Singapore’s Vaccinated Traveller Lane (VTL) has been a useful way for people to enter the nation – however, it seems that the government is suspending new entries via this route for a period.
In a quote, the Singapore government says:
From 22 December 2021, 2359hrs (SGT), there will be no new ticket sales for all designated VTL (Air) flights for entry into Singapore until 20 January 2022, 2359hrs (SGT). Ticket sales for entry from 21 January 2022 will also be temporarily reduced.
Travellers who already hold a ticket for a VTL flight can continue to enter Singapore under the VTL (Air) on their originally planned date, provided they meet all VTL (Air) conditions. Applications for the Vaccinated Travel Pass (Air) will remain open.
VTL (Air) travellers are reminded to adhere to the requirements of the 7-day mandatory daily testing regime outlined in the VTL (Air) Checklist after arrival, otherwise they will face enforcement actions under the Infectious Diseases Act.
There’s also a press release stating which covers entry cases for different nationalities as well as Singapore citizens.
Singapore Airlines adds
With effect from 2359hrs (SGT) on 22 December 2021, Singapore Airlines will stop accepting new bookings for all Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights into Singapore that are scheduled between 23 December 2021 and 20 January 2022 (both dates inclusive). This follows the Singapore government’s directive to suspend new bookings on designated VTL flights for entry into Singapore during this time.
SIA customers with a confirmed booking on a VTL flight and have successfully applied for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), if applicable, are not affected by this directive, and may proceed with their travel.
There is no change to existing VTL or test requirements, and travellers with existing bookings may enter Singapore quarantine free if they meet all VTL requirements.
Transit passengers are not affected by this directive. Customers who wish to transit via Singapore on VTL flights during this period may continue to book their flights.
Entry will be capped at 50% of previous levels from the 21st Janaury.
The move is thanks to the Omicron variant that is spreading at the moment.
Once the VTL programme reopens, it is important to note that entry will be capped to 50% of what was allowed before.
VTL allowed passengers to bypass quarantine, by completing the appropriate paperwork and flying in on specific flights and meeting a testing regime.
It covers entry from:
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Denmark
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy,
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- The Netherlands
- The Republic of Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
Plan appropriately
With new VTL registrations suspended, entry to Singapore is more than limited at the moment. The move also is unusual compared to some countries – with the nation putting a sunset date on the hard pause of VTL before allowing it again in a limited form.
For now, if your travel plans call for a visit to the Lion City, ensure that you have the right documentation, or hold a valid VTL code.
Or be prepared to wait out until the VTL programme will accept entries.
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