To gradually welcome back international tourists, Singapore launched the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) program — a special scheme allowing vaccinated travellers to enter the city from point to point without having to quarantine. Effective from 4 Mar 2022, the program has been expanded to include the Philippines. Keep reading to find out more about the Singapore-Philippines VTL.
Singapore-Philippines VTL: Who can travel under this scheme?
The Singapore-Philippines Vaccinated Travel Lane only allows fully vaccinated travellers coming from Singapore and the Philippines. This program welcomes those travelling for business and leisure purposes.
It must be noted that visitors must have been inoculated with WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines at least two weeks before travel. Booster shots are not required at the time of writing. However, unvaccinated children 12 years old and below are exempted from this requirement, so long as they are accompanied by fully vaccinated VTL travellers.
Travelling to Singapore from the Philippines
From 4 Mar 2022, fully vaccinated visitors from the Philippines may enter Singapore without having to quarantine, courtesy of the Vaccinated Travel Lane program. Singapore officially opened Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) applications to travellers from the Philippines on 1 Mar 2022.
VTL flights to Singapore
As of 4 Mar 2022, only the following airlines have been approved to operate designated VTL flights from Singapore to the Philippines:
- Cebu Pacific (all flights from Manila)
- Jetstar Asia
- Philippine Airlines (all flights)
- Scoot
- Singapore Airlines
Passengers are reminded that for select airlines, not all available flights to and from Singapore are designated VTL flights. Please inquire with your chosen airline for the designated VTL flight number and schedule.
Singapore travel requirements
Travellers must comply with the following requirements in order to be eligible for travel to Singapore via the VTL:
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Proof of complete vaccination (VaxCertPH for those vaccinated in the Philippines)
- Seven-day travel history prior to arrival in Singapore that includes only the Philippines, Singapore, or any other VTL or Category I countries
- Booking in a designated VTL flight
- Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), acquired 3–60 days before departure
- Negative COVID-19 test result (RT-PCR or Antigen Rapid Test taken within 48 hours before departure)
- Travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 against COVID-19 related medical charges
- Singapore Arrival Card, filled up online within three days prior to arrival in Singapore
- Address where you plan to stay in Singapore
- TraceTogether App for contact tracing
Arriving in Singapore
Upon arrival in Singapore, travellers will have 24 hours to take a supervised self-swab (SSS) antigen rapid test (ART) at a designated testing centre. The test costs approximately S$15 (₱573).
A weblink for booking the COVID-19 test will be provided in the Testing Notice issued to passengers once they arrive in Singapore.
Visitors are asked to take private transport to and from testing centres. They are then required to isolate themselves in their accommodations until they receive their negative test results. Once the results are available, they are free to go about.
In Singapore, COVID-19 measures such as wearing of masks in public areas, limited capacity in establishments, and physical distancing remain in place. Make sure to download the TraceTogether app, which you’ll need for contact tracing in Singapore.
Also read: VTL Trip Preparation: Essential Information for Travelling to Singapore
Travelling to the Philippines from Singapore
The Philippines reopened international borders to fully vaccinated tourists on 10 Feb 2022. To enter the country, visitors from Singapore may select flights to the following destinations in the Philippines: Manila, Clark, Cebu, or Davao.
Philippines travel requirements
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Proof of complete vaccination (for those vaccinated in Singapore: vaccination status on the TraceTogether App or HealthHub App; or vaccination certificate issued by the Singapore Ministry of Health)
- Negative RT-PCR test result conducted within 48 hours prior to departure
- Return ticket to country of origin or an outbound ticket to their next country of destination
- One Health Pass
- TRAZE app
Arriving in the Philippines
Hotel quarantine and COVID-19 tests are no longer required for arriving passengers. In place of these measures, travellers are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for seven days.
In the Philippines, COVID-19 measures such as social distancing, limited capacity in establishments, and wearing of face masks in public areas remain in place.
Tourists are recommended to download the StaySafe app for easier contact tracing. They should also keep proof of vaccination handy, as this is required to be presented at select establishments.
Also read: Philippines Travel Requirements: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
To ensure a smooth travel experience via the Singapore-Philippines VTL, make sure to comply with all the necessary requirements.
Featured image credit: ภาพของNirut Sangkeaw via Canva Pro
