Singapore freezes new bookings for vaccinated travel entry

This is aiming to reduce Singapore’s exposure to imported cases of infection with the Omicron variant of Covid-19, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) announced.

From 21 January, Singapore will temporarily downsize the capacity for traveling via land VTL to 24 bus rides each day one way, as well as halving ticket sales, according to a statement by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) (1 page / 40.8KB PDF).

From 21 January, total tickets sales for designated VTL flights into Singapore will also be capped at half of the allocated quota, according to a separate statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

Travellers who already hold a ticket for a VTL flight or bus can continue to travel under the VTL arrangements.

Mayumi Soh of Pinsent Masons MPillay, the Singapore joint law venture between MPillay and Pinsent Masons, said: “The impact of the travel restrictions during the holiday season will likely be acutely felt by individuals who were planning to travel during this time. It remains to be seen what other policies would be affected by the increasing number of Omicron cases here in Singapore.”

MOH said that VTL travellers must follow the enhanced testing regime upon arrival in Singapore. VTL travellers are required to undergo an on-arrival test and test themselves each day by using self-administered antigen rapid tests (ARTs).

On days 2, 4, 5 and 6, travellers must submit the results of their self-administered ART online by using a link, which will be sent to them via their declared contact information after arrival in Singapore. Travellers must test negative via their self-administered ART before going out that day.

On days 3 and 7, traveller must undergo supervised testing at a Combined Test Centre (CTC) or Quick Test Centre (QTC) before any activities on that day.

Currently Singapore has active air VTLs in place with 24 countries.