How to travel to Korea form Singapore via VTL?

Korea and Singapore open the Vaccinated Travel Lane starting from 15^th November 2021. Pursuant to the agreement fully vaccinated travelers will be able to travel between both countries without obligatory quarantine. We are going to explain you how does the VTL work and what conditions you have to meet to be able to travel from Singapore to Korea via Vaccinated Travel Lane.

Who is eligible to travel via Vaccinated Travel Lane?

Fully vaccinated travelers, regardless of nationality, who have obtained required visa that allows to travel between Korea and Singapore. Travelers from countries under Visa Waiver Agreement do not need to have visa for the stay shorter than 90 days. However, they will need a K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Republic of Korea. K-ETA is obtainable under this link www.k-eta.go.kr. Prior to departure all travelers must remained in Singapore for at least 14 days.

Only travels between Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN, ICAO: RKSI) are applicable for VTL. Travels between other airports in both countries are not applicable.

What vaccines are eligible for VTL?

Pfizer/BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or other World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use vaccines are eligible for Vaccinated Travel Lane. All travelers must show a proof of being fully vaccinated (two doses of above-mentioned vaccines) in Singapore or Korea – vaccination certificates issued in other countries will not be accepted. 14 days must pass after receiving a second dose.

Minors and people who are medically unfit to take the vaccine are ineligible to travel via VTL.

Do I have to be tested for Covid-19 to be eligible to travel VTL?

Yes. There are several PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests required during your travel between the countries. If you travel both ways, that would be total of 5 PCR tests.

1. Pre-departure PCR test

You have to undergo pre-departure PCR test at least 72 hours before the departure and you have to obtain a proof (electronic or hard copy) of negative outcome before your departure. You have to organize the test by yourself, by contacting one of internationally accredited clinic, hospital, laboratory or other medical facility recognized by Singapore Ministry of Health. Make sure that you are able to obtain the result before your departure. Usually waiting time is less than 24h but it might be different in every facility, so it is safer to choose one that guarantees you the result in exact time.

The PCR test result proof must meet following conditions:

Must be issued in English or Korean
Must contain the traveler’s name, and Date of Birth or Passport number (per the passport used to travel to Singapore)
Must include the date and result of the PCR test.

2. On-arrival PCR test

Upon your arrival in Korea, regardless of your stay period, you have to get a PCR test in one of the testing centers in the Incheon Airport. Before being tested, you must make your reservation, preferably before your departure from Singapore. The reservation is possible under this link: https://safe2gopass.com. Test result should be available in 12 hours. During this time, you have to self-quarantine in your hotel or another self-provided accommodation. You must also download and install the ‘Self-Check Mobile App’ (www.ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck.

Even if the test outcome is negative, you must not delete the app and are required to update your health status for the next 14 days.

3. Day 6-7 PCR test

All travelers staying in Korea for the period longer than 8 days should get the next PCR test on 6^th or 7^th day of their stay. You should get the test in one of Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Health designated medical facilities. Similarly, to the on-arrival test, you must not leave your accommodation before getting the negative test result.

Testing center will be most likely a Public Health Center or Hospital designated to your accommodation area. This PCR test is not free of charge. You will have to pay approximately 150.000 – 200.000 KRW (approx. 130 – 180 USD).

4. Pre-departure PCR test (back to Singapore)

You must take another PCR test 48h before your departure to Singapore. The test must be organized by you, and it can be performed in any of Ministry of Health recognized medical facilities.

The PCR test result proof must meet following conditions:

Must be issued in English
Must contain the traveler’s name, and Date of Birth or Passport number (per the passport used to travel to Singapore)
Must include the date and result of the PCR test.

5. On-arrival test (Singapore)

Upon your arrival in Singapore, you must undergo a PCR test on Singapore Changi Airport. It is not free of charge and costs around 160 SGD (approx. 120 USD). Similarly, to the on-arrival test in Korea, you must register before your departure to Singapore.

Do I need an insurance?

Yes, all people traveling via Vaccinated Travel Lane should have the insurance covering at least 30.000.000 KRW (approx. 26.000 USD) of medical costs. In case of a positive result of Covid-19 PCR test, you are required to cover the treatment and hospitalization cost by yourself, or it can be covered by an insurance provider. You can choose any insurance provider.

Can I travel via VTL, if I am not a Singaporean nor Korean national?

Vaccinated Travel Lane is applicable for all fully vaccinated travelers, regardless of their nationality. If you meet all requirements and obtain a visa (if it’s required for your nationality), you can freely travel via VTL.

Summary of all conditions needed to be eligible to travel via VTL

Now, let’s sum up all the requirements of traveling via Vaccinated Travel Lane between Singapore and Korea.

Fully vaccinated by WHO recognized vaccine
14 days must pass since full vaccination
Vaccination certificate must be issued in Singapore or Republic of Korea
All nationalities can use VTL as long as their legally eligible to travel to ROK
Only Singapore Changi Airport and Seoul Incheon Airport can be used
VTL can be used by travelers who stayed in Singapore for at least 14 consecutive days
PCR test must be obtained 5 times: 72h before departure, upon arrival in Korea, 6-7 days after arrival in Korea, 48h before departure to Singapore, upon Arrival in Singapore
Insurance must be obtained covering at least 30.000.000 KRW (approx. 26.000 USD)
Stay at the accommodation is required until receiving a negative PCR test result
‘Self-Check App’ must be installed, and health must be monitored and reported for 14 days.

They are all requirements of traveling without quarantine between Singapore and Republic and Korea via Vaccinated Travel Lane. Below, we share all useful links, to make it easier to navigate through VTL process.