Looking forward to your first flight out of the country since the pandemic?
For fully vaccinated travelers, we’ve got great news. Stress-free travel to Germany from Singapore is now possible through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). No mandatory two-week quarantine is needed! You can head straight to your itinerary and save more time for sightseeing. That said, preparing the necessary papers isn’t as easy as you might think.
To help you secure your VTL pass here's everything that you should know about the Vaccinated Travel Lane: Germany - Singapore edition!
TRAVEL ADVISORY: Information in this article is correct at the time of publication. Note that VTL requirements may change or be suspended at any given time due to the ongoing pandemic. Make sure to check the government websites and chosen airlines for updates before you travel.
First things first, what is it exactly?
Enjoy quarantine-free travel via VTL (Credits @by_syeoni via Unsplash)
As we’ve already mentioned, the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) is a quarantine-free travel experience from Singapore to Germany and vice versa. Where most countries require incoming travelers to serve quarantine time upon arrival, VTL does not.
It’s like traveling during the good old days, a.k.a. pre-pandemic. The only difference is the additional requirements, such as the Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), or what’s basically your passport to the fast lane.
VTP holders can book their flights with airlines that exclusively carry fellow VTP passengers—they’re called the VTL flights. So, yes, this means that everyone on board is vaccinated, taking away some of the risks of flying in 2021.
Who can apply?
The Vaccinated Travel Lane Germany-Singapore is open to FULLY vaccinated visitors for short-term and long-term stays (i.e., work visa, student visa, etc.).
Travelers who are planning to enter Singapore through the VTL should have passports from the following countries:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Germany
Meanwhile, returning Singapore residents and Singapore passport holders can apply for VTP, whether they’re bound for either country.
Visitors who (1) have had only their first dose of the vaccine or are not vaccinated, (2) have symptoms of COVID-19, and (3) are suspected of having contracted the virus in the last 21 days will NOT be granted VTP and access to the Vaccinated Travel Lane Germany - Singapore.
VTP Requirements
The question now is, “What are the requirements to get a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP)?” Klook gives you the answer: a proof of vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or any WHO EUL vaccines). And that’s pretty much it!
As Singapore is not considered a high-risk area, all Singapore passport holders get to enjoy quarantine-free travel to Germany by preparing the following documents:
- Vaccination certificate
- PCR test results taken 72 hours before departure OR Antigen Test 48 hours before departure
* Applicable for travelers ages 12 and up.
On the other hand, travelers entering Singapore via Germany and Brunei need to scan the QR code or a soft copy of their vaccination certificate at the Singapore government website. The process should be done 7 to 30 days before the planned date of entry.
As of September 1, 2021, applications for VTP have opened.
Booking Your VTL Flight
#TravelToGermany2021 (Credits @starocker via Unsplash)
Currently, there are three airlines that offer VTL flights to Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Royal Brunei Airlines.
Singapore Airlines operates VTL flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Singapore twice to thrice a week, while Lufthansa began its VTL operations from Frankfurt on September 16. Travelers from Brunei can also fly to Singapore via Royal Brunei Airlines as VTL flights to SG are available twice a week.
As for exclusive VTL flights to Germany from Singapore, there are no updates. VTL is only available for inbound flights going to Singapore.
To stay updated, check the Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, and Royal Brunei Airlines websites for the latest updates.
Pre-departure
Changi Airport Pre-Departure Area (Credits @shawnanggg via Unsplash)
Remember your documents? You’ll need them now once you’ve booked your direct flight to Germany. At the pre-departure area of Changi Airport, you’ll be asked to provide the following documents:
- Valid visa
- Vaccination certificate (electronic or physical copy)
- A negative PCR test results 72 hours before departure
- A negative Antigen test results 48 hours before departure
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19, dated between 28 days and 6 months before travel (for those who contracted the virus)
Among other things, your passport’s travel history should NOT include areas of concern in the last ten days. Easy, right? Wish we could say the same for the flight back.
Germany to Singapore VTL Arrival
For German travelers wishing to see the Merlion at its home turf in Singapore, there are several requirements that need to be met. Apart from the vaccination certificate, negative COVID-19 test results, and Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), visitors and returning residents alike should prepare the necessary documents:
- SG Arrival Card (includes health and travel history and accommodation declarations to be submitted 3 days before the arrival date to Singapore)
- TraceTogether App with fully registered profile and downloaded application on mobile
- Copy of travel insurance with minimum coverage of S$30,000
As soon as you land at Changi Airport, you’ll be asked to register and pay for the mandatory COVID-19 PCR test. Results will be out within 24 hours. In the meantime, German travelers must immediately take private transportation (taxi or hire car) to their declared accommodations until notified.
For the complete list of requirements, view the official website.
When in Germany
Guten Morgen! You’ve finally made it to Germany, the land of bratwursts, gothic castles, and scenic old towns.
Upon landing, you don’t have to take any COVID-19 test anymore. In fact, you can head straight to your hotel accommodation or to the first destination in your itinerary.
While you’re in Germany, hit up famous spots using our Klook discounted bundles! Here are our top picks of the best things to do:
1. Visit Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Royal Castles
Get a chance to visit Sleeping Beauty’s castle in real life
If you’ve ever dreamt of being a royal and are a huge lover of fairy tales, now’s your chance. Take a tour of one of Germany’s biggest and grandest castles, the Linderhof Royal Castle. The 19th-century Romanesque architecture is inspired by none other than the Palace of Versailles in France. Enjoy the large fountains and get lost at the palace’s garden maze—it’s the perfect place to daydream and romanticize.
Afterwards, head to the Neuschwanstein Castle, or what looks like a castle in the sky. The 19th-century palace sits atop a rugged hill with a stunning view of the Alps. Spend a magical day with Klook by booking a romantic castle tour at Linderhof Royal Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle!
2. Go on a bike tour in Munich
Join the pack and explore the city!
What’s one way to make history more interesting? A guided bike tour of the historical city of Munich! Join the pack and get to know the town in new ways. As you go for a ride, your local guide will share with you the best stories, and the best spots as the route will take you to the English Garden, Banks of River Isar, and more!
3. Climb aboard and discover Germany’s capital city
Hop on board the Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour!
A trip to Germany wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Berlin, the capital city of the idyllic country. Ride the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour to see the city’s best sites. Explore the iconic Alexanderplatz, Unter den Linden Boulevard, the impressive Brandenburg Gate, and even the famous shopping district at Kurfürstendamm, right beside Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Take your time exploring at your own pace.
4. More for you
We still have plenty of activities you can experience in many destination in Germany!
What Happens if I Contract COVID-19 during My Stay?
Once on German land, you’ll have to follow the country’s health guidelines. This includes wearing KN95 or FFP2 masks in public areas.
*Since German federal states have their own COVID-19 protocols, kindly check which applies to your travels here. In cases where travelers contracted COVID-19 during their stay, all expenses incurred will be covered by the individuals and will have to undergo quarantine protocols.
