COVID-19 Travel Guide: Travelling From Singapore to Germany and Back

In case you haven’t heard, Singapore is launching a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) with Germany starting 8 Sep 2021. What this means is that fully vaccinated Singaporeans can travel to Germany and back without serving quarantine in both countries. In a nutshell, you can finally indulge in a well-deserved holiday if Germany is on your must-visit list. But, just make sure that you’re fully vaccinated as well (we’ll get to more on that in the later part!). 

If you’re already planning to visit the Western European destination, here’s what you need to know before you embark on your long-awaited vacation. From entry requirements in Germany to returning back to Singapore, we answer all your questions in this COVID-19 travel guide. 

Also read: Singapore to Launch Vaccinated Travel Lanes With Germany and Brunei

Singapore-Germany Vaccinated Travel Lane

When can I travel to Germany via the Vaccinated Travel Lane?

• Starting 8 Sep 2021, 12.01am (Singapore time).
• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Germany has lifted all entry restrictions for all Singapore residents, regardless of their nationality or the purpose of their journey since 27 Oct 2020. Additionally, as Singapore is not classified as a high-risk country, travellers need not quarantine themselves in Germany upon arrival.

What travel purposes do the Vaccinated Travel Lane cover?

• All travel purposes, including business, leisure and family visitations.
• No requirement for a controlled itinerary or sponsor.

When am I considered fully vaccinated?

• A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they have received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or other vaccines listed under the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use list, such as Sinovac and AstraZeneca.  
• As such, children under the age of 12 in Singapore cannot travel through the vaccinated travel lane since they cannot be vaccinated yet. 

What vaccines are recognised in Germany?

According to Schengen Visa Info, Germany currently recognises the following vaccines:

• BioNTech/Pfizer Manufacturing GmbH, Comirnaty (including BNT162b2/COMIRNATY, Tozinameran)
• Janssen-Cilag International NV
• Moderna Biotech Spain, S.L., Spikevax (including mRNA-1273)
• AstraZeneca AB, Schweden, Vaxzevria (including AZD 1222)

Germany entry requirements

1. Preparing for your trip

• Check for travel requirements into Germany here. Take note that you must have completed the full vaccine regime of the above mentioned ones to be considered as fully vaccinated. 
• Book your flights. Your flight to Germany can be any direct flight. However, your return flight to Singapore must be a designated Vaccinated Travel Lane flight from Singapore Airlines or Lufthansa.

2. Arriving in Germany

• According to Singapore Airlines, you must ensure that you have proof of one of the following:
  • A valid electronic or physical copy of the COVID-19 vaccination certificate
  • A negative COVID-19 antigen test result, taken not more than 48 hours before arrival
  • A negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or POR-PCR test result, taken not more than 72 hours before arrival
  • Proof of recovery from COVID-19, which must be dated between 28 days and six months before travel*
• You will not have to undergo any on-arrival COVID-19 test.
• You can make your way to your accommodation on any form of transportation.

*According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the proof must be presented to the airline before departure from Singapore, and can be requested by the relevant German authorities up to 10 days after arrival in Germany.

3. When in Germany

• Adhere to local government public health measures found here during your stay. 

Also read: 16 Exciting Things to Do in Germany on Your 2021 Holiday

4. Can I travel out of Germany?

• You can travel out of Germany. However, you can only return to Singapore on a Vaccinated Travel Lane flight if you have spent 21 consecutive days in Germany before returning. Schengen and non-Schengen transit restrictions apply.

Returning to Singapore

1. Before departure

• Undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours before departing for Singapore and be tested negative for COVID-19.
• Pre-pay for on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test here.
• Present the following to the airline staff when departing from Germany:
  • Valid vaccination certificate (electronic or physical copy)
  • Valid pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test result certificate (electronic or physical copy) in English

2. Arriving in Singapore

• Undergo a COVID-19 PCR test at the airport.
• Take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car to your declared place of accommodation upon taking the COVID-19 PCR test at the airport.
• Your declared place of accommodation can be :
  • A residential accommodation (i.e. HDB flat, condominium or landed property)
  • A non-residential accommodation (i.e. hotel or serviced apartment)
• Remain isolated until your test result comes back as negative. 

3. When in Singapore

• Undergo post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests on Day 3 and Day 7 at any of these clinics by 3pm on each day. 
• You can make an appointment to take the PCR tests on Day 3 and Day with the unique link that you will receive via email  upon arrival in Singapore. 
• You will not need to self-isolate while awaiting the results for your COVID-19 PCR tests on Day 3 and Day 7.

Also read: 10 Indoor Activities in Singapore to Escape the Perpetual Summer Heat

Note: Information is subject to change, depending on travel updates.

There you have it, a series of important things to take note of as you prepare for your trip to Germany! Keep a lookout for more of our COVID-19 travel guides in time to come.