Singapore And South Korea Agree To Launch Vaccine Travel Path Next Month

Illustration of Singapore Changi Airport. (Wikimedia Commons/ProjectManhattan)

JAKARTA - Singapore and South Korea have agreed to launch a vaccine travel route (VTL) starting November 15, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced Friday.

Under the VTL, fully vaccinated travelers will be able to travel between Changi Airport and Incheon International Airport, and undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, instead of quarantine or stay-at-home notices.

There will be no restrictions on travel destinations or requirements for controlled itineraries or sponsorships, the ministry said.

In support of VTL, Singapore and South Korea have also reached an agreement on mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates, which will take effect from November 15.

This will enable fully vaccinated travelers with proof of administration of the COVID-19 vaccine issued in Singapore or South Korea, to enjoy safe management measures different from vaccinations in the two countries.

Under the VTL, travelers must meet eligibility criteria and comply with applicable border control measures and public health requirements for travel to their respective countries. Further details of the VTL will be announced in due course.

The agreement was marked by a video conference on Friday between Transport Minister, S. Iswaran, and South Korea's Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Noh Hyeong Ouk.

"Singapore and the Republic of Korea enjoy excellent bilateral relations, with strong people-to-people ties. I am pleased that the two countries have agreed to jointly launch the Vaccinated Travel Path which will reopen general travel between our two countries, which has been disrupted for the past 20 months", Iswaran said, citing CNA October 8.

He added that both countries had made excellent progress in vaccinating their populations, with the VTL reflecting confidence in each other's ability to manage the COVID-19 situation.

"This is another milestone as we reopen Singapore's borders, continue with careful and calibrated air travel", said Iswaran.

"The jointly launched VTL will be the first of its kind between two major aviation hubs in Asia and build on this longstanding relationship to safely revive cross-border air travel and people-to-people flows", said MOT.

"Before COVID-19, Singapore and the Republic of Korea were one of their respective main travel destinations, with a total of 64 weekly passenger services connecting the two countries and carrying 1.6 million passengers annually".

On Thursday, Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, announced that Singapore is working to establish a VTL with the United States before the end of the year.

Gan noted, as a business and travel hub, it is important for Singapore to stay connected to the rest of the world despite the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the country continues to facilitate the arrival and return of work permit holders from KITAP (Permanent Residence Permit Card).