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THE SINGAPORE government relaxed the rules for travelers who wish to visit the country. The easing includes the elimination of mandatory PCR testing on arrival for countries with certain criteria as well as a reduction in travel history.
The easing is effective from 21 February 23:59 Singapore time. Referring to the Singapore Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) website, travelers from Category 1 countries and from countries traveling on a vaccinated travel line (VTL) arrangement no longer need to take the PCR test once they arrive at Changi airport, Singapore.
Travelers using VTL routes (including Indonesia) and Category I countries are no longer required to perform a PCR Test upon arrival. However, they must undergo a Supervised Self-Swab (SSS) test at a test center in Singapore within 24 hours of their arrival.
“VTL travelers no longer need to show proof of a PCR test upon arrival. Instead, they must undergo an Antigen test at one of the test centers in Singapore,” CASA wrote.
For information, Singapore divides foreign travelers into three categories, namely:
(1). Category I, travelers from countries with low COVID-19 infection rates, including Macau, China, and Taiwan. (2). General Travel, Travel agents from countries that are categorized as Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) and non-VTL.
VTL countries include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Fiji Islands, France, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands, Korea, Spain, SriLanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
3. Restricted, Travelers from countries with a high COVID-19 situation
In addition to easing PCR testing, the Singapore government has also imposed the following: (1). The travel history requirement is now reduced from 14 days to 7 days, (2). For visitors who do not go through the VTL route, the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) will be equalized to 7 days for all countries/regions due to the shorter incubation period of the Omicron variant, (3). Long Term Pass holders (including Student Pass holders, Employment Pass holders except for Work Permit holders) are no longer required to register a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) or Entry Approval to enter Singapore, but the applicable entry conditions will still apply.
Starting tomorrow (2/22), Singapore will also return its VTL quota in full. Previously, the Singapore government froze the sale of flight tickets and bus travel for tourists who have been vaccinated or (VTL) from December 23 to January 20.
Previously, they also reduced the ticket sales quota from January 20. Meanwhile, the two-way sea journey between Singapore and Indonesia will continue with the launch of VTL-Sea from Bintan and Batam.
Registration for VTL-Sea will start from 22 February 2022 at 10:00 Singapore time and the first ferry trip is scheduled for 25 February 2022. Singapore will also add to the list of countries entering the VTL including Israel, and the Philippines. [sources/photo special]
