Last June 2021, three members of Singapore’s Covid-19 task force proposed a more progressive approach. This includes allowing quarantine-free international travel. This means visitors from certain countries will be able to enter Singapore without having to quarantine. However, the Singapore government will still continue to track and log Covid cases.
Under the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) scheme, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to be quarantined when traveling between Singapore and the following countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
On 8 September 2021, Singapore opened up four “green lanes” for fully vaccinated travelers from Hong Kong, Macao, Brunei, and Germany. There will be additional travel bubbles as negotiations happen between Singapore and countries that have successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic.
Travel Bubbles for Singapore
| Countries | Applies To | |
| Green Lane Arrangement | Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China* | Business and official travelers |
| Vaccinated travelers entering Singapore from countries do not need to quarantine | Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. | All travelers |
| Short-term travelers from these countries are exempt from quarantine | Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, and Taiwan. | Travelers who test negative for COVID-19 upon arrival |
| Travel bubble negotiations underway | Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Australia | All travelers |
*Applies only to travelers from Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhejiang
Australia Travel Bubble With Singapore
Confirmed. On 8th November 2021, Singapore opened its borders to travelers from Australia. Under the Vaccinated Travel Lane scheme, Aussies visiting Singapore can bypass quarantine. However, they need to test negative within 48 hours of getting on their scheduled flight and return another negative test after arriving.
Australia also opened its borders to fully vaccinated Singaporeans on the 21st of November.
However, there are a few things travelers from Australia must take into account before visiting Singapore:
- You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This means you have received your second dose at least 2 weeks prior to landing in Singapore.
- You must have proof of your vaccination status at the airport.
- You must have travel insurance prior to your arrival in Singapore. The insurance policy must cover COVID-19 medical treatment.
- The insurance policy must cover at least $30,000 ($A30,050) in medical expense
- You must download Singapore’s TraceTogether app.
China Travel Bubble With Singapore
Not confirmed. The travel bubble between China and Singapore is not yet confirmed. However, the Singapore-China Fast Lane is now in full swing. This is only for essential business and official travelers only.
Singaporeans seeking to travel to China under the Fast Lane must be sponsored by either a company or a government agency in China. The said company or agency must file an application on behalf of the applicant with the local province/municipal authorities.
Hong Kong Travel Bubble With Singapore
Scrapped. In Aug 2021, Singapore and Hong Kong are reported to no longer push through with the long-delayed quarantine-free travel bubble.
Hong Kong continues to tighten its border control measures. In fact, vaccinated travelers from Singapore and other countries to be of medium-risk of infection need to serve a 14-day quarantine, instead of 7 days.
Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau who are visiting Singapore will be able to enter the country with just one on-arrival Covid-19 swab test. They can proceed to explore Singapore if they test negative.
Japan Travel Bubble With Singapore
Not confirmed. On 18 September 2020, the Reciprocal Green Lane between Singapore and Japan was launched. This was for essential business and official travel. However, this has been suspended since 14 January 2021.
Travelers from Japan to Singapore must provide their travel itinerary for the duration of their stay. However, they don’t need to observe a 14-day quarantine period.
Singaporeans intending to travel to Japan must visit official websites for further details and information regarding the travel restrictions and advisories.
South Korea Travel Bubble With Singapore
Confirmed. Vaccinated travelers will be able to travel between Singapore and South Korea without quarantine from Nov 15. The Transport Ministry announced last 8 Oct that Singapore will open up a new Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) with South Korea to facilitate vaccinated travelers.
However, travelers must check their eligibility criteria for these VTL services before their flights.
Thailand Travel Bubble With Singapore
Not confirmed. However, from 1 November onwards, Thailand started reopening its borders without quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated persons who travel to the country by air. The ten countries on their list include Singapore, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Singaporeans returning to Singapore from Thailand will have to serve a quarantine or stay-home notice. There is no VTL established with Thailand yet.
Travelers Coming From Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States Don’t Have To Quarantine
Vaccinated travelers can enjoy quarantine-free travel between Singapore. However, they must:
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours before departure for Singapore and test negative for COVID-19.
- Take a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Singapore
- Remain in self-isolation until a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken in Singapore is received – usually within 24 hours.
If you wish to travel to these countries from Singapore, you need to take any Singapore Airlines flight (except for flights to Australia, which have specific requirements).
Traveling to Singapore from these countries must be on designated VTL flights.
Note: Travelers who wish to travel under the VTL must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass between 7 and 30 days before their date of entry to Singapore.
Shorter Quarantine Period for Visitors Coming From Certain Countries
Travelers from the following countries/regions under Category II will be required to undergo a 7-day Stay-Home Notice which can be served at their accommodation of choice.
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, as well as Long-Term Pass Holders may also serve their 7-day quarantine at their place of residence if the conditions are suitable.
Here are some of the countries under Category II. You can see the full list here.
- Australia
- Brunei
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
SafeTravel Pass Travelers
The SafeTravel Pass issued under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) arrangement is a non-transferrable single-entry travel document. It is not a visa or a Visit Pass for entry to and stay in Singapore.
SafeTravel Pass allows business travellers to seek short-term visits to Singapore within a specified week. This visit must be an essential business and official visit only. During this period, they can stay in Singapore. That said, if you’re traveling under RGL, you’ll need a SafeTravel Pass approval letter and other documentation:
- A valid SafeTravel Pass approval letter – the date of entry into Singapore must fall within the period of entry stated in the letter.
- A valid visa to Enter Singapore
- A valid certificate of a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Singapore
- A return ticket or proof of other transportation arrangements to depart Singapore
If you don’t have any of the documents listed above, you won’t be able to board the flight to Singapore.
Closing
Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, emphasized that the COVID-19 situation in Singapore is under control. However, health officials still caution travelers to take necessary safety precautions. Singaporeans and all travelers from different countries must closely monitor the news and official announcements
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