Singapore-Thailand VTL Travel Requirements

Singapore-Thailand VTL Travel Requirements

Are you ready to smile for the Land of Smiles?

Searching for potential travel destinations for the year-end holidays? Look no further as the Singapore-Thailand Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) was recently announced on 24 Nov 2021 by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).  Here, I’ll share all the Singapore-Thailand VTL travel requirements so you can be prepared.  

Also read: Thailand Travel Restrictions for Phuket: What to Know Before Visiting

Travelling to Thailand from Singapore

Who can travel to Thailand under the Singapore-Thailand VTL Scheme?

thailand vtl

Image credit: Waranont (Joe)

Commencing on 14 Dec 2021, the Singapore-Thailand VTL opens to fully vaccinated Singaporean travellers who may travel between Thailand and Singapore without having to serve mandatory quarantine. 

Initially, Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) had also announced the easing of a few entry rules for international arrivals which were set to take effect on 16 Dec. However due to the current situation with the new variant, this easing of travel requirements have been postponed. That said, here are all the details you need to know about the Singapore-Thailand VTL travel requirements under the TEST & GO system.

All Singaporeans and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for travel from Singapore to Thailand on the Singapore-Thailand VTL lane. Currently, the VTL is open for travel between Changi Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

At present, Thailand recognises an individual as fully vaccinated if they have abided by the vaccination guidelines as stated by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or World Health Organisation (WHO). Unvaccinated children below 12 years old may travel with vaccinated parents without the need for quarantine as well.

Thailand travel requirements

thailand vtl

Image credit: Dan Freeman

While Singapore travellers are exempted from obtaining a travel visa, individuals are required to apply for a Thailand Pass to enter the country. In addition, they do need to take note of the following travel requirements for Thailand:

1. Those who wish to travel to Thailand on the Singapore-Thailand VTL must have remained in Singapore for 21 consecutive days prior to departure.

2. You must undergo a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR within three days prior to departure. This may be done at any approved COVID-19 test provider.

3. You must also register and pay for an on-arrival RT-PCR test, which is included in the costs of the hotel reservation.

Although there had been plans to remove the requirement of a one-night booking at an SHA Extra+ or Alternative Quarantine (AQ) Hotel, this has since been adjourned due to the Omicron variant.

In summary

Upon checking in for your VTL flight to Thailand, you will be required to present the following:

a) Physical copy of QR entry code (Generated from Thailand Pass Portal)
b) Valid passport with at least a 6 month validity 
c) Digitally verifiable hardcopy of COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate 
d) Electronic or physical copy of COVID-19 Health Insurance Certificate (Coverage of up to US$50,000 which may be provided by any international insurance provider or a Thailand-based provider such as AXA Thailand)
e) Flight booking (with a valid return ticket for short-term visitors)
f) Negative COVID-19 test result (RT-PCR), issued within 72 hours before departure
g) A one-night hotel reservation at SHA+ or AQ Hotel with a payment confirmation slip. 

What to expect when you arrive in Thailand

thailand vtl

Image Credit: Frida Aguilar Estrada

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on the Singapore-Thailand VTL, you will have to undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test at your pre-booked accommodation (via approved airport transportation) or at a COVID-19 Test Centre. If you are staying for an extended duration of time, you will be required to produce a second negative Antigen Testing Kit (ATK) test on days six to seven (as of 19 Nov 2021).

While there have been plans for the post-arrival tests to be replaced with an ATK that can be taken at the hotel, it has also since been placed on hold due to the new variant. 

Also read: 8 Charming Floral Cafes in Bangkok You Need to Show Off on Your Instagram!

Travelling to Singapore from Thailand

Who can travel to Singapore under the Singapore-Thailand VTL Scheme?

singapore buildings night

Image credit: cegoh

All Singaporeans and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to travel from Thailand to Singapore on the Singapore-Thailand VTL.

At present, Singapore recognises all vaccine brands approved under the World Health Organisation’s Emergency Use Listing. Travellers who have received mixed vaccination doses would also be recognised as fully vaccinated.

Children under the age of 12 (within this calendar year) may travel to Singapore via the VTL if accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller.

Which flights will service the Singapore-Thailand VTL

Those travelling either way on the Singapore-Thailand VTL must travel on non-stop designated flights between the two countries.

Currently, there are five daily designated services between Changi and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airlines that provide VTL services are Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Scoot.

During booking, ensure that your chosen flights are marked with a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) tag. Otherwise, you will not qualify for quarantine-free travel upon arrival.

So what do you say, are you ready to travel to Bangkok for that long-awaited holiday?

About Author

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Jerald Ang

Jerald is always looking at aviation news and his favourite pastime is plane spotting. When he is taking a break, you'll find him either indulging in his Pokémon games or searching for his escape.

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