Fully vaccinated and planning to travel? Here are 4 things you need to know before you go

Leisure travel is slowly returning to our lives as Singapore continues to open its borders. With the ongoing pandemic, several new travel regulations have been introduced to prioritise traveller safety. If you long to travel abroad, figuring out which COVID-19 travel regulations you need to follow can be tedious. To clear up the confusion, we discuss four important things you should know before planning your trip.

Using the Vaccinated Travel Lane

People from Singapore who are fully vaccinated can now use the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) to visit Germany or Brunei without quarantine. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after he or she has received the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/ Comirnaty, Moderna or other vaccines. If you have children under 12 years old who are not eligible for vaccination or family members who are medically unfit to be vaccinated, they will not be able to travel with you under the VTL scheme.

What if you are travelling to Singapore from Germany or Brunei? In this case, you will not only need to be vaccinated but also apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) to enter the country. However, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, who are returning to Singapore, do not need to apply for a VTP as long as they comply with the VTL requirements.

Taking the necessary PCR tests

Although you may not need a VTP, all travellers returning to Singapore must undergo a total of four polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. You will first need to schedule an appointment at an internationally recognised clinic for a pre-departure test within 48 hours before your scheduled flight. Do note that you will also need to submit your health, travel history and accommodation declarations via the SG Arrival Card e-service. Upon arrival at Changi Airport, another PCR test will be conducted onsite. Next, you will have to pre-pay for subsequent post-arrival tests on days three and seven at designated clinics in Singapore. Lastly, travellers must remain isolated at their declared place of accommodation – residential or non-residential – until their on-arrival test result is confirmed to be negative. It’s also important to note that you’ll have to pay for the costs incurred from taking all PCR tests, so make sure you factor this into your travel budget.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Returning to Singapore

During your trip, you do not need to follow a strict itinerary. However, you must have remained in Singapore or the country of departure – Germany or Brunei – in the last 21 consecutive days before returning to Singapore. Travellers will need to book their return flight to Singapore via one of the non-stop designated VTL flights, which only carries fully vaccinated passengers. Passengers on VTL flights back to Singapore are exempt from being issued Stay-Home-Notice as they will undergo the mandatory PCR tests on arrival at the airport, as well as on days three and seven of their arrival in Singapore.

You’ll need to bring along your passport and printed or digital vaccination certificate when checking in for your return flight in Germany or Brunei. In addition, you’ll have to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test report, obtained from your pre-departure PCR test, to board the VTL flight. After your on-arrival PCR test, you will be required to take private transportation, taxi or private hire cars to travel to your declared accommodation.

Getting protection for your travels

Now that you have read the essentials for your trip, you’re ready to pack your bags. But what happens if your trip is cancelled due to a change in COVID-19 restrictions or if you suffer an injury abroad? Travel insurance comes in handy when you’re hit with unexpected events. Stay prepared with plans such as FWD Travel insurance, which provides cover of up to S$15,000 for trip cancellations before you leave Singapore and cover of up to S$1,000,000 for overseas medical expenses¹.

You can also stay protected with FWD’s comprehensive COVID-19 coverage² if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before, during or after your trip. This enhanced travel benefit includes coverage for medical expenses, trip disruptions or cancellations, and emergency evacuation or repatriation due to COVID-19. For extra peace of mind, you can opt for one of FWD’s add-on covers, ranging from sports equipment protector to car rental excess.

Still unsure about your travel plans? You can purchase FWD Travel insurance 180 days before your trip. Beyond that, you can get coverage for a specific trip or for an entire year of travel, as long as each trip does not exceed 90 days. Ensure that you, your loved ones, and your personal belongings are protected while you enjoy your trip abroad.

Learn more about FWD Travel insurance or get a quote within a few minutes here.

¹Per adult below 70 years old.

²For travel period 30 days or less.

This is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.