In a slightly unusual change, which we assume is related to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, local authorities have categorised France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK together with Category 4 countries and regions, as far as transits through Changi Airport are concerned.
There has been no formal reclassification of these four countries, which continue to have active Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) and otherwise sit in Singapore’s Category 2 for immigration purposes, but this an interesting shift given that travellers can enter Singapore quarantine-free from these places.
The fact these four have been separated out so specifically doesn’t necessarily mean there will be any changes to the border measures for these locations (indeed we hope there won’t be).
It is interesting nonetheless that passengers departing from these countries with a connection through Changi will now be segregated from those starting their journeys in other Category 1, 2 and 3 countries, who will continue to be free to shop and use other facilities during their layover.
Singapore Airlines has also been ‘zeroing out’ VTL flight availability from these countries and some others like the USA in recent days, between now and mid-January, despite many of the flights not appearing to be full.
Changi transit requirements
Back in October we reported how transit passengers originating in Category 1 and 2 countries were now allowed to escape the transit holding ‘pens’ and roam the airport’s shops, dining outlets and lounges during their layover at the airport.
Now those flying from Category 3 countries are also eligible, effectively covering the entire SIA route network.