30 Essential Things to Know About Korea-Singapore VTL

Introduction

The Korea-Singapore Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) is a landmark agreement between two of Asia's leading travel hubs. Launched on November 15, 2021, the VTL has facilitated the resumption of essential travel between the two countries, boosting both tourism and business.

Key Figures

• 30,000: Number of VTL flights operated between Korea and Singapore as of March 2023.
• 2.5 million: Total number of passengers who have traveled on VTL flights.
• $1 billion: Estimated economic impact of the VTL on Korea's tourism industry.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the VTL, travelers must:

• Be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• Have a valid passport.
• Have a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure.
• Complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) and Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).

Flight Schedules and Airlines

There are currently 10 VTL flights per week between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Changi Airport (SIN). The flights are operated by the following airlines:

| Airline | Number of Weekly Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Korean Air | 5 |
| Singapore Airlines | 5 |

Procedures for Travel

1. Before Departure:
   • Book a VTL flight and obtain a negative PCR test result.
   • Complete the SGAC and K-ETA.
2. At Departure Airport:
   • Check in at the designated VTL counter.
   • Present your passport, vaccination certificate, and negative PCR test result.
3. On Arrival in Singapore:
   • Undergo immigration and health checks.
   • Serve a 7-day self-isolation quarantine at your designated accommodation.
4. After Quarantine:
   • You are free to travel around Singapore.

Benefits of the VTL

The Korea-Singapore VTL offers several benefits, including:

• Enhanced Connectivity: Resumption of essential travel between two major business and tourism destinations.
• Economic Stimulus: Boost to tourism, hospitality, and aviation industries.
• Safety and Convenience: Simplified travel procedures and reduced quarantine requirements.

Future Applications of the VTL Concept

The Korea-Singapore VTL has demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of vaccinated travel lanes. This concept could be expanded to other countries and regions to:

• Facilitate International Travel: Enable travel between countries with different COVID-19 vaccination rates.
• Promote Economic Recovery: Support tourism and business sectors by reducing travel barriers.
• Enhance Global Cooperation: Foster collaboration in public health and border management.

Tables

Table 1: VTL Flight Schedule

Table 2: VTL Entry Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccination Status | Fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine |
| Passport Validity | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining |
| PCR Test Result | Negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure |
| SGAC and K-ETA | Completed Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) and Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) |

Table 3: VTL Quarantine Procedures

| Day | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Singapore and check-in at designated accommodation |
| 2-7 | Self-isolation quarantine at designated accommodation |
| 8 | End of quarantine and free to travel around Singapore |

Table 4: Benefits of the VTL

| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Connectivity | Resumption of essential travel between two major travel hubs |
| Economic Stimulus | Boost to tourism, hospitality, and aviation industries |
| Safety and Convenience | Simplified travel procedures and reduced quarantine requirements |
| Future Applications | Potential expansion to other countries and regions to facilitate international travel and promote economic recovery |