Singapore VTL – Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

Heather Markel, Writer, Speaker, Photographer, Traveler, Business Strategist
There are lots of steps to follow to get to Singapore via the VTL / Vaccinated Travel Lane.
I just returned from a glorious week in Singapore. Getting there, however, was so complicated I almost gave up, a few times! In order to save you from angst and drama and confusion, this post has some essential information you’ll need before your trip. I’ve made a video walkthrough as well, so take your pick as to how to get your information.
1. Bookmark this website
The most thorough (and slightly overwhelming) checklist of everything you need to know is on this website. Bookmark it to refer back easily.
2. Get a VTL flight
If you don’t get a VTL flight, all your other efforts are in vain. You will be denied entry into Singapore if you’re on the wrong flight. Use the website above to help you determine which flights are VTL, or, work through a travel agent.
3. Apply for a VTP (Vaccinated Travel Pass)
This is a request to enter the country via the VTL lane. You’ll have to input the accommodation you’re staying in, and make sure it’s set up to welcome VTL passengers, specifically. The dropdown list in the VTP application shows you all the approved hotels.
4. Fill out an SG Arrival Card
This one is tricky. If you Google “SG Arrival Card” you’ll be taken to a website asking you to pay around $99 Singapore dollars. Instead, use the website above, and click the link on their page. It will look like a SPAM link because you’ll be redirected. However, it’s valid, and it’s free. It can only be filled out within 3 days of your departure date.

5. Ensure your vaccination proof is handy and has a QR code
You’ll need to upload proof of vaccination and it has to be a QR code. The vaccination must also have been administered in a country on the VTL list. So, let’s say you’re coming from the United States, which is one of the allowed countries, but you were vaccinated in Mexico, which is not on the VTL list. Even if you got a WHO approved vaccination, you won’t qualify. Both the vaccination location, and your country of departure have to be on the VTL list. Make sure to print ALL required documentation and keep it in your carry-on bag your entire trip.
6. Get A Negative PCR Test
No surprise, you have to get a negative Covid test to travel. Have it printed, and refer to the website above for how many days in advance to get it. Rules change regularly.
7. Get Tested At Changi Airport On Arrival, Then Isolate Till You Get The Results
As soon as you arrive at the airport, you’ll collect your bags, and go to a testing center. Make sure your contact details are correct, that’s what the first person you meet with will verify. You can ask for a phone number or email address to contact should you not receive your results. Go into the testing area, then go to your hotel. You’ll have to isolate in your room, using Uber Eats or equivalent for meals. Your hotel will not allow you to leave your room until you have your test results. If you come in on the night flight, expect at least a 12-hour wait. Your hotel should be able to help you contact someone if it’s longer than 12 hours and you haven’t heard anything. Once you get your results, inform your hotel so you can leave and explore Singapore.

8. Arrange Your ART Tests
You’ll receive an email outlining how many tests you need to get, and which days to get them. You’ll also get a link to book your appointments. Ask your hotel to help you figure out which location is closest. Book a convenient time, or, if you can’t find a time you like, book any time, and show up at the time you like. It seemed that the booking is showing your intention to follow the rules, but you can actually show up any time the testing center is open. Note that “day 1” counts as your day of arrival, even if it’s at night.
9. Download and Use the Trace Together App
This is the app you’ll use to check in and out of locations, and which will show your vaccination status. It’s required in Singapore, and you won’t be admitted to many places without it. You should download the app before you travel, take the first steps to set it up, and then wait until your arrival in Singapore to activate it. Note that you must check out of places you check in to via scan of a barcode. If you’re able to check in by waving your phone over a check-in box (typically a rectangle with a protruding white ball, or, an iPhone on a security desk) you won’t need to check out.
10. Helpful Websites
Checklist and VTL Process – https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/travel-checklist
VTP Application – https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/STO1/VTL
SG Arrival Card – https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Pre-book On Arrival PCR test – https://safetravel.changiairport.com/arrivalswabtest/#/
Book your ART Tests – https://go.gov.sg/traveller-art-test
Trace Together App – https://www.tracetogether.gov.sg/

This post is more complete and easier to navigate than anything I have read on any website. Can you just travel around and write one like it for every major city in the world please? Excellent work!
Awww thank you!!! Glad you found it helpful.
Extremely useful guide about getting to Singapore in an anxious time for travel and health. well done! It must be great to be able to travel again.
It has been nice!
It’s amazing the number of hoops to jump through in order to travel these days, but it can be worth it. Your number 4 tip is golden for anyone headed to Singapore. It already costs enough, there is no good reason to throw more money away :-). Very informative post.
Yep! Saving money is important! Glad you found it helpful. 🙏
Great guide! Travel has become so much more complicated nowadays & it seems especially so in Singapore. This guide is invaluable for anyone visiting. However, what I’ve learnt is that you need to be fully aware of all the rules & actually it is OK. This goes for the country you are in, any others you plan to visit & your home when you head back there too!
Thanks, Sur! I so agree about needing to know, and follow, the rules these days especially.
I am glad you managed to work through the challenges of getting to Singapore. We definitely have great memories of our visit. This guide will definitely help others through the process – until it changes again! I am sure the processes as much as the risk are keeping many people at home.
I’m glad too! Made the visit even more special.
As a Malaysian, this is a really useful guide on the necessary procedures to enter my neighboring countries as I’m planning to and can save me a lot of trouble. Thanks for sharing
Oh I had wanted to hop over to Malaysia! Couldn’t do with the current rules but one day!!
I doubt I’ll be traveling that far any time soon but if I do, this is the kind of guide that really helps. So many complications with travel now so good to know exactly what you need
This is definitely a handy guide for anyone travelling to Singapore right now. There’s a lot of paperwork you need to get in order!
I have a whole folder full of the papers!! 🤣