Media Release
Singapore Further Reopens Borders in Cautious, Step-by-Step Manner
19 August 2021
Vaccinated Travel Lanes launched for travel from Germany and Brunei Darussalam
Border restrictions lifted for all travel from Hong Kong and Macao
With more than 75% of Singapore’s population fully vaccinated, Singapore will make further moves to reopen our borders in a cautious and step-by-step manner.
Vaccinated Travel Lanes from Germany and Brunei Darussalam
2. From 8 September 2021, fully vaccinated travellers departing from Germany or Brunei Darussalam may enter Singapore without the need to serve Stay-Home Notice (SHN) under a new Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement. In lieu of the SHN, travellers must undergo multiple COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, including:
A pre-departure test within 48 hours of the scheduled departure flight;
An on-arrival test at Changi Airport; and
Post-arrival tests on Day 3 and Day 7 during their stay at one of the designated clinics in Singapore.
3. Travellers must have been fully vaccinated in their country of departure or Singapore. An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after he or she has received the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or other World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing vaccines. There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel under the VTL arrangement and no requirement for a controlled itinerary or sponsor. However, travellers must have remained in their country of departure and/or Singapore in the last 21 consecutive days prior to their departure for Singapore. They must also travel on non-stop designated VTL flights from their country of departure to Singapore that will only serve VTL travellers.
4. Short-term visitors and Long-Term Pass Holders will need to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) to travel to Singapore under the VTL. Application opens from 1 September 2021, 0001 hours (Singapore time) for entry into Singapore on or after 8 September 2021. As part of the VTP application, travellers will have to pre-pay for their Day 3 and Day 7 COVID-19 PCR tests. Their vaccination status will be checked for entry into Singapore.
5. Short-term visitors who require a visa for travel to Singapore must separately obtain a visa. They are advised to do so after receiving their VTP approval and before departing for Singapore. They must also purchase travel insurance, with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs, prior to travel to Singapore. These visitors must also use the TraceTogether app in Singapore to facilitate contact tracing.
6. Fully vaccinated Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents do not need to apply for a VTP to enter Singapore under the VTL. For those who are vaccinated in Singapore, they can show their vaccination status on the HealthHub app to the airline at check-in before departure for Singapore. For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are not vaccinated in Singapore, they can present proof of their vaccination taken in their country of departure to the airline at check-in and to the Singapore immigration authorities on arrival at Changi Airport. The VTL arrangement will come into effect for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who enter Singapore on or after 8 September 2021, 0001 hours (Singapore time).
7. Travellers under the VTL will have to comply strictly with the conditions of travel. Those who fail to complete the required PCR tests may be served with a SHN to be quarantined in a dedicated facility. It is also a chargeable offence under the Infectious Diseases Act.
8. More details on the requirements of the VTL can be found in the Annex and at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/.
Opening to Hong Kong and Macao Travellers
9. Short-term visitors with travel history to Hong Kong or Macao in the last 21 consecutive days prior to their departure for Singapore can apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) with immediate effect, for entry into Singapore on or after 26 August 2021. They will undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at the airport and will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore if their PCR test result is negative. They will not need to serve a 7-day SHN with a COVID-19 PCR test before the end of the SHN period.
10. From 20 August 2021, 2359 hours (Singapore time), Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders who have spent the last 21 consecutive days in Hong Kong or Macao and returning to Singapore will similarly undergo a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival. If the result is negative, they will be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore. This is in lieu of a SHN.
11. More details on the conditions of the ATP, application requirements and process, and Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/.
Update on Advisory for Travel Out of Singapore
12. The travel advisory (https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19-phase-advisory/ (opens in new tab)) will also be updated to allow travel from Singapore to these destinations. Travellers are also advised to check the entry requirements imposed by these places and take the necessary precautionary measures.
Safeguarding Public Health
13. To safeguard public health in Singapore, all travellers entering Singapore must comply with the prevailing health and safe distancing measures in Singapore.
14. As the global COVID-19 situation evolves, we will continue to adjust our border measures with the appropriate safeguards to ensure public health and safety. This will enable us to transition safely and confidently towards a COVID-19 resilient nation.
Annex: Requirements of Vaccinated Travel Lane (opens in new tab)
For media queries, please contact:
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg (opens in new tab)