Singapore Travel Agreements: What You Need to Know
Travel has been one of the most affected sectors in the pandemic. However, with the rollout of vaccines in many countries, travel has become more accessible again. Singapore has been one of the leaders in the world in managing the pandemic, and it has established travel agreements with many countries to facilitate travel while keeping the virus at bay. In this article, we will go over the different agreements in place and what you need to know before planning a trip to Singapore.
Air Travel Pass (ATP)
The ATP is a program that allows short-term visitors from approved countries to enter Singapore for up to 14 days. Before entering Singapore, visitors must apply for the ATP no earlier than seven days before their intended arrival date. They must also have a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure. Upon arrival, they will take another COVID-19 test at the airport and must stay in their declared accommodation until the test results are released, which typically takes six to eight hours. If the result is negative, the visitors can proceed with their itinerary, but they must adhere to the restrictions imposed by the Singaporean authorities.
Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL)
The RGL is a program that allows short-term visitors from approved countries to enter Singapore for essential business or official purposes. The visitors are required to comply with pre-departure and post-arrival testing requirements, adhere to a controlled itinerary during their stay, and abide by the prevailing health regulations in Singapore. The RGL is currently available for visitors from Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Germany.
Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)
The VTL program is a new initiative that allows fully vaccinated travelers from approved countries to enter Singapore without the need for quarantine. The program started on September 8, 2021, and is currently available for visitors from Brunei, Germany, and Canada. To be eligible, visitors must have received all doses of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before the intended date of entry. They must also have a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 48 hours before departure and take another test upon arrival in Singapore. If both tests are negative, travelers are free to go about their itinerary without any restrictions.
Conclusion
Singapore has been at the forefront of managing the pandemic, and it has established travel agreements that allow for safe and manageable travel. However, travelers must note that the agreements are subject to change depending on the pandemic situation. Before planning a trip to Singapore, it is vital to check the latest updates from the Singaporean authorities and comply with all requirements to ensure a smooth and safe journey.