Singapore: Singapore’s Minister of Transport, S Iswaran, said on Monday (November 1) that it is more important that the process of reopening Singapore’s borders should be done well, rather than rapidly expanding.
Therefore, he said in the parliament that the vaccination lane (VTL) program is gradually expanding.
He pointed out that this expansion is based on a public health assessment of the COVID-19 situation in specific countries and the operational risks and impacts on these destinations.
“This includes whether key safeguards under the VTL program can be effectively implemented, such as whether travelers from VTL countries can present digitally verifiable and verified vaccination certificates as a prerequisite for entry,” he said.
Mr. Iswaran said that his department works closely with the Ministry of Health to regularly review safeguards, such as testing programs based on the latest scientific evidence and testing technology.
“Even if we seek to reopen our borders and restore contact with the rest of the world, protecting public health is our top priority.”
Mr. Iswaran responded in Parliament on various issues raised by members of Parliament regarding the reopening of Singapore’s borders.
Singapore’s vaccinated travel corridor program allows fully vaccinated travelers from VTL countries to enter the country without quarantine, but requires two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests before departure and upon arrival at Changi Airport.
The initiative was launched in Brunei and Germany in September.
Last month, it expanded to include eight other countries-Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The plan will be expanded to three other countries-Australia, Switzerland and South Korea later this month.
Mr. Iswaran said on Monday that these 13 countries/regions together accounted for approximately 15% of the annual passenger arrivals at Changi Airport before the outbreak of the new crown virus.
Regarding whether the quota for VTL passengers will be adjusted, the Minister of Transportation pointed out that these restrictions exist to manage public health risks.
“Quotas are allocated to airlines operating flights to and from VTL countries according to their submitted plans. The allocation of each country and airline can vary according to demand, but the total will remain within the overall range
Quota,” he said.
Mr. Iswaran pointed out that airlines can only carry eligible passengers on designated VTL flights. He said that the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore closely monitors airlines to ensure that they comply with required measures and allocated quotas.
He added that as such arrangements are expanded to Australia, Switzerland and South Korea later this month, the total daily quota for all 13 countries in the VTL program will increase to 4,000 passengers.
“This accounts for approximately 5% of the daily arrivals before the Changi Covid-19 outbreak. There will be approximately 19 VTL flights per day in these 13 countries/regions, with an average VTL quota of 200 per flight,” he said.
In response to a question from Congressman Dennis Chen (WP-Hougang) on whether the authorities are considering establishing such travel routes for all ASEAN countries, Mr. Iswaran reiterated that Singapore “is cooperating with many countries including our regional neighbors. Partners to discuss in order to safely reopen to each other”.
“We hope to end these discussions and resume our contact with them as soon as possible. We will announce the details when we are ready,” he said.
Mr. Iswaran added: “What I want to emphasize is that in these early stages of reopening the border, it is more important that we do well; rather than rapidly scale up.”
Mr. Saktiandi Supaat (People’s Action Party-Bishan-Toa Payoh) asked whether the vaccination lane method was “temporary” and what the country’s long-term plan to reopen its borders is.
Mr. Iswaran described the plan as a “pathfinder” for the resumption of general air travel, allowing Singapore to develop an agreement to safely reopen to vaccinated passengers.
He said: “As we gain the experience and confidence in reopening the border safely, we will gradually expand the plan.”
“Ultimately, our goal is to restore safe two-way travel without isolation with countries and regions around the world.”
