Rules / Procedures for VTL passengers in Singapore
Feb 14, 2022, 3:31 am
#76
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SIN / SFO
Programs: UA GS, SQ PPS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,215
Adding another data point from today: wheels down ~7:40am; swabbed by 8:30am; results back at 3:15pm. Seems PCR results may be taking a bit longer as traveler volume increases (it's the Singapore Air Show this week, a first big MICE test of this system). TraceTogether reflected vaccination status within 15m of clearing immigration.
Two other interesting things:
(1) immigration didn't check any of my vaccine/test/insurance paperwork, just scanned my passport, handed me a green sticker, and sent me along as if it were the Before Times; not sure what to make of this, as I saw them checking people in front of me in the queue.
(2) In addition to the PCR swab, I was also given an ART, with a paper from MOH saying they were trying to compare the accuracy. Seems like a positive sign that PCRs may go away soon.
Two other interesting things:
(1) immigration didn't check any of my vaccine/test/insurance paperwork, just scanned my passport, handed me a green sticker, and sent me along as if it were the Before Times; not sure what to make of this, as I saw them checking people in front of me in the queue.
(2) In addition to the PCR swab, I was also given an ART, with a paper from MOH saying they were trying to compare the accuracy. Seems like a positive sign that PCRs may go away soon.
Last edited by Scifience; Feb 14, 2022 at 3:38 am
Feb 14, 2022, 6:52 am
#77
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ TPPS/*G, Starlux Explorer, (Almost Lifetime) Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,415
For anyone flying in during this time you might be able to catch a glimpse of the 777-9 that's flown in for the show.
Yes, this has been reported locally. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...s-for-covid-19
Last edited by bpk6h; Feb 14, 2022 at 7:03 am
Feb 14, 2022, 8:56 am
#78
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
Yup that's correct. Seems the turnaround based on a few testimonials is the turnaround is about 5 hours. After you get your results you can go about the city as normal.
As previously said there's quite a bit of paperwork you have to do like the VTP and acquire travel insurance among other things. But it's totally worth it, Singapore is one of my favorite cities and definitely pretty covid safe.
As previously said there's quite a bit of paperwork you have to do like the VTP and acquire travel insurance among other things. But it's totally worth it, Singapore is one of my favorite cities and definitely pretty covid safe.
Feb 15, 2022, 7:41 am
#79
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,132
Yes, this has been reported locally. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...s-for-covid-19
Who, especially a traveller who has spent $$$ & time on travel, is going to report themselves if they test positive? (Same thing with the 7 consecutive-day tests for arrivals via their VTLs.)
Either keep it an in-person PCR or similar, or remove the arrival testing requirement and solely rely on the pre-departure test.
Feb 15, 2022, 8:09 am
#80
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 65
Don’t understand this (especially when larger studies on PCR vs ART sensitivity have /are being conducted).
Who, especially a traveller who has spent $$$ & time on travel, is going to report themselves if they test positive? (Same thing with the 7 consecutive-day tests for arrivals via their VTLs.)
Either keep it an in-person PCR or similar, or remove the arrival testing requirement and solely rely on the pre-departure test.
Who, especially a traveller who has spent $$$ & time on travel, is going to report themselves if they test positive? (Same thing with the 7 consecutive-day tests for arrivals via their VTLs.)
Either keep it an in-person PCR or similar, or remove the arrival testing requirement and solely rely on the pre-departure test.
Feb 15, 2022, 8:48 am
#81
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: FlyingBlue
Posts: 2,424
To be honest, some of the covid protocols in SG didn't make any sense. In particular, wearing masks outdoors was ridiculous especially when they're not really limiting capacity indoors and you can generally have your mask off when you're inside a restaurant. I'm not anti mask, and being from SF I'm fairly comfortable wearing masks indoors, but wearing it outside where it's substantially safer to be maskless outside than it is inside is just nonsensical.
Instead of, for example, removing every other seat, they would neutralise full tables and allow 2 or 3 groups of 2 pax in a single table. Completely nonsensical.
But again, I haven't seen any country with fully sensible protocols in the past 2 years. SG is not that bad on the grand scheme of things.
Feb 15, 2022, 9:09 am
#82
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,132
To be honest, some of the covid protocols in SG didn't make any sense. In particular, wearing masks outdoors was ridiculous especially when they're not really limiting capacity indoors and you can generally have your mask off when you're inside a restaurant. I'm not anti mask, and being from SF I'm fairly comfortable wearing masks indoors, but wearing it outside where it's substantially safer to be maskless outside than it is inside is just nonsensical.
I guess people aren’t following it closely or it is not being enforced very strictly in restaurants (where you can argue you’re always just about to take a drink/ bite).
Feb 16, 2022, 4:21 am
#83
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SIN / SFO
Programs: UA GS, SQ PPS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 1,215
A few announcements today:
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...
- From 21 Feb, PCR on arrival no longer required; instead, supervised self-swab ART will be needed within 24h of arrival.
- From 21 Feb, no daily ARTs for VTL travellers.
- From 21 Feb, LTP holders will no longer need VTP or other approval.
- From 22 Feb, no more VTL flight quotas.
- From 25 Feb, new VTLs open with HK, Saudi, Qatar, and UAE.
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...
Feb 16, 2022, 8:41 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,763
Don’t understand this (especially when larger studies on PCR vs ART sensitivity have /are being conducted).
Who, especially a traveller who has spent $$$ & time on travel, is going to report themselves if they test positive? (Same thing with the 7 consecutive-day tests for arrivals via their VTLs.)
Either keep it an in-person PCR or similar, or remove the arrival testing requirement and solely rely on the pre-departure test.
Who, especially a traveller who has spent $$$ & time on travel, is going to report themselves if they test positive? (Same thing with the 7 consecutive-day tests for arrivals via their VTLs.)
Either keep it an in-person PCR or similar, or remove the arrival testing requirement and solely rely on the pre-departure test.
Feb 18, 2022, 7:37 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
So if we arrive at 7am do we still need to book the hotel for a day before to check in into the room as there is no need to lock yourself up anymore? that is if the room is ready at that time.
Feb 18, 2022, 6:30 pm
#87
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,132
Not really: supervised ARTs make more sense than self-administered ARTs, but I still think that you either have mandatory PCR tests (or something of a similar sensitivity, like this saliva test), or drop the requirement altogether.
Feb 19, 2022, 12:23 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,903
A few announcements today:
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...
- From 21 Feb, PCR on arrival no longer required; instead, supervised self-swab ART will be needed within 24h of arrival.
- From 21 Feb, no daily ARTs for VTL travellers.
- From 21 Feb, LTP holders will no longer need VTP or other approval.
- From 22 Feb, no more VTL flight quotas.
- From 25 Feb, new VTLs open with HK, Saudi, Qatar, and UAE.
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...
Feb 19, 2022, 12:59 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,132
Mostly, yes.
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/gene...quipment-(ppe)
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/gene...quipment-(ppe)
Why and when must I wear a mask?
A: It is mandatory for all persons who are 6 years old and above to wear a mask when leaving their homes…
Everyone must wear a mask when outside of their homes. This applies on public transport, taxis, private hire cars, walking to or at markets, and also for permitted enterprise workers at all workplace premises, whether they are frontline staff (such as food handlers, cashiers and bus drivers) or performing back office functions (such as data entry personnel and payroll executives). Individuals may remove their mask while engaging in outdoor or strenuous exercise (e.g. running/ jogging/cycling, contact sports/games, static exercises and drills including taichi and qigong, brisk walking or walking up hilly terrain), but they must put it back on after completing exercise. Those walking at a normal pace would be required to wear a mask.
A: It is mandatory for all persons who are 6 years old and above to wear a mask when leaving their homes…
Everyone must wear a mask when outside of their homes. This applies on public transport, taxis, private hire cars, walking to or at markets, and also for permitted enterprise workers at all workplace premises, whether they are frontline staff (such as food handlers, cashiers and bus drivers) or performing back office functions (such as data entry personnel and payroll executives). Individuals may remove their mask while engaging in outdoor or strenuous exercise (e.g. running/ jogging/cycling, contact sports/games, static exercises and drills including taichi and qigong, brisk walking or walking up hilly terrain), but they must put it back on after completing exercise. Those walking at a normal pace would be required to wear a mask.
[Updated 9 Jul 2021] Do I have to keep my mask on when dining-in at F&B outlets?
Masks are required to be worn in F&B outlets. Diners should only take off masks when eating or drinking and put them back on after.
Masks are required to be worn in F&B outlets. Diners should only take off masks when eating or drinking and put them back on after.
Feb 19, 2022, 5:37 am
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,938
A few announcements today:
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...
- From 21 Feb, PCR on arrival no longer required; instead, supervised self-swab ART will be needed within 24h of arrival.
- From 21 Feb, no daily ARTs for VTL travellers.
- From 21 Feb, LTP holders will no longer need VTP or other approval.
- From 22 Feb, no more VTL flight quotas.
- From 25 Feb, new VTLs open with HK, Saudi, Qatar, and UAE.
Now, if SG would just do away with the outdoor mask rule...