The time is coming when vaccinated Americans can travel to Singapore. This is a lot faster than I expected!
Singapore expands Vaccinated Travel Lanes
Mid-August saw Singapore announce the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) which allows fully vaccinated travellers to enter Singapore without the need for quarantine. This concept was first tested with Brunei and Germany, but it will soon be expanded to nine other countries.
On October 19, 2021 Singapore's VTL will be open to Canada, Denmark France, Italy, Spain, Spain, Canada and the United States. Also, Singapore's VTL will be open to South Korea starting November 15, 2021.
This development will allow vaccinated Singaporeans to travel to these countries without the need to quarantine. Similarly, Singaporeans vaccinated from other countries will also be able visit Singapore without being quarantined. Travelling as part of the arrangement will require a VTL flight. These are nonstop flights that connect specific countries. I don't know if this policy will change.
Soon, Americans will be able travel to Singapore
Singapore eliminates travel testing requirement
There was a lot of testing involved when the VTL concept was first introduced. You had to be tested both before and after your arrival. In Singapore, you were also required to test on days three through seven. This will change as of October 19, 2021.
Travelers who are part of the VTL program will need to take a pre-departure test for PCR within 48 hours of departing.
On arrival, travelers will need to be tested
The tests will not be conducted on days three and seven. This makes it easier to travel to Singapore. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, these tests are sufficient for detecting and isolating imported cases of coronavirus. This will make travel easier and reduce costs.
According to the VTL, 1,926 people visited Singapore from Germany or Brunei. Only two cases of imported persons have been reported. Both were detected upon arrival.
Singapore's requirement for travel testing is being reduced
This is an amazing development
Singapore was the first country to open its doors to Americans, despite taking extreme measures to protect residents from the coronavirus. This comes as Singapore is experiencing a significant increase in coronavirus cases. However, the country recognizes that the time has come to lift restrictions and return to normal.
All of this being said:
This is great news for Singaporeans who wish to travel. They can now access all sorts of destinations without needing to go through quarantine.
Although I love Singapore, it is a city I visit for a few days while en route to another destination.
I enjoy visiting Singapore with a beach destination. Until Bali, Thailand, and other destinations open up in a meaningful manner with no quarantine, or meaningful restrictions, I doubt that Ill make it.
If only Bali were (really) open to tourists
Bottom line
As part of the Vaccinated Travel Lane concept, Singapore will soon open its doors to vaccinated travellers from nine additional countries, including the United States. This exciting development allows for travel without quarantine in both directions. This makes it even more appealing.
I am happy to see Singapore starting to ease restrictions on travel due to coronavirus. Let's hope other countries in the region follow the lead and lift travel restrictions so that a trip from Singapore may be possible.
What do you think of Singapore's reopening plans? This arrangement is for anyone who plans to travel to Singapore.
(Tip of a hat to SINJim
