It has been interesting to watch the reopening of tourism in Singapore. The country kept its borders closed after taking a zero tolerance approach towards coronaviruses. The country has achieved a high vaccination rate, which has led to the reopening of borders. Major restrictions have just been added.
The idea was that travelers could visit Singapore without having to take a basic test. Travelers needed to get a pre-departure test within 48 hours of departure to Singapore, and then a second test upon arrival in Singapore.
Singapore is increasing its testing requirement for travelers because of the new coronaviruses. Those arriving as part of the VTL concept need to take additional tests.
The third and seventh day after arriving in Singapore are required for supervised rapid antigen tests.
After arriving in Singapore, self-administered rapid antigen tests are required on the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth day.
If you spent a week in Singapore, you would need to get tested a total of eight times, not accounting for any testing required for leaving the country.
The testing requirement for travelers in Singapore is increasing.
Singapore has a new testing requirement.
I applaud Singapore for keeping its borders open and sticking to the VTL concept despite the new variant. Having to take a daily coronaviruses test while on vacation doesn't sound fun.
My feelings about Singapore's VTL concept haven't changed because of this announcement.
The VTL concept is most useful for people who have a specific reason to travel to Singapore.
I wouldn't travel halfway around the world in order to just visit a city, without also visiting a nearby country for a nice beach holiday.
I think that the new daily testing requirement will deter some tourists from going to Singapore, but that is about it.
Travelers to Singapore will need to take a number of tests.
The bottom line.
As part of the vaccine travel lane concept, Singapore is increasing its testing requirement. Travelers need to self-test on days two, four, five, and six if they want to be tested in person on days three and seven.
Would the new testing requirement change if you traveled to Singapore?
Ben is the founder of OMAAT.
