Due to the raging coronavirus pandemic, traveling abroad may seem near to impossible to make a return with concerns about the safety and health of passengers. Nonetheless, with the vaccination ramping up around the world as well as in Singapore with more than 85% of the population is fully vaccinated, the Vaccinated Travel Lane or VTL initiative is launched as part of reopening international travels safely.

As a result, this program will then be able to kick off tourism sectors that have been going under recently due to lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) allows travelers to travel quarantine-free to their VTL countries. This, however, applies only to fully vaccinated travelers that have completed their regimen of vaccination, be it one or two doses as well as passed the 2 weeks waiting period.

This will involve travelers coming in from Singapore or from the VTL countries as well. While a Vaccination Travel Pass (VTP) is necessary to be applied for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders, general travelers fulfilling VTL requirements can also opt to not apply for VTP.

Among the requirements is to have valid vaccination proof to be presented when necessary. From the 19^th of October, children aged 12 years and below that are not vaccinated are also eligible for VTL provided if they are accompanied by at least one fully vaccinated traveler and have also fulfilled other conditions specified in the VTL program.

Travelers going under the VTL scheme between the two countries allowed in the agreement will be able to travel back and forth without undergoing the quarantine period. However, they will still be required to conduct the COVID-19 tests prior to taking flight.

Furthermore, travelers are only allowed to be traveling in the VTL countries or regions for the travel period. Should the travel period be extensive, and travelers are expected to be going to other non-VTL countries, then they should be present in the VTL countries 14 days before departing for Singapore.

In addition to that, the flights involved are also required to be direct flights only. However from 19^th October onwards, one can also opt to go on transit flights as long as they are VTL-designated flights heading from and landing in Singapore.

Upon reaching the pre-departure area, travelers need to ensure they are bringing a valid visa, vaccination proof, negative PCR, and negative antigen test results, as well as proof of recovery from COVID-19 if they have contracted the virus previously.

Initially, at the launch of the program on the 8^th of September, only Brunei and Germany are the two countries allowed to travel to and from Singapore under the VTL program as part of the pilot countries for the scheme.

Due to the success involving Brunei and Germany in the VTL scheme as well as vaccination rates taking up pace in more and more countries, now travelers can also look forward to having Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States in their travel list starting from 19^th October onwards.

Current news reported on November 8th, Australia and Switzerland will join the VTL train, although, at the moment, this is for travelers flying to Singapore only (see below for new updates on Australia!).

From 15^th November onwards, the Republic of Korea will also be included in the VTL program. It is expected that with further successes, the list of countries in the VTL can only grow from here. Read further to learn about the travel requirements for each country.

Great news from down under!

SINGAPORE - AUSTRALIA VTL NEWS! Beginning November 21st, travelers from Singapore (yes, you!) will be able to travel to Australia; specifically to South Wales, Sydney, or Victoria, Melbourne quarantine-free under the VTL. Travelers can find more information on the requirements in the link above.

SINGAPORE - MALAYSIA VTL NEWS! Another exciting news is Singapore announced Malaysia as an additional VTL country on the list. Beginning November 29th, Singaporeans and Malaysian workers are now able to travel to Malaysia quarantine-free!

This is not only great news to revive tourism for both countries, but it helps to bring families together again after almost two years apart. We will update more news on this exciting VTL soon!

SINGAPORE - INDONESIA/INDIA VTL NEWS! It was announced that Indonesia will join the ever-growing VTL list beginning November 29th. Now, before we get too excited, this news currently stated travelers from Indonesia/India at the moment. Don't be sad, friends! Let's pray it will be a two-way VTL anytime soon!

Furthermore, Singapore is still in talks with India to allow VTL flights between the two countries. If the outcome is bright, there will be two VTL dedicated flights daily from Singapore to India.

SINGAPORE - THAILAND/TURKEY/FIJI/SRI LANKA/CAMBODIA VTL NEWS! It was announced that Thailand is officially on board the VTL wagon beginning December 14th! Meanwhile, beginning December 16th, four more countries are joining in the fun; Turkey, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.

As of December 15th, there are currently 13 airlines involved in the VTL program, meaning they are approved by the Singapore authorities to handle VTL designated flights. The airlines are:

Singapore-Malaysia VTL News! It is reported that there will be six dedicated flights for the latest expansion in Singapore's VTL scheme to Malaysia. So be on the lookout for our next updates!

During the course of the flight, guests are advised to keep their masks on at all times and would only remove them should the need to eat or drink arise.

As we see more countries reopening their borders, don't forget to always keep each other safe and adhere to the safety regulations being implemented. We will keep you up-to-date with more information on the VTL, so bookmark this article to not miss any news.