore: ART/PCR test, no more than three days before first scheduled departure time in the flight itinerary.
#2: PCR test in US 48 hours before departing for Singapore.
#3: On-arrival test in Singapore ($160). Book here.
Parts of this article first appeared on Today Online and have been adapted accordingly
