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Singapore will further open up its borders with regions or countries deemed to be "very low-risk" for all purposes of travel, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced on Aug. 19.

This was decided in view of high vaccination rate in Singapore and the reopening of borders is being carried out in a "cautious and step-by-step manner".

A new Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) has been established with Germany and Brunei, and will take effect from Sep. 8.

Only fully-vaccinated people from Germany, Brunei and Singapore will be able to use the VTL to travel, with a robust testing regime as a replacement for quarantine or Stay-Home Notices.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after he or she has received the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or other World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing vaccines.

For the return trip to Singapore, a total of four Covid-19 PCR tests have to be taken: Pre-departure, on-arrival, Day 3, and Day 7.

If you are a Singaporean or Permanent Resident (PR) who wishes to travel to Germany or Brunei, here's what you need to take note of.

1. Planning your trip

When planning your trip, do check the requirements for entry to the respective countries.

For example, in Germany, different regions may have different Covid-19 regulations.

When booking your flights, do take note that the return flight to Singapore must be via these designated VTL flights, if you do not wish to serve Stay-Home-Notice.

2. During your stay in Germany/ Brunei

During your stay in Germany or Brunei, adhere to the local Covid-19 regulations.

For Germany, you can refer to this general update by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). For regional situation and rules, you can refer to the website of Germany's Federal Ministry of Health here.

For Brunei, you can refer to this general update by MFA.

3. Pre-departure requirements (before returning to Singapore)

Do take note that you must remain in Singapore and/or the country of departure (i.e. either Germany or Brunei) for the past 21 days prior to departure for Singapore.

You will have to take a Covid-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure.

Prior to departure for Singapore, you will also have to register and pay for the Covid-19 PCR test that  will be administered upon arrival in Singapore

You will also need to submit a Singapore Arrival Card.

4. Check-in for return flight to Singapore

When you check-in, you must have the following:

1. Passport
2. Vaccination certificate (digital or print copy)
3. Negative Covid-19 PCR test report

5. Arrival in Singapore

You will have to take an on-arrival Covid-19 PCR test at the airport.

Then, take a private vehicle, private-hire car, or taxi to your declared self-isolation accommodation.

Do note that public buses and trains are not allowed.

6. First seven days in Singapore

Stay isolated at the declared accommodation until you obtain negative results for your on-arrival Covid-19 PCR test.

Then, make an appointment, pay for, and take Covid-19 PCR tests at one of 37 designated clinics on on Day 3 and Day 7.

Additional requirements for non-Singaporeans/PRs

The steps described above are similar for short-term pass holders and long-term pass holders, but you will have to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass if you do not wish to serve SHN upon arrival in Singapore.

You will have to do so between seven to 30 days before your intended arrival in Singapore.

As part of the application, you will have to present proof of vaccination, and pre-pay for post-arrival Covid-19 PCR tests on Day 3 and Day 7 of your arrival in Singapore.

The application for a VTP is free and will be valid for single entry up to six calendar days from the intended date of entry.

Interested persons can apply for a VTP from Sep. 1 onwards.

On top of a VTP, short-term pass holders have to purchase Covid-19 insurance with minimum coverage of S$30,000.

You will have to download and activate the TraceTogether app on your mobile phone for contact tracing.

Those who do not comply with the above conditions for VTL may be served with SHN to be quarantined at designated facility and/or be charged with offences under the Infectious Diseases Act, CAAS said.

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Top image via Changi Airport/Facebook