Have you seen the news? Singapore is opening a vaccinated travel lane with the US on October 18! If this doesn't make you do the Snoopy dance, I don't know what will. Now the tricky thing is figuring out what all this means exactly. Check out Singapore's Safe Travel website for full details, but here are a few things to note:
1. Who can travel?
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can simply travel, but expats have to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass. Check out this site for details. And the government has just updated the original announcement and is now saying that unvaccinated children under 12 can also travel on VTL flights. The Straits Times has all the details here.
2. Check your airline Each country with a VTL has specific designated airlines. If you are going to the US, you must fly Singapore Airlines and only certain flights qualify. With limited supply, prices have soared, too. And be forewarned: the wait to talk to an airline representative has been reported to be up to two hours or more. So if you want to book, call now and pack your patience.
3. PCR tests
You still have to do the pre-departure PCR tests as well as the tests upon arrival (see number 6).
4. 14 day rule
You must remain in the VTL country for 14 days prior to traveling back to Singapore. So for example: no flying to the United States, popping off to Mexico and then traveling back to Singapore right after you return to the US from Mexico. You have to be in the US for 14 days before you fly back to Singapore. 5. Self-isolation upon arrival While you don't have to quarantine, you do have to self-isolate until you get the results of your PCR test. Travelers must commute directly to their declared self-isolation accommodation and self-isolate there until they are notified of a negative PCR test result. This can be at home or in a hotel and you get get there by using private transport, taxi, or private hire car. The results of your PCR test should take about 24 hours and, if negative, you can go about your business. 6. Once you're in Singapore Travelers are required to undergo post-arrival COVID-19 PCR tests at a designated clinic by 3:00pm (Singapore time) on Day 3 and Day 7 of their arrival in Singapore. The fines for skipping this tests are incredibly steep and you can even go to prison! Take your tests!
7. Insurance Mandatory travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs is required. Travelers to Singapore must carry with them an electronic or physical copy of their insurance policy to facilitate their entry into Singapore. Here's a list of Singapore-based insurance providers.
Check out our upcoming travel talk
This is all great news, but there's still lots to sort about what it means to you. AAS is on the case! Keep your eyes peeled and watch our website for details about the American Association's upcoming talk on what travel will look like going forward. The talk will cover a wide variety of topics about traveling in our new reality.
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