Planning A Trip To Singapore? Here’s How The VTL System Works

The Australia to Singapore VTL (vaccinated travel lane) is set to launch on November 8, with a two-way zone launching on November 21, which means Singaporeans will be able to travel to NSW and VIC on VTL designated flights and enjoy quarantine free travel to Australia for any reason.

This means Singaporean tourists, students, and business travellers will be allowed to travel to and from Australia.

That said, the process is expensive, and there are a few key things you need to know.

What Are VTL Flights?

Anyone entering Singapore has to do so on a VTL recognised flight. Currently, only Singapore Airlines and Scoot offer VTL flights from Australia to Singapore. Qantas and Jetstar aren’t yet on the VTL flight list, but it’s widely regarded that they will be added by November 21. Word on the street is that Qantas will be re-opening its First Class lounge in Changi Airport on November 23.

Both Scoot and Singapore Airlines have a small label on each flight indicating it’s a “VTL” flight. While Qantas doesn’t currently have this, I think it’s a safe bet they will also be added to the list in the next few weeks.

Note that if you’re booking in advance, your flights will probably not show as VTL, at this stage, only flights up until March 2022 are marked as VTL.

VTL flights are in place because Singapore also allows non-vaccinated passengers to transit airside. While it technically makes no sense for passengers departing Australia, it does when you consider the amount of transit flights Singapore has from other countries.

Applying For A VTL Pass

Short term visitors and long-term pass holders must apply for a VTL pass between 30 and 7 days before departure. You can do this via this website: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO/VTL

Singapore citizens and permanent residents are not required to apply for a VTP, but permanent residents will need valid re-entry permits.

Vaccination Requirements

* To be considered fully vaccinated*, you require two shots of an approved vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
* Mixing of approved vaccines is accepted.
* The final dose must be completed at least 14 days before arrival in Singapore.
* You must provide a vaccination certificate in English issued by Singapore or the VTL country**. All vaccination certificates must be digitally certifiable (i.e. contains a QR code for verification).

For Australians looking to travel to Singapore, the International COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued by the AU government will be valid and recognised. Here’s how you can get your certificate: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19/COVID-19-vaccination-certificates

VTL Testing Requirements

Here’s where things get expensive! Passengers on VTL flights to Singapore will need to pay and take 2 PCR tests. One before departure (no later than 48h) and one upon arrival at the airport. The Singapore Airport test can be pre-booked and paid for in advance via this website: https://safetravel.changiairport.com/

We’ve partnered with Healius Pathology to offer readers a $20 discount on their travel PCR test. Visit https://consumer.healius.com.au/and enter promo code “flthacks” to get $20 off your test.

Of course, returning back to Australia, you will need to do the same process again: test before departure and on arrival. This means a trip to Singapore can cost an additional $400 in tests alone… per person!

VTL Travel Insurance

Travellers to Singapore will need to have at least $30,000 worth of insurance cover for Covid-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs before travel to Singapore. For Australian travellers, this travel insurance company offers covid-19 travel insurance.