Qantas VTL Flights - Singapore

[wenglock.mok]

I am afraid Australia and Singapore adopt different perception about VTL. in Australia context, all flights are ONLY FOR VACCINATED TRAVELLER as announced by Qantas CEO and PM Morrison. All passengers on board are fully vaccinated with approved vaccines. so all flights are VTL by default.
SIA marks VTL and non VTL. It seems to me SIA is still carrying travelers who has not had vaccines on NON VTL ? We have yet to understand from SIA if all SIA flights are ONLY FOR FULLY Vaccinated passengers. We need clarity from SIA

That's not entirely correct I'm afraid. One of the conditions for arriving as a VTL passenger is that you must be travelling on a designated VTL flight (and with SQ ex-SYD, only two of the three flights are actually designated VTL flights; SQ242 is not and if arriving into SIN on that flight, you will end up needing to isolate for 7 days).

None of the QF flights to SIN at the moment are designated VTL flights and they don't even appear as an airline of choice on ICA's SafeTravel website.

 

[HANS596]

That's not entirely correct I'm afraid. One of the conditions for arriving as a VTL passenger is that you must be travelling on a designated VTL flight (and with SQ ex-SYD, only two of the three flights are actually designated VTL flights; SQ242 is not and if arriving into SIN on that flight, you will end up needing to isolate for 7 days).

None of the QF flights to SIN at the moment are designated VTL flights and they don't even appear as an airline of choice on ICA's SafeTravel website.

You are right. If based on ICA rules, currently only SIA VTL flights to avoid quarantine in Singapore. Those who want to be safe and sure, SIA VTL is the only choice. For those to fly other then SIA, should wait patiently till ICA uploads the QF VTL flight. It may take some times.

 

[Ade]

I think there is a also chance of fully vaxxed & partially/not vaxxed pax mixing in the airport?

 

[morristhehorris]

Qantas has added a Singapore travel section about a hour ago on VTL requirements but still makes no mention of whether ANY Qantas flights are VTL designated. One thing I can see is that in Qantas' requirement they say passengers are considered fully vaccinated if they had their 2nd show for 7 days, however, Singapore requires people to have had their 2nd shot for 14 days before considering them fully vaccinated.

https://www.qantas.com/pg/en/coronavirus/international-travel/singapore-flights.html

This page has been updated today to now say the following:

We’re working with the Singapore Government and expect in the coming days to have all Qantas flights from Australia to Singapore designated as Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services for when we commence flying from 23 November (subject to Government and Regulatory approval).

This is quite encouraging for us in the thread already booked with Qantas.

 

[suhsizai]

I think it's been updated now again. This is what I'm seeing


Singapore will extend the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to Australia from 8 November 2021

All Qantas flights from Australia to Singapore are designated as Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)Opens external site in a new window services (subject to Government and Regulatory approval). In line with Singapore Government requirements, only fully vaccinatedOpens external site in a new window passengers can travel on these flights and medical exemptions are not accepted.

 

[wenglock.mok]

This page has been updated today to now say the following:

We’re working with the Singapore Government and expect in the coming days to have all Qantas flights from Australia to Singapore designated as Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services for when we commence flying from 23 November (subject to Government and Regulatory approval).

This is quite encouraging for us in the thread already booked with Qantas.

Thank you very much for the information! It is indeed quite heartening to see that there's been some movement in this area.

I reckon they are still working through the detail and will have more to say in the days to come, which is probably why there is a "subject to approval" disclaimer.

 

[Nickinsg]

I think it's been updated now again. This is what I'm seeing


Singapore will extend the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to Australia from 8 November 2021

All Qantas flights from Australia to Singapore are designated as Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)Opens external site in a new window services (subject to Government and Regulatory approval). In line with Singapore Government requirements, only fully vaccinatedOpens external site in a new window passengers can travel on these flights and medical exemptions are not accepted.

This is brilliant. Probably expecting the VTL website to update accordingly later on this evening or tomorrow.

 

[chrischai101]

Note that in the below linked Scoot website, it stated that "Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR) may enter all VTL countries, except for Brunei, without quarantine restrictions". I read it as this applies to Australia as well from Nov 21?

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[dajop]

Note that in the below linked Scoot website, it stated that "Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PR) may enter all VTL countries, except for Brunei, without quarantine restrictions". I read it as this applies to Australia as well from Nov 21?

Pardon Our Interruption

They have a contradictory link on the website.

Carriage of Passengers Into and Out of Australia

This indicates:

Vaccinated Singapore passport holders will also be able to enter Australia from 21 November 2021. Scoot is awaiting further clarity from the Australian government on the entry requirements, and will update our website when the details become available.

Worth noting that entry of foreigners into both countries under VTL depends on vaccination status. However entry into Singapore also depends on travel history over previous 14 days (i.e. VTL countries only) irrespective of nationality (as long as normal immigration requirements met), whilst entry into Australia of non-residents depends on nationality, irrespective of travel history.

 

[SurajKVS]

That's not entirely correct I'm afraid. One of the conditions for arriving as a VTL passenger is that you must be travelling on a designated VTL flight (and with SQ ex-SYD, only two of the three flights are actually designated VTL flights; SQ242 is not and if arriving into SIN on that flight, you will end up needing to isolate for 7 days).

None of the QF flights to SIN at the moment are designated VTL flights and they don't even appear as an airline of choice on ICA's SafeTravel website.

https://www.qantas.com/id/en/coronavirus/international-travel/singapore-flights.html

they have just updated their website

 

[SurajKVS]

With the impending travel bubble opening with Singapore, it's interesting that Qantas have yet to announce whether the flights they're operating from Sydney and Melbourne will be eligible Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights. Although it's likely that all QF flights to SIN will be VTL, if I were to want to fly to Singapore next week, I'd probably go with Singapore Airlines who announced their VTL flights at the same time the bubble was announced.

Anyone heard any news on this?

https://www.qantas.com/id/en/coronavirus/international-travel/singapore-flights.html

i just noticed that Qantas have just updated their website

 

[danielc]

I'm confirmed in Y on QF71/72 between PER-SIN 02Mar-18Mar2022.

If I try to search for these flights they aren't shown but my booking hasn't been cancelled.

Any thoughts on the likelihood that these flights will actually operate?

 

[zobak]

ON QF website today:​

If you're fully vaccinated and travelling on a VTL flight​

Before departure you'll need to:

• Check if you're considered fully vaccinatedOpens external site in a new window according to the Singapore Government guidelines, which includes completing a course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive. Children aged 12 years (as of calendar year) and under are excepted.
• Have valid evidence of your vaccination status. You will need approved documentation for travel - see more about International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates.
• Check if you're travelling on a designated VTL flight. Currently all Qantas flights from Australia to Singapore are designated as VTL services.
• Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR testOpens external site in a new window, taken no more than 48 hours before departure. Children aged 2 years old and younger (as of calendar year) do not need to have a test. If you've tested positive for COVID-19 in the past and have since recovered, you may need to submit your recovery certificate to the Singapore Safe Travel Office. See more informationOpens external site in a new window. You’ll also need to submit your medical clearance documents to us at least 7 days before departure.
• Book and pay for a COVID-19 testOpens external site in a new window which must be taken on the day of your arrival at Singapore airport at your own expense (approx. S$160). You’ll need to immediately take private transportation, taxi or hire car to your declared place of accommodation and remain in self-isolation until a negative COVID-19 test result is returned (typically within 24 hours).
• Purchase a valid Travel InsuranceOpens external site policy if you’re a short-term visitor. It’s mandatory that you must be insured for COVID-19 related medical expenses in Singapore, with a minimum coverage of SGD$30,000. You may be asked to show evidence.
• Apply for the Vaccination Travel PassOpens external site (VTP) between 7 and 60 days before your intended date of entry. Passengers without a VTP will be denied boarding. Children aged 12 years and below (as of calendar year) do not need to apply for a VTP, but must comply with all other VTL conditions.
• Download the TraceTogether appOpens external site in a new window and register your profile to aid contact tracing. You must actively use the app, or rent a TraceTogether token, during your stay in Singapore.

 

[SeaWolf]

I'm confirmed in Y on QF71/72 between PER-SIN 02Mar-18Mar2022.

If I try to search for these flights they aren't shown but my booking hasn't been cancelled.

Any thoughts on the likelihood that these flights will actually operate?

Keep an eye on the news tomorrow (5th) as McGowan is going to announce WA's roadmap. If that plan includes allowing inbound international travel without quarantine by the date of your flights then I'd say there's a very good chance they'll operate. If, on the other hand, inbound international travel will still be restricted on those dates then I'd say the chance of either of those flights (outbound or inbound) operating would be very slim.

 

[morristhehorris]

The table of airlines on the Singapore government VTL site has just been updated to corroborate the information Qantas posted on Wednesday:

Vaccinated Travel Lane (Air) Overview

safetravel.ica.gov.sg

Jetstar has also been added.

 

[jc1jc1]

Hi all,

Applying for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) for entry from Australia to Singapore via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) is relatively straightforward if all goes well with the SafeTravel webform (Safetravel Portal).

Here's a bit more insight into what happens if you are unable to successfully complete the webform, which I expect 99% of the time is associated with you not being able to successfully upload your International Vaccine Certificate QR code via the webform.

Applying for a VTP is designed to be a fully automated process, whereby upon successful completion of the webform, you are immediately issued a VTP. In my case, when I tried to attach the QR code (I tried both attaching the entire International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate PDF file generated by the Medicare app as well as cropping the QR code itself as a PNG file and uploading that separately), I received a "Vaccination certificate is not issued in the VTL country/region you are departing from" warning, and was not able to submit the webform successfully.


There is a SafeTravel Enquiry Form (SafeTravel Enquiry Form) which can be filled out in the event that you encounter problems with the VTP application portal. If you encounter any issues with applying for your VTP, use this form and be sure to attach your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. I used the Enquiry Category of "Technical Issues relating to Safe Travel online application" and Enquiry Sub Category of "Error filling up application details".



Please note the following:

* Upon successful submission of the Enquiry Form, you will not be sent an acknowledgement email of any kind (this information is correct as of 3 November 2021 but there are constant improvements being made so this may change in the future).

* It took 4 days for me to receive an email response from STO (Safe Travel Office) acknowledging that they had received my query and that it had been handed over to the relevant department. Obviously there is a big backlog of requests to the STO at the moment so please be patient and do not submit multiple Enquiry Forms as this will simply add to the backlog. Note that in the email acknowledgement from STO, the subject line will be a unique case number that has been assigned to your query - it is of the format CAS-2021xx_xx_ where xx_xx_ is 6 unique digits.

* It took one more day for me to receive an email from Safe Travel Office, which contained a letter from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) referring to an appeal for the nominated traveller in the original enquiry (ie myself). The instructions were to use an Appeal Reference Number, which was provided within the letter from CAAS, back in the original SafeTravel VTP application portal (Safetravel Portal).

Once you go back to reapply on the SafeTravel VTP application portal, you will notice that as soon as you enter your traveller name and email address, a new screen will pop up asking you to enter in your Appeal Reference Number. Once you enter that, you continue on with filling out your application webform, but it is a simpler webform which no longer requires you to upload a QR code.

Once you have completed all this, your VTP is issued immediately.

I hope this information is useful to anyone encountering issues with the SafeTravel VTP application portal, particularly on the lead times that are currently being experienced to resolve any issues encountered, as well as an insight into what happens in the end to get your VTP successfully issued. It is always a little bit stressful when what is supposed to be a simple process does not go as planned. The key takeouts are to be patient and plan ahead of time as there is obviously a well-established process for resolving any issues that come up.

The VTL to Singapore opens today, 8 November 2021, and I am sure there are plenty of people who would like to take advantage of it to head off to Singapore.

Cheers and happy flying,
jc1jc1

 

[danielc]

Modified my flight dates so now confirmed on QF71 PER-SIN 27/03/22 and returning on QF72 SIN-PER 12/04/22. It appears that the service between PER-SIN is only being restarted on that date.

Ultimate destination, after meeting up with traveller from MEL, is VietNam. Was able to find good Y fares on SQ flying SIN-HAN 28/03/22 and SGN-SIN 12/04/22 for only $AUD235 return per person.

Date change allows time to get Pfizer booster (after 6 month waiting period) before travelling and avoids the Easter Holidays. Now let's hope VietNam opens up over the coming months.

 

[jc1jc1]

Small update for flights to SIN from the Singapore SafeTravel website last night, effective 12 Nov:

Pre-departure tests done in Australia for travel to Singapore via the Vaccinated Travel Lane can now be the simpler and quicker Antigen Rapid Test (known in Australia as a Rapid Antigen Test), but still need to be performed by a pathology, ie. home Rapid Antigen Test kit results are not valid.

Eg at Melbourne and Sydney Airport, the onsite Histopath pathology does a PCR test at the airport with 1 hour turnaround for $150, but they also do a Rapid Antigen Test with 30 mins turnaround for just $50. See Travel Testing | Histopath for further details.

Here are the changes on the SafeTravel website (Frequently Asked Questions), as highlighted in red:

1. Are travellers under the VTL required to take any pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests?​

All travellers, except those aged 2 and below in the calendar year (i.e. in the year 2021, those who are born in or after 2019), must undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test [or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) for entry into Singapore from 11 November 2021, 2359hrs] within 2 days before departure for Singapore.

Happy travels,
jc1jc1

 

[Mattg]

Any word yet on whether Jetstar's flights to Singapore will be VTL flights?

 

[dajop]

Any word yet on whether Jetstar's flights to Singapore will be VTL flights?

Yes they are, see list here:

VTL (Air) Checklist for Travel to Singapore

safetravel.ica.gov.sg