Singapore reopens Vaccinated Travel Lane: here's what changes
A little more than a month after the border closure, as of Jan. 24 it is again possible to travel [...]
A little more than a month after the border closure, as of January 24, it is again possible to travel to Singapore following the VTL protocol.
In this article:
There is only one direct flight from Italy under this protocol: the connection from Milan to Singapore. The Asian flag carrier's other flight departs from Rome, makes a quick stopover in Copenhagen and then sets off again bound for Singapore.
Of course, it is also possible to take advantage of all connections from Paris, Frankfurt, and generally any nation that falls under the VTL protocol. I this fall I flew right from London with British Airways.
How the VTL protocol is changing
The preparatory phase has remained the same as the original one; what changes is the type and number of tests to which each traveler entering the city-state will be subjected.
LTV passengers arriving in Singapore on or after January 24, 2022 will be required to complete Only one PCR test upon arrival at Changi airport., as usual, followed by self-administered rapid antigen testing (ART) over the next six days (day 2 to day 7), but only if they need to leave their home or other accommodation that day.
This means that it will be enough to bring 7 quick pads from Italy, or buy them in Singapore and test in the hotel room every morning before leaving the room.
Importantly, you will not be able to leave the hotel to go buy tests at a pharmacy in Singapore, so you should definitely bring them from home or buy them at the airport before going to the hotel.
Of course, if your stay in Singapore lasts less than a week, you will not have to take the test on the day of departure.
The rest of the protocol remains unchanged with the need to download the QR-scanning contact-tracking app before entering any venue, means of transportation, and other indoor and outdoor places.
If in addition to being vaccinated you have a certificate of recovery you will instead be exempt from all types of testing. It applies only within the first 90 days after recovery.
What happens if you test positive
It also changes the protocol if you test positive.
- Immediate self-isolation for 72 hours
- At the end of 72 hours, perform self-administered ART. You can stop self-isolation and resume normal activities when a negative result is obtained.
- If you continue to test positive, you will have to self-test every day until you get a negative result, or until noon on day 10 for vaccinated individuals.
In conclusion
Singapore is one of the few destinations open to Italian travelers, including tourists. Upon return, vaccinated travelers will only need to fill out the PLF and take a swab before returning to Italy.
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