There’s good news for Singapore’s long-term pass holders in the latest set of border relaxations, with the Ministry of Manpower confirming that entry approval for travel from non-VTL countries or on non-VTL flights will no longer be necessary for the majority of these residents.
They will also be exempt from applying for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) when arriving in Singapore on the VTL.
The changes take effect for those touching down from Tuesday 22nd February 2022, and will simplify the arrival process for thousands of travellers resident in the city, though some work permit holders will still face restrictions and require approvals.
For Employment Pass and S Pass holders in particular, this removes the uncertainty around entry application through their Human Resources (HR) department for non-VTL journeys, which could be quickly approved but took months in some cases.
The previous process
Back in March 2020, Singapore imposed an entry approval requirement for long-term pass holders (LTPHs), to help regulate arrival volumes from high risk countries and probably to modulate pressure on SHN hotels and quarantine facilities being used at the time, since the return of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents could not be easily (or popularly!) restricted.
The implementation of the entry approval measure for LTP holders who wish to enter or return to Singapore will help agencies to regulate the inflow of people into Singapore in order to mitigate the risk of importation of COVID-19 cases.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, March 2020
While this wasn’t a huge issue for most pass holders returning, there were stories of some pass holders waiting many months to secure approval, which had to be sought through your employer in most cases (e.g. for Employment Pass holders).
Even when the Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble almost got going in November 2020 there were pass holders refused re-entry permission (i.e. to return to Singapore), according to the comments section of our article.
That was strange since those residents were in Singapore already, and were only proposing to go on a short trip to this “safe” country!
The new process
From 22nd February 2022, fully vaccinated long-term pass holders (excluding Work Permit holders) no longer need to apply for entry approval to return to Singapore from non-VTL countries or on non-VTL flights.
They will also no longer need to have a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) when arriving from a VTL country on a designated VTL flight, allowing them to make short-term bookings without applying for a VTP at least three days in advance.
Singapore’s incidence rate is now comparable with most overseas destinations. Imported cases are unlikely to affect the trajectory of local cases.
Singapore Ministry of Health
Here’s a summary table showing the new requirements for an Entry Approval (EA) and / or a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), based on your Singapore long-term pass type.
Singapore Entry Requirements
from 22nd February 2022
| LTPH Category | Travel Lane | |
| VTL | Non-VTL | |
|
Permitted without EA without VTP |
|
|
Not Permitted |
Permitted with EA |
|
Permitted without EA with VTP |
|
| LTPH Category | |
|
|
| VTL | Non-VTL |
Permitted without EA without VTP |
Permitted without EA without VTP |
| LTPH Category | |
|
|
| VTL | Non-VTL |
Not Permitted |
Permitted with EA |
| LTPH Category | |
|
|
| VTL | Non-VTL |
Permitted without EA with VTP |
Permitted with EA |
Source: Ministry of Manpower
This gives a lot more freedom to those holding an Employment Pass, Dependent’s Pass or S Pass, for example, with no VTP to fill out when using the VTL to fly back to Singapore, nor any entry approval to seek via your employer when returning from non-VTL countries, like Ireland.
It effectively puts these pass holders on a par with Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, in terms of required approvals to travel to Singapore.
Travellers will continue to be subject to the requirements of the SafeTravel Lane they are entering under, including border health measures and Stay-Home Notice (SHN) periods.
For Employment Pass and S Pass holders in particular who need to return to their home countries to visit friends or family in non-VTL locations, this will simplify their journeys considerably.
An Employment Pass holder from Ireland, for example, was subject to the re-entry approval process via their HR department when coming back to Singapore at the end of the trip, even if they were fully vaccinated and happy to complete seven days SHN at home.
Proving your status
For flights arriving in Singapore from 22nd February 2022, eligible long-term pass holders will have to produce their long-term pass or in-principle approval letter to the check-in staff in order to travel to Singapore, either on a VTL or non-VTL flight.
They will also have to show their fully vaccinated status, via HealthHub / Notarise or a recognised digital certificate from overseas (this is not required for Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents returning non-VTL).
Work permit holders
Work permit holders must still apply for a VTP when travelling to Singapore on the VTL, or obtain an entry approval when arriving non-VTL.
Work permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors and dormitory-bound work permit holders remain excluded from using the VTLs.
Work permit holders should continue to obtain a VTP if entering via VTL (excluding work permit holders in the Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process sectors (CMP) and other dormitory bound work permit holders); or an entry approval under non-VTL channels (Work Pass Holder General Lane via Safe Travel Office or MOM’s entry approval for CMP workers).
This is to ensure work permit holders enter Singapore in a safe and calibrated manner given their larger numbers.
Singapore Ministry of Health
Health declaration
Like Singapore Citizens and Permanent residents, all long-term pass holders must continue to submit the health and travel declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service, prior to arrival.
This can be completed within three days of arrival date, and contains details about your health status and recent travel history, as well as personal particulars and contact details.
Summary
Long-term pass holders face a lot less uncertainty about returning to Singapore from non-VTL countries or on non-VTL flights with this latest development, meaning no requirement to have an entry approval, which your employer or HR department previously had to apply for in most cases.
Those using the VTLs will also have a much simpler journey to look forward to, with no requirement to apply for a VTP to cover their entry on the way home, and the freedom to make short-term bookings on VTL flights.
This shift will also help prepare Singapore for a wider border reopening, with VTLs hopefully becoming a thing of the past soon, as we move towards allowing fully vaccinated travellers to enter from all countries once the Omicron wave begins to subside.
(Cover Photo: Shutterstock)
I think you have missed an important point here ie how to book an on-arrival RT-PCR test for non-VTL arrivals into Singapore. This was part of the Safe Entry approvals earlier as in when you make an application for Safe Entry it was mandatory to make the payment for the on arrival test. How would that process will change?
On Arrival PCR has been scrapped since long for non-VTL arrivals. You do an exit PCR towards end of your SHN
I am aware of that but the booking for the quarantine exit test was part of the Safe Entry application. Now that the entry approvals are scrapped, how do you book the PCR test for non-VTLs?
Hi Dipin,
For travellers entering via non VTL flight, you will receive email with a payment link while serving the SHN to pay for the exit PCR swab test. You will receive sms on the contact number you registered in the SGAC for the swab test schedule ( location, date timing), arrange own transport go to the swab centre, do your swab then go home & continue your SHN. Your result will be sent via sms which will indicate also your SHN ends date.
You can refer to this at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/travel-checklist/category-2-3-4
I am singapore pr and Malsysian citizen I ready work and stay here 3 month. if i want going back to Johor go true my motorbike what is my sop.
If you are asking about SOP to enter Johor, then you have to check with Malaysia High Commission in Singapore.
If you are in Johor & plan to return to Singapore using your motorbike, the SOP:
1) You must take a Pre-Departure Test (PDT) within 2 days before departure for Singapore.
PDT can include a COVID-19 (PCR test) at an internationally accredited or recognised lab/clinic/medical facility, or (ART) administered by a trained professional (self-swabs are disallowed)
2) Submit their pre-trip health and travel history declaration via the SG Arrival Card 3 days before arrival in SIngapore.
3) You will have to serve 7 days SHN at own residence with other household members of different vaccination status or travel history but you need to Isolate in your own room during the 7-day period; minimise contact with any household members & avoid sharing bathrooms. If bathroom sharing cannot be avoided, all members in the household should:
Lower the lid before flushing the toilet;
Clean & disinfect contact surfaces after each use; & avoid using the toilet after the self-isolating individual for at least 20 minutes.
4) You will be scheduled to take a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test before the end of your SHN. Payment for the test (S$125/test, including GST) can be made via the payment link found in the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) issued. The SHN will end after you receives a negative test result communicated via a call, email, or SMS about 24 hours from when the test was administered.
Thanks Andrew as always for standing up for us EP holders held prisoner for so long even with crappy VTL half solution! Great to be treated like a human being again
Hi im a Singapore PR from philippines. If i want to bring my husband here in singapore for short visit pass. What requierments we need to submit?
Hi Nancy, you can apply for your husband’s entry via the Familial Ties Lane (FTL), login via your singpass. At the end of the application you will be ask to pay $125 in order for you to get the approval letter entry. This $125 is for the exit swab test he needs to do before end of stay home Notice. Your exit swab test payment will need to be paid via the link that will be sent to you. Both you & husband will receive sis on your swab test schedule (location, date,timing).
You can refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/scpr-familial-ties-lane/overview
For the entry requirements refer to
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/travel-checklist/category-2-3-4
Am a Singaporean and my wife is a LTPH, can we travel to Malaysia or return back to Singapore via car or motorcycle?
Hello Steve
You & wife can travel to Malaysia & return back using own vehicle but needs to follow the entry requirements. Do a pre-departure Covid -19 test 2 days before departure to SG, Submit SGAC & when you return to SG you both will have to serve 7 days SHN & do the exit swab test before your SHN ends.
You can refer to
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/travel-checklist/category-2-3-4
My husband is come to Singapore for tourist visa for 1 month.Is he need to apply VTP? And i accompanied him to come here in SG.
Hi Nancy,
If your husband entering SG via VTL as short term visitor he needs to apply for VTP & ensure he meets other VTL requirements.
You can refer to
https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/travel-checklist
Delivering goods to SG daily can a friend or relatives tag along
To share my experience today (22/2/22) on VTL bus, I was almost denied to proceed by malaysia customs as I do not have VTP letter despite holding long term pass.
What happened? Can you share your experience?
Hi!
Just curious I’m an S-pass holder with my family living in Malaysia (under residency pass) and I wish to visit them.
With this new update I can take a non Vtl flight to Kuala Lumpur and a non Vtl back from there. Am I correct to say this?
Is there any thing I need to note of if I take a non Vtl flight in from Malaysia?