6 daily flights to operate from Nov 29 in Singapore-India vax travel lane

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said that Singapore's vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India will start on November 29, with six designated flights daily from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Sunday said that Singapore's vaccinated travel lane (VTL) with India will start on November 29, with six designated flights daily from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

CAAS said that it had reached an agreement with India's Ministry of Civil Aviation on the resumption of scheduled commercial passenger flights between the two countries, reported Channel News Asia (CNA).

The authority added that VTP applications will open for those intending to enter Singapore from November 29 to January 21, 2022.

However, it "strongly encouraged" those who intend to enter Singapore after December 1 to apply after November 24, reported CNA.

Applications for vaccinated travel passes (VTP) for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders from India will start on November 22 at 6 pm Singapore time.

"All short-term visitors and long-term pass holders who meet the requirements of the VTL will receive a VTP," it said.

Airlines can also operate non-VTL flights between India and Singapore, although passengers on non-VTL flights will be subject to the prevailing public health requirements, said CAAS.

"CAAS understands that travellers are looking forward to the launch of the VTL and would like to assure travellers that there is no need to rush to apply for the VTP," the authority said.

The authority also urged short-term visitors and long-term pass holders to apply for a VTP to enter Singapore under the VTL, reported CNA.

VTP applications for travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia will open on November 22 at 10 am Singapore time.

Applications for travellers from Finland, India and Sweden will open the same day at 6 pm Singapore time.

"Travellers from these countries will not be able to apply for a VTP earlier (than the stated time)," CAAS said.

To facilitate the application process, VTP applicants should have their passport and digital proof of vaccination on hand. They should also know the address of the place they intend to self-isolate while waiting for the results of their on-arrival COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, CAAS release said.

Travellers who require a visa for travel to Singapore should apply for their visa separately and only after their VTP is approved, CAAS said.

"They must also purchase travel insurance, with a minimum coverage of Singapore USD 30,000 for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs, prior to travel to Singapore. In Singapore, these visitors must also use the TraceTogether app to facilitate contact tracing," the authority added.