News of the Vaccine Travel Lane (VTL) broke out this morning and now we're all buzzing with excitement! Travelling? Finally! Singaporeans can travel again! Even if it's to just one or two countries, the possibility of exploring the world again has us all packing up for the adventure.
Whether it's to just Germany, Brunei or Taiwan, we can't deny that we're all very excited. And if you're heading to or coming back to Singapore, even better news! Welcome back!
But are you eligible for the Vaccine Travel Lane? What do you need to travel? HHWT breaks down how you can travel out of Singapore so you can work toward finally satisfying your wanderlust ?
Am I Eligible For The Vaccine Travel Lane?
From Singapore (to Germany)
Good news for all Singaporean travelers! Singaporeans or Permanent Residents of Singapore (PRs) who are travelling to Germany can skip the quarantine period if they meet certain criteria ? So if you've been itching to fly out of the country for your dose of exotic views and food, this is your chance.
Before the trip
Before you make your way to the airport luggage bag in hand, you will need to have:
- Stayed in Singapore for at least the past six months and
- Have your last required vaccination dose at least 2 weeks (14 days) before your date of travel
Remember to make sure that you have not stayed in an "area of variant concern" during the last 10 days, as well!
P.S. Muslim & getting your vaccine? This is what MUIS has to say!
When boarding the plane
To ensure everyone's safety, entry requirements and border controls are also in place. If you're planning to travel, remember to check the travel advisories present to ensure that you're eligible to fly off ✈️ and to be ready for any situation that comes your way ?.
You will only be allowed to board the plan if:
- You do not have fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, anosmia or shortness of breath.
- You have not been diagnosed or are suspected to have Covid-19 infection in the past 21 days.
- You have not had close contact with anyone with Covid-19 in the last 14 days.
Do remember that entry requirements are always changing with Covid-19, and flexibility and preparedness may just be key to traveling in this climate!
When in Germany
When in Germany, you will have to ensure that they have the various documents required to enter the country. This applies to any traveler aged 12 years old and above.
These documents include:
- A valid electronic or physical copy of the Covid-19 vaccination certificate,
- A negative Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) result which was taken 48 hours before arrival in Germany,
- A negative Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result taken 72 hours before arrival, or
- Proof of recovery from Covid-19 dated a maximum of 6 months before traveling!
It's important that while traveling, you carry proof of your vaccination status at all times ?
To Singapore (from Germany or Brunei)
If you're coming to Singapore from Germany or Brunei, this is what you need to do!
Before heading to Singapore
Before getting on a plane to Singapore, do remember to ensure that you have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This can be with Pfizer or Moderna, or any other World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing vaccines. The final dose must also have been completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Singapore!
You must also have been in Germany or Brunei for at least 21 consecutive days before departure, along with a negative Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 48 hours before flight departure.
In Singapore
Once at Singapore's Changi Airport, you will also have to get two post-arrival PCR tests in Singapore to ensure yours and everyone's safety!
The best part of all this? You don't need a controlled itinerary or have a sponsor to get around Singapore. You just need to follow Singapore's safe management measures and wear a mask in public at all times ?
With pandemic safety measures in control, it's possible to travel safely! Remember to be cautious and vaccinate yourself before heading out on your next adventure ?