How to Book a Flight and Travel on Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lanes

With the recent announcements on the launching of Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) over the past two months, Singaporeans have been eager to book their year-end holidays to destinations across Europe, South Korea, and the US. However, as with any new scheme or initiative, understanding its ins and outs can be challenging, especially with so many different sources available online.

That is why, we’ve rounded up an FAQ list on the basics of VTL, from booking your flight to being in the VTL country itself; hopefully, this quick guide will shed light on some of your most burning questions! Most importantly, it’ll encourage you to finally book that long-awaited vacation.

Need a simpler visual guide? Check out our mobile-friendly guidebook here!

Introduction to Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL)

What are they?

A Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) is a returning flight path between Singapore and select destinations for all fully vaccinated travellers. It is one of the first initiatives that allows travellers to visit overseas destinations safely and freely. 

What does it do? 

In the context of Singapore, travellers who return to Singapore via designated VTL flights do not need to undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Meaning, once they’ve landed, they are basically free to explore the city.  

Who qualifies for this initiative?

Fully vaccinated travellers flying into Singapore. This includes citizens, Permanent Residents, short-term visitors, and Long-Term Pass Holders. However, those who are not citizens and Permanent Residents will need to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) prior to arrival. Children who are 12 years of age or less need not apply. 

Planning on flying via the VTL? Here’s what you need to know

How does it work?

For those travelling to Singapore, the main thing is choosing the right flight into the country. When travelling from a VTL destination to Singapore, you will need to book a designated VTL flight to Changi Airport. These are direct (non-stop) flights that do not transit in a non-VTL location. 

This piece of information is exceptionally important because not all flights are VTL-designated flights. Even if they take the same route, non-VTL flight arrivals will not be given quarantine-free travel privileges.

What are the current VTLs? 

What are the requirements to board a VTL flight?

1. You need to be fully vaccinated with valid proof of vaccination.
2. The final dose (of a double dose vaccine) must be administered 14 days before arrival in Singapore.
3. You must not have any travel history outside of Singapore or any VTL countries in the past 14 days.

Do I need to get tested before travelling on a VTL Flight to Singapore?

Yes. For entry to Singapore, two Covid-19 PCR tests are required. A pre-departure test within 48 hours of departure, and an on-arrival test at Changi Airport. 

However, if you’re travelling on a VTL flight before 19 October, you will need to take an additional two post-arrival tests on day 3 and day 7.

Do the same rules apply to children?

For VTL flights back into Singapore, unvaccinated children under the age of 12 are allowed to travel quarantine-free if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller. However, those who are between 3 and 12 years old will need to undergo mandatory testing. 

However, when travelling with unvaccinated children out of Singapore, it is important to take note of the travel restrictions of your destination. At the moment, in some VTL countries/destinations, unvaccinated children are not eligible for quarantine-free travel. For example, anyone who is unvaccinated or unfit to be vaccinated, including children under the age of 12, will not be able to board the VTL flight into South Korea.

What about outbound travel?

It depends on the various testing requirements of the country you are visiting. Take note that different countries will have different testing requirements. The same applies to children. 

Most VTL countries provide quarantine and test-free entry to vaccinated travellers flying outbound from Singapore. 

However, there are some exceptions: 

• Brunei: Quarantine and testing are both required
• Italy: A pre-departure PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) taken 72 hours prior to the flight. 
• South Korea: A pre-departure PCR test taken 72 hours prior to the flight. 
• The UK: A post-arrival PCR test on Day 2 (requires pre-booking).
• The USA: A pre-departure ART to be taken 72 hours prior to the flight.

Also read: Germany Travel Restrictions: What to Know Before Visiting

Can I transit in two different VTL destinations?

Yes, you can. From 19 Oct, you can take a non-designated flight from one VTL destination to another. However, for your return flight to Singapore, you MUST book a designated VTL flight. 

For example, you can fly from London (UK) to Berlin (Germany) with Ryanair. However, you will have to book either a Scoot/Singapore Airlines/Lufthansa flight back to Singapore as those are the airlines that service VTL routes.

How about transiting in a non-VTL country?

That is a big no-no. If you transit in a non-VTL country, then you will no longer be able to travel on a VTL flight. This is because your 14-day travel history will be taken into consideration when booking such a flight. So, if you transit in a non-VTL location, your eligibility is voided.

This means, even though you are flying back to Singapore from a VTL destination, you will have to undergo mandatory quarantine when you arrive because you are not eligible to book a VTL-designated flight.

What about when flying out of Singapore?

Technically, you can take ANY flight out of Singapore. However, take note that quarantine-free entry to VTL destinations is subject to local travel restrictions. In most cases, they also require that the passenger take a direct (non-stop) flight or a flight that does not transit in areas deemed “high-risk” by the country you are visiting.

Can I travel from a VTL country to a non-VTL country during my trip?

Yes, you can but we advise against such travel plans. For one, travel between countries once you leave Singapore is subject to relevant travel restrictions in the country you are visiting. These may be different than the original restrictions of the VTL country you originally visited.

What’s more, upon entering a non-VTL country, your travel history will reflect the journey. If you visit a non-VTL country within the past 14 days, you will not be able to travel on a VTL-designated flight! 

What about domestic travel within a VTL country?

There is no problem with that. You can, for example, fly from Singapore to Berlin, then travel to Stuttgart and still be eligible to travel on a VTL flight. However, take note that designated VTL flights only depart from certain airports/cities! 

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

How do I book a VTL flight?

First, take note of airlines that currently provide VTL flights: Air France, Asiana, British Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines. 

Next, pay close attention to your return flight. Designated VTL flights will be marked with a VTL logo. We recommend booking on Singapore Airlines as it currently offers the most extensive network of VTL flights. 

How much do VTL flights cost?

If you’re planning on flying to any European country via Singapore Airlines, a sale period is happening now! These will apply to bookings made from now till 8 Nov 2021, while the outbound dates last till 26 Mar 2022. In a nutshell, flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Rome start at S$958.

If you’re planning on travelling to Vancouver, promotional prices start at S$858. This applies to outbound flights from 2 Dec 2021 to 15 Feb 2022. Christmas vacation, here we come! 

Also read: 15 Dazzling Christmas Lights Around the World You Have to See

While we’ve just skimmed the surface of what there is to know, hopefully it’s given you an idea of how the VTL works. Stay tuned for more content from us as we give you breakdowns of what there is to expect in each country!

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Featured FB Image credit (L-R): @shawnanggg, Nafis Al Sadnan | Unsplash