Ever since the global pandemic started, leisure travels were put to a stop as a part of the Singapore government’s efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Only essential flights from green light countries - or regions with low cases of COVID-19 were allowed, and even then, the traveller must first serve a Stay-Home-Notice at a dedicated facility for at least 7 to 10 days.

Because of these restrictions, a lot of us have been missing travelling. Well, the wait is over! Just this Monday, Singapore has announced the Vaccinated Travel Lane or VTL, which allows fully vaccinated individuals to travel to South Korea without quarantine.

But, before you book your flights and pack your bags, here are the things you need to keep in mind:

Not Everyone Is Allowed to Travel Under VTL

As mentioned above, one must first have a complete dose of COVID-19 vaccine included in the World Health Organization list. Moreover, the certificate should only be issued by either South Korea or Singapore.

The fully vaccinated individual must have stayed in Singapore for the past 2 weeks. And if you’re planning to go with a child below 6 years old who has not yet received the vaccine, they can also skip the quarantine provided that the accompanying adult meets all the VTL requirements.

But what if a person is unvaccinated; can they still visit South Korea? The answer is yes. However, they will need to serve a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.

Unfortunately, those who have recovered from COVID-19 are not eligible for VTL even if they are fully vaccinated.

Prepare Yourself for Several PCR Tests

If you have met the all the requirements for VTL, you should get your noses ready because at least four PCR tests are needed before leaving, as soon as you arrive in Korea and upon landing back in Singapore.

Do keep in mind that the test should be done at a registered clinic and cannot be self-administered. Within 72 hours before departure, you must take a PCR test and get a physical copy of the negative result.

Then, once you land at Incheon, another PCR test needs to be done. You can book your schedule at Safe2gopass.com and print out the confirmed appointment. It will cost you 174,000 won or approximately $200 during the weekdays and 180,000 won or $206 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Finally, before going back to Singapore, a PCR test must be administered at a facility recognised by the Ministry of Health. A printed copy of the negative result must be brought.

K-ETA, Travel Insurance and Vaccine Certificate

Don’t forget to apply for a visa-free entry through the Korea Electronic Authorisation (K-ETA) website, priced at 10,000 won or $12, at least 24 hours before leaving Singapore.

Another must is a travel insurance that has a minimum coverage of 30 million won for medical expenses that are related to COVID-19. You should also bring the hard copy of the policy with you.

Lastly, an online version of your vaccine certificate with QR code should be ready as well. You can head to this website to apply for it, and print the hard copy too.

VTL Pass

There are three airlines offering VTL flights namely Singapore Airlines, Korean Air and Fly Asiana. Once you arrive at Changi Airport, you will receive your ticket along with a VTL pass attached to a lanyard.

You must be wearing the pass upon arrival at Incheon Airport to allow easy recognition from immigration officers.

Additional Process at Incheon Airport

When you’re finally at Incheon airport, you will need to present your negative PCR test result, vaccine certificate and a filled up health report that was given by your airline on board.

The next step is heading to the Immigration where you will provide the completed travel declaration form from your flight, let the officer stamp your passport, and get your vaccine certificate scanned for verification.

Lastly, move to the test centre and submit the VTL pass, undergo a PCR test and download a quarantine mobile app for self-monitoring of symptoms. 

Wearing of Mask and Contact Tracing

Just like in Singapore, the wearing of mask is required wherever you go in South Korea. Failure to do so will result to a fine.

All establishments are also implementing contact tracing to record visitors entering the facility. You can do this by writing your phone number on a sheet. Restrictions on the operating hours have already been lifted, but areas that are high risk such as gyms and saunas are only for vaccinated people.

Additionally, nightlife like bars and clubs are only allowed to open until 12 midnight.

There you have it! If you have ticked off all the VTL requirements, then you’re good to go and ready to fly to Korea. Do remember to stay safe by following all preventive measures so you can enjoy your stay.

For more information, you can visit Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore website.