The Singapore – South Korea Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) commenced on 15 November 2021, allowing fully-vaccinated individuals to travel between both countries with no quarantine on either side.
Unlike the other VTLs Singapore has with countries in Europe and North America, the South Korea VTL works a little differently, since the country remains largely closed to foreigners. As part of the deal, visitors from Singapore will have to undergo testing on arrival, plus additional testing depending on how long they’re staying.
In this post, I’ll do a full rundown of the Singapore – South Korea VTL process, including eligibility criteria, designated flights and testing requirements.
| โ๏ธ Summary: South Korea VTL |
| To South Korea ๐ฐ๐ท |
|
| To Singapore ๐ธ๐ฌ |
|
| VTL FAQs |
| Summary: SG-ROK VTL |
Be sure to check out my full review of the South Korea VTL from start to finish, including the arrivals process at Seoul Airport and pre-departure testing before returning to Singapore.
Travel to South Korea: Eligibility
To travel from Singapore to South Korea without quarantine, you must have spent the past 14 days in Singapore and/or South Korea only. Your travel history cannot include any other countries, even if they’re on the VTL list.
You must also hold a digitally-certifiable vaccination certificate (issued by Singapore or South Korea) showing full vaccination against COVID-19 with any vaccine in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use List.
Those vaccinated in Singapore can use the Notarise portal to download a notarised copy of your vaccination certificate (don’t use the HealthHub version, because it doesn’t have a QR code).
Vaccination certificates issued to individuals who have completed the primary regime of a COVID-19 vaccine are valid for 180 days from the date of completion. If a booster shot has been received, there is no expiry date.
Unvaccinated travellers from Singapore will not be permitted entry, unless they are aged 5 and below (i.e. unvaccinated children aged 6-12 won’t be eligible to travel to South Korea, notwithstanding the fact they’re eligible for VTL travel to Singapore)
(1) Take a pre-departure PCR test in Singapore
Travellers from Singapore must take a pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours of their flight to South Korea.
Tests start from S$98, and a list of options can be found below.
Cheapest pre-departure COVID-19 ART and PCR tests in Singapore
This requirement is waived for children aged 5 and below.
(2) Purchase travel insurance
Travellers from Singapore to South Korea are required to purchase travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000,000 KRW (~S$35,000) for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs.
Do note that not all travel insurance policies provide COVID-19 coverage! I’ve listed the ones that do in this article; here’s how their medical coverage measures up:
| Provider | COVID-19 Medical Expense Coverage |
 Policy Wording |
|
 Policy Wording |
|
 Policy Wording |
|
 Policy Wording |
|
 Policy Wording |
|
 Policy Wording |
|
(3) Apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation
 |
| K-ETA Application |
Singapore citizens must apply for a K-ETA at least 24 hours before boarding their flight to South Korea. Each traveller requires his or her own K-ETA (regardless of age), and the fee is 10,000 KRW (~S$11) per person.
Results will be received within 24 hours of application (typically within 30 minutes), and all fees are non-refundable even if the K-ETA application is denied.
| ๐ Exemption for APEC Business Travel Card |
| If you hold an APEC Business Travel Card, there is no need to apply for a K-ETA (or Visa for that matter) |
Each K-ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval; a new K-ETA must be obtained if there are changes to your passport details.
K-ETAs only cover activities permitted under a C-3 visa, e.g. tourism, business meetings, family visits, conferences and short-term study with a maximum stay of 90 days. Other types of visits require a visa.
You do not need a K-ETA if your plan is to take a direct flight to Jeju Island, but since that’s not possible at the moment, it’s a de facto requirement to enter Korea.
(4) Book a non-stop flight
Travellers must book non-stop flights from Singapore to Seoul on Singapore Airlines, Korean Air or Asiana. Flights to airports other than Seoul may be considered at a later date.
There is no such thing as a VTL flight to Seoul, so don’t go looking for the label on Singapore Airlines’ website. Booking any non-stop flight between Singapore and Seoul will suffice.
Singapore Airlines’ flights to Seoul are summarised below:
| Flights | Days | ||||||||
| SQ608 |
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
| SIN 0125 |
โ | ICN 0850 |
โ | โ | โ | ||||
| SQ600 |
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
| SIN 0805 |
โ | ICN 1530 |
โ | โ | โ | ||||
Asiana’s flights to Seoul are summarised below. Do note that the Sunday flight only starts from 1 December 2021 onwards.
| Flights | Days | ||||||||
| OZ752 |
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
| SIN 2300 |
โ | ICN 0620 (+1) |
โ | โ | โ | โ | |||
Korean Air’s flights to Seoul are summarised below.
| Flights | Days | ||||||||
| KE646 |
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
| SIN 0130 |
โ | ICN 0850 |
โ | โ | โ | ||||
| KE644 |
S | M | T | W | T | F | S | ||
| SIN 2230 |
โ | ICN 0545 (+1) |
โ | ||||||
(5) Take an on-arrival PCR test
Visitors to South Korea must book an on-arrival PCR test at Incheon Airport via Safe2GoPass before departing from Singapore.
After the test is completed, they must take a taxi, private-hire vehicle or the AREX train to their residence or accommodation while awaiting the results. Results will be released according to the following schedule:
| Test Time | Result |
| 0700-0800 hrs | Same day by 1100 hrs |
| 0800-1000 hrs | Same day by 1300 hrs |
| 1000-1145 hrs | Same day by 1500 hrs |
| 1300-1400 hrs | Same day by 1700 hrs |
| 1400-1500 hrs | Same day by 1800 hrs |
| 1500-1800 hrs | Next day by 0800 hrs |
| โ ๏ธ No domestic travel until results are out! |
| Even if Seoul is not your intended destination, you will still need to self-isolate until your on-arrival test results are released. In other words, you can’t take a train/domestic flight straight after arrival. |
If you’re taking your test after 1500 hours, don’t fret. Based on my personal experience, results still come out within 3 hours or so.
Results will be delivered by email, and once a negative result is received, travellers may resume regular activities. They will need to update their daily health status in the Self-Check Mobile App for the duration of their stay or 14 days, whichever is shorter.
The cost of a COVID-19 test at Incheon Airport is 120,000 KRW (S$135). They used to tack on an additional 30,000 KRW for a medical certificate and 24,000/30,000 KRW for a consultation charge, but that’s now waived for VTL travellers.
(6) Take post-arrival ART on Day 6 or 7
Travellers who intend to stay in South Korea for 8 or more days must take an ART on Day 6 or Day 7 of their arrival in South Korea, at their own expense.
- No reporting of a negative test result is required
- If a positive test result is received, the public health centre must be contacted immediately
VTL: To Singapore
Singapore recently relaxed its border measures for VTL travellers, replacing the on-arrival PCR test requirement at Changi Airport with a supervised ART at a QTC/CTC within 24 hours of arrival. Alternatively, VTL travellers can opt to do a DA Tele-ART from the comfort of their own home.
Also noteworthy is the scrapping of the Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) requirement for the majority of long-term passholders. Only work permit holders and short-term visitors are now required to apply for a VTP.
| LTPHs | VTL | Non-VTL |
|
โ๏ธ
|
|
|
โ Not allowed entry via VTL |
โ๏ธ Apply for and present entry approval |
|
โ๏ธ Apply for and present VTP |
|
With these changes, here’s a summary of the requirements for VTL travel to Singapore.
| โ๏ธ VTL Eligibility Criteria |
|
| All |
|
| Short-term visitors & Work permit holders |
|
| *Children aged 2 or under in the current calendar year are exempt ^Exception for children aged 12 and below, if they are accompanied by vaccinated traveller |
|
Summary of Testing Regime
| โ๏ธ VTL Testing Regime | ||
| Location | Remarks | Price |
| ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore | 48h before departure (PCR) | From S$81 |
| ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea |
On arrival at Incheon (PCR) | KRW 120,000 |
| ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea | Day 6/7 (ART) | ~S$5 |
| ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea | 2 days before departure (ART/PCR) | KRW 84,000 |
| ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore | Within 24h of arrival (ART) | S$15 |
Can the arrangement burst?
While Singapore has wisely not called this a “bubble” (not that the term’s allowed anymore!), there are still provisions in place to suspend the arrangement if necessary.
This may happen in the event of a spike in cases, or if new mutations arise. The country which wishes to pause the VTL arrangement must give the other party one week’s notice.
How much do redemptions cost?
If you’re thinking of redeeming miles, here’s how much KrisFlyer redemptions on Singapore Airlines will cost.
 Redemption Cost from Singapore to Seoul(Flight on Singapore Air) |
||
| Saver (One-Way) |
Advantage (One-Way) |
|
| Economy | 25,000 | 45,000 |
| Premium Economy | 34,500 | N/A |
| Business | 47,000 | 70,000 |
While you can redeem KrisFlyer miles for Asiana flights, I’d advise against it as you’d have to pay fuel surcharges (~S$285 for a round-trip Business Class ticket).
A better alternative would be to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for flights on Korean Air. Alaska does not pass on fuel surcharges for redemptions on this carrier.
 Redemption Cost from Singapore to Seoul(Flight on Korean Air) |
|
| Saver (Round-trip) |
|
| Economy | 35,000 |
| Business | 60,000 |
| Only round-trip awards can be booked | |
Conclusion
Even if you’re a veteran of the Germany VTL, the Singapore – South Korea one will be slightly different owing to South Korea’s unique set of circumstances. It does mean more testing and fewer flight options, but I doubt hardcore Korea fans will mind.
Scoot rumoured to open direct flights to Seoul. This will be “VTL approved”
On SQ, SIN to ICN technically aren’t VTL flights imo. There can be unvaccinated people onboard who are non-Singaporean or even Singaporeans who can get authoriation to enter without vaccination. Such visas can be applied for at the Korean consulate.
Neither is SQ even considering them to be I think — only SQ601/607 on return flights.
yeah this is a fair point- i had difficulty with the semantics of what to call the outbound flights. the flights to Korea technically aren’t VTL, but you can’t just hop on any old flight either. I’ll think of alternative phrasing.
Also, if I’ve read correctly, all SQ flights returning from ICN will be VTL as of Nov 16 right?
Problematic for families wanting to travel to Korea as they’ll have to return via a non-VTL flight (VTL doesn’t care for families at this point) which leads me to think KE/OZ will end up serving such a flight… there is also a considerable Korean expatriate population with families here, so I would bet on them keeping it.
yes, they will all be VTL flights. I imagine they have to provide some alternative for the unvaccinated, so yes it’s a good bet KE/OZ will take at least one of those.
OZ has just updated its schedule for November: 4 VTL, 1 non-VTL: https://flyasiana.com/C/SG/EN/customer/notice/detail?id=CM202110120001515786
Don’t freak out at the December schedule; the Korean version (https://flyasiana.com/C/SG/KO/customer/notice/detail?id=CM202110120001515786) states that there will be daily flights, but which are VTL/non-VTL are TBC.
Still no info from KE.
thanks! will take a look
Edit: OZ has updated for both November and December.
Edit: and we have updates from KE (https://www.koreanair.com/sg/en/travel-update/covid19/travel-restriction/south-east-asia)
* ICN – SIN : Designated VTL flights (KE645 D146)
* SIN – ICN : All Korean Air flights (KE646 D257, KE644 D7)
I presume “D” refers to the day of the week.
Thanks so much, this is so useful! Can I ask if you know which clinics can combine the day 6/7th and pre-departure test as one single test?
Very informative article! Looking forward to your article on pre-departure testing in Korea. That would be very helpful for those who don’t know the language.
Also, while without a doubt this will change very soon, SG passport holders can’t actually apply for a K-ETA at this point. No announcement has been made yet.
Which also means if you’re a PR / long term pass holder from a country that doesn’t have bilateral opening with KR (which seems likely to be the criteria) this won’t work.
Yeah, keen to find out how it will work for LTPHs living in Singapore. The Korean embassy in Singapore states:
โAdministrative details will be provided in due course, please stay tuned for more information. โ
Looking forward ๐
Hi, I’m flying back to Singapore next Fri, 15 Oct. Apparently, pre-departure PCR test is available at ICN airport via Safe2GoPass booking but it’s not listed as one of the approved clinic on the ICA website. Called the safetravel CSO and was encouraged strongly to have the pre-departure test done at one of the approved clinic to avoid denial at check-in.
Just find it weird why the pre-departure PCR test can’t be done at the ICN airport. Going to call SQ ICN airport office tomorrow and check.
Checked with Safe2GoPass CSO and confirmed pre departure PCR test to SG can be done at ICN airport (many Singaporeans did so before me and no issue at check-in) although it’s not listed as one of the approved clinic on the ICA website – I did it myself on Wed, 13 Oct and not an issue. Received the PCR e-result about 3 hours later.
Hi, thanks for the info. May i know did you wait for the results at the airport or you collected it the next day?
Gotten the soft copy result via safe2gopass and printed it in color (was told it has to be printed in color by the test center officer) to be used for check-in. If you want hard copy result, you can collect from the airport on the same day depending on when you did the PCR test – if you have your PCR test done before 2pm, pretty sure you can collect on the same day, otherwise you can always collect on the next day. You can call the safe2gopass hotline to check and the CSOs speak good English.
Thanks!
Hello! Anyone know if it’s compile to reserve the date to do PCR test at ICN airport ? Or is there a time frame for me to book? Must it be pre book at least 3 days? Thanks in advance
Just checked the K-ETA website on 5-Nov…..Singaporean is still not eligible to apply K-ETA.
I jumped the gun to book a ticket to fly on 16-Nov, as I thought it’s OK to travel from 15-Nov onwards according to the news. Didn’t know there is this K-ETA thing until today. Hopefully they will announce something next week….
Someone in this group has kindly given us the link from the Korean Embassy on VTL details less than an hour ago. Please read the Notice released by the Embassy today. SG passport holder will be able to apply K-ETA from 8 Nov onwards.
Yes, just saw that too ! It seems like they just updated it a couple of hours ago. Great news though !
Yep! ๐
Me too 16 Nov. We will be the first batch of Singaporeans to travel to ROK so many procedures are not finalized yet. I believe it will be fine!
I couldn’t applt K-ETA, have your manage to apply successfully ?
hi Mike, I just booked my ticket to ROK but couldn’t apply K-ETA. You manage to apply?
You should be able to (via the link below) if you hold a Singaporean passport:
https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/viewstep1.do
I manage to did it ald. Thank you so much!
Valid ABTC holders (with Korea pre-clearance) will not require a K-ETA. https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboardlist.do?tmpltNm=faq (Q19)
this is a good spot. will update.
I’m going to apply for my ABTC on wednesday once i collected my new passport. not sure how long it’s going to take to get approved ;____; staying tuned for K-ETA
a good benchmark is at least 2 months.
any idea how does VTL work for those working in the airlines industry? since they travel for work every now and then. do they have to be in singapore for 14 days prior before getting on a VTL flight?
Recent regulations suggest no
Are J redemptions blocked for December? No luck for 2pax redemptions. Not even wait list. Hmmmm.
probably means that everyone else snapped them up already. dec is peak period, as i’m sure you know.
Anyone knows if the gargle pcr test is considered valid pcr test?
A PCR test is a PCR test. the different methods of collecting the sample (swab, gargle) doesn’t change that.
Hi Edm, Where can we do this in Sg or Korea? That woukd be much more comfortable!
Aaron, not sure if you’re planning for a VTL trip to Korea yourself but to get on your radar — finding a hotel to stay at in Korea may be challenging (at least at this point). While you have no problem booking a room online now, the actual policy at check in varies across hotels. 1) Some hotels are accepting guests with PDTs from overseas, but requires guest to stay in room until the arrival PCR results are received. 2) Some hotels are only letting people check in once they can show overseas PDTs & the on-arrival PCR test 3)… Read more »
thanks, will ask the tourism board about this and see what they say.
Yes this is an issue as I am flying out 24 Nov (just me, and my 13 year old), and the big issue is whether (1) there is testing in Incheon Airport, (2) which hotels let us stay until we get the test result (I am booked for l7 Myeongdong by Lotte which is a popular hote,, but no change in policy as yet). Really need clarity here :/
Hi! May I know if you managed to resolve this as I am booked for the same hotel as well. Thanks!
Did the Tourism Board say anything yet?
This seems to be resolved, at least for a few hotels I messaged, e.g. Millenium Hilton Seoul. They accept the Singapore PCR negative test result at check-in, then the guests wait in the room – no use of hotel facilities – until the PCR negative test result from Incheon is received.
Hi Aaron, managed to get any updates from the tourism board? I have enquired a couple of hotels and they allow check in only upon showing them negative test result issued in Korea.
tourism board has said there is no list of “approved” hotels, so you’ll just hae to contact individual hotels and ask. but most of them should be on board with the VTL scheme already. I suppose there will be some who didn’t read the memo.
I have the same problem too with my booking at Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station. The hotel replied me earlier that they allow overseas travellers to check in ONLY when they can show a negative result for their on-arrival PCR test or to present a quarantine exemption form. I have informed them that Iโm flying in via VTL and do not have to apply for a quarantine exemption form. Yet their reply to me is if I fail to produce either of these documents, I will be denied check-in. Haizโฆ
If we are Singapore citizens, do we have to do this too on our return?
“After youโre swabbed, you must proceed directly (via private transportation, taxi or private hire car) to your declared place of accommodation.
This must be an individual room with an attached toilet at a residential or non-residential accommodation. If there are non-travelling members of your household, you do not need to have the entire house to yourself- just the individual room with an attached toilet will do.”
Yes. If you stay alone or with another person that went on the same trip with you, then you can be in the entire house by yourself.
Asiana and KE don’t seem interested in the VTL business seeing how they have not released anything with regard to their schedule yet.
Yeah they’re curiously quiet. Nothing on website or even fb
They have the VTL Flights. It’s just not somehow advertised in ENG version of website.
OZ is 752
KE is 645
from ICN-SIN
Hi, thanks for the great summary.
if we stays in Korea for 8 days, the PCR test on day 6 or 7 can be used as the PCR test 48 hr before departing from Seoul?
yeah i’m wondering this too it’s quite unclear. Hoping it can cos given the flights make sense to go from Sat to Sat
Yea but actually 9 days is the maximum to avoid Day6/7 test right? Because if you aim to do the test on the 7th day, then 48 hrs later will be the 9th day yea.
Iโm thinking if Day 7 coincides with within 48 hours before departureโฆ then it works. Thatโs just my guess and Iโm planning to do this
@Milelion – Seems to be the case as Day 0 is considered first day landing in KR? So 8 days will be Day 8?
the flight from Singapore to Incheon, how do you know which one is the VTL flight? I cannot find them in SQ website. Thanks
They are not tagged as vtl flights. Any Sia flight is fine
edit: sorry I understand the confusion now. have updated the article to remove references to “VTL flights to Seoul”. You just need to take a non-stop flight and you’re fine. on the way back must take VTL flight to SIN
thank you!
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for the article. could you provide a official source to the non-stop flight comment? it could be the case that South Korea won’t acknowledge SIN to ICN flight as VTL and thus would not allow the quarantine exemption.
I also understand that more information will be released soon and not available as of now.
Yes, correct on this above information, I called SQ to clarify too. Any SQ flights from SG to Incheon works. but coming back must be a VTL flight.
the safe to go apply is not able to send the code to sign up as user.
I am considering the option of transit in HK from Incheon (via OZ721) and then back to Singapore (via SQ 883). I’m guessing it will fall under Category I of the border restriction? Both VTL and Cat. 1 requires just PCR on arrival in SG, but if I were to depart from HK, no pre-departure PCR is required. Will Singapore require me to still have the pre-departure PCR done within 48 hours of departure (from my first flight?)
I’m not too sure if HK is open to transit passengers from Seoul to Singapore though.
No, you transit through ICN, then it is Cat 2 liao.
Such an helpful post as always.
K-ETA not available for Singaporean as Singapore is currently suspended from the visa exemption.
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2444/view.do?seq=761454
Currently only available for the following 49 countries.
Albania, Andorra, Barbados, Dominica, Guam, Guyana, Holy See, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Palau, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Slovenia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela, Greece, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Romania, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Estonia, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, Portugal, Poland, France, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland
K-ETA stated as a requirement in the CAAS guide. presumably they will add SG soon.
Means presumably they will reinstate SG as visa exempted country again? Or else what is correct visa to apply as tourist? Hope SG get reinstated asap so can plan out the VTL trip โฆ
Hi is it possible to book the SIA vtl flight via expedia, booking.com etc? Or must it be precisly book under SIA web/app?
You can book via those sites as well. Though I think it’s better to book direct via Sia
I applied my new APEC card around circuit breaker, now only left Vietnam to approve it and it does not look like it will happen…
omg serious? then GG to me I am going to apply my APEC card on Wednesday.
please keep me posted on your Vietnam approval.
did other countries take a long time?
Thanks for compiling the info! Just a quick question though, assuming I’m going to korea 1 – 10 Dec (10D9N), does this effectively mean I’m exempted from the Day 6/7 test, since I can take my 48 hour PDT on 8 Dec, which would also be Day 7 of my trip (Day 0 being date of arrival)?
The CAAS site states 8 or more days, but if we count the days, it seems like a 10 day trip would be possible as long as the Day 6/7 test providers and the PDT providers are the same. Would this be correct?
Same thought. But i think the max should be 9 days to avoid the day6/7th test, no? Because if you aim to do the test on the 7th, 48 hrs later is the 9th day.
From Singapore airlines website, the day you arrive is day 0. Iโm going 16 nov- 25 nov so technically Iโm hoping my Day 7 will also coincide with within 48 hours before departure back to Singapore.
Hi Dee, me and some friends too! We cant book the on-arrival PCR testing as mentioned here it is only meant for Koreans. I hope they will start allowing on15 Nov ;-(
Thanks for the informative post, would be really useful for my upcoming trip. I’m wondering if you have details on how we can prove our vaccination status to local shops/restaurants? From what I’ve read elsewhere, Korea also has something like TraceTogether where the shop owners would scan the QR codes of customers.
use your softcopy MOH cert. it is fine.
For their QR code, u need to be a citizen or hold a ARC card.
for us, we would need to manually check in using korean phone number (via calling the contact tracing number) or use pen and paper recording.
Hi, where can I locate the softcopy MOH cert?
Inside Healthhub app > Covid-19 Records > Download PDF. Need to log in using Singpass inside the HealthHub app
Oh really! So, as a tourist, I can enter their shops/restaurants by putting down, perhaps the hotel’s contact number since I don’t have a local number or my email address?
Is there any update on the cost of PCR test in Korea? Will it be free or at our own expense? I tried googling it and it seems like we have to be paying on our own? ๐
You can find the price here:
https://safe2gopass.com/price
For other local testing at hospital, the price varies between the different hospital. You would need to engage the hospital for their pricing if you are doing the test there.
It’s about S$200.
Hi just wondering if anyone can advise on this.
If we are Singapore citizens, do we have to do 7-day SHN on our return?
โAfter youโre swabbed, you must proceed directly (via private transportation, taxi or private hire car) to your declared place of accommodation.
This must be an individual room with an attached toilet at a residential or non-residential accommodation. If there are non-travelling members of your household, you do not need to have the entire house to yourself- just the individual room with an attached toilet will do.โ
Try clicking K-ETA, SPR who is of Malaysia nationality is not eligible. Seems this VTL is only for Singaporeans and a handful of those from eligible countries only ?
Ya… i tried also… in fact, i tried to key in “Singapore”, also cannot… so sad… ๐
How much will the cost of PCR test be in total in SG and Korea? I understand that you mentioned that when we arrive Korea the PCR test is free as well as the one taken on day 6/7. Can I confirm that we only have to pay 1 pcr test in Korea for pre-departure back to SG and 2 test done in SG(1 pre-departure to Korea and 1 when arriving back from Korea) ?
Does it mean for SG citizens travelling out of SG, do not need to stay 14 days in South Korea and return via VTL?
‘VTL travellers must have remained in one or more of the VTL countries in the last 14 consecutive days before departure to Singapore. If they have been in Singapore within those last 14 days, that counts towards fulfilling the travel history requirement.’
Hi we can’t seem to apply for the K-ETA for Singaporeans now. Any updates on this?
I believe application for Singaporeans start only on 8 Nov
Hi Lily, may I know where did u come across this news? I tried finding but cant seem to find an dates or anything. I personally have booked a flight to Korea on 26th Nov and am hoping to apply asap.
Thank you!
I have booked mine on 25 Nov. Yes, just tried again, still cannot apply via K-ETA . Maybe they are not ready yet….
Application starts on 8 Nov at 1000hrs
https://www.caas.gov.sg/who-we-are/newsroom/Detail/singapore-extends-vaccinated-travel-lanes-to-more-countries-in-cautious-step-by-step-manner
Is that not just for entry into Singapore for Short-Term Visitors and Long-Term Pass Holders?
I don’t think it covers the K-ETA side of things.
Very informative, do you know if I can travel to jeju after entering South Korea with VTL?
per my understanding, you must wait till the results of your on arrival test are out before you can proceed.
Thank you, would u happen to know the day 6/7 PCR test can b done in jeju also?
Am travelling to Seoul with family for 5 days in late November and starting to do my homework. Bit troubled by the possibility of having to isolate for a day till PCR results come in. Do you know if the Incheon Airport test centres will do on arrival PCR tests as these will yield results in a shorter time vs the public health centers? Wouldnโt mind paying to save time. Their website seems to only allow bookings from departing passengers from Incheon. Thanks.
possible to isolate one day? omg.. salute to you for planning family trip!
i’m considering to go alone and already find it stressful.
Lelouch, I agree. Im planning a solo trip on 26th Nov and there are so many things to look out for. The k-eta seems to be a big hurdle. When are u planning to go over?
i think we should wait for more details from the korean side. too many unknowns now, their embassy page doesnt even have any info
this worries me – i planned a trip for 16 Nov and still limited details about KR side; hope they reveal information soon so itโs easier to plan
Iโm going solo here from 16 Nov- 25th nov if anyone wants to meet ๐
I am going on 1 Dec. Share with us your encounter on VTL and tips ya? ๐
me and friends too! For now, you cannot stay in the same hotel if you and your travel mates don’t share the same residential address… you may already know.
Hi Vanessa, we cant stay in the same hotel in Korea if we do not share the residential address? Where was this info from D:
Hi Zach, itโs from the hotels directly. But now the authorities have eased the level 4 restrictions so tourists of different address can stay in the same room. Just confirmed with a hotel.
I presume you are also taking the SQ600 since it is the only 16 nov flight.
Is there a high chance we will need to be quarantine for 1 night on 16th since the arrival is 1530.
Does anyone know how fast they will process the PCR test when you take it at incheon?
Iโm taking the flight too. No one knows for now!! And whether hotels are willing to take us in should we want to isolate while waiting for the results:(
I found this on the safe2go website.
RT-PCR test
2:00 PM ~ 3:00 PM—- After 6:00 PM on the same day
3:00 PM ~ 5:30 PM—- After 8:00 AM on the next day
It will be likely you need to stay one night in the hotel or airbnb before you received the results.
Recommend to check with the hotel on the arrangement.
Global chains hotel normally will have one floor for quarantine customers.
have you all tried booking airbnb? It may be possible ๐
Hi Simon
Just wondering which test centre you booked for your PCR test in Korea? SQ 600 lands in T1 and there are 2 test centres in T1 – East and West! Appreciate if you could share your experiences too!
Hi, Can I ask if you stay beyond 15 days, do you need to have another set of RTPCR test for the 12th/14th day? Thank you
No.
as a Thai who needs a visa, may anyone tell me if i need to buy ins. prior to apply for visa as i cant find any document requirement for visa application on korean embassy site. thanks
yes not yet, they will update in due course
Did anyone try to register safe2gopass? I found not get the verification code sent to my sg mobile number.. I key in 65 before the hp number .. is this right?
it was sent to my email, but in ‘Junk’ folder, so you need to check from there.
If i remember the steps, you don’t key in 65 before your mobile number, just your hp number starting with 8/9 . There is a row (before the row you key in mobile number) which you need to choose your country code. So if you add 65 the full number is wrong already.
Is there any indication if travels to French / Dutch territories not in Europe; considered still in VTL area? Thinking about Dutch Caribbean specifically.
Understand that this is not mainstream travel route, but you can’t choose where family is.
ICA has a search tool which says no.
I tried to “registered” my inbound itinerary to Incheon, but it does not allow me to registered “inbound” flights, ONLY outbound itinerary from Incheon to Singapore. I cannot find any source for booking the PCR test at incheon airport on arrival.
yeah i encountered the same issue too.
I can’t even proceed further after entrring nationality. For “on-arrival” pcr test at ICN airport, did you go to Safe2go pass to register? You should be able to book your test… though i have not tried yet.
Same here, safe2go pass only caters for outbound traffic from Incheon to other countries. Hope they will add the feature for inbound traffic soon.
I think this article needs major updates. No info for expats residing in Singapore, the test regime has changed multiple times and is still unclear.
The big question mark now is does the VTL scheme apply to Singapore residents or it only applies to Singapore citizens????
Apply to all Singapore residents, including SPR, LTVP, EP, S Pass, Student Pass.
I just got news from 2 relatively big travel agencies in SG this noon that the ROK side has confirmed today that only Singapore citizens are allowed entry by applying ETA …. not sure where you got your info from but I surely hope yours is even more current/updated..
Yes, K-ETA is only for Singaporeans. Other nationalities have to apply for tourist visas.
That means non Singaporeans i.e. residents in SG can still travel via VTL to ROK by applying tourist visa? That’s a relief!
Yes, correct ๐
don’t know where this information is from but ROK does not currently accept any tourist visa applications.
Is this confirmed, and if so when can SG citizens apply for K-ETA? Could you share which travel agencies these are?
I can’t find any confirmation from official sources e.g. gov websites from both SG and KR
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_1_COVID.jsp?fbclid=IwAR3p7VHAKpvZk0T52Lka2_ZuvYQGV5kB0pRecatVHpnal4gSWPic8WtJ7-Q#tab5
this just came out and is quite useful
Thanks for this! Key update on “Korea and Singapore have jointly launched Vaccinated Travel Lanes” as it clears our doubt on K-ETA and Visa matters (please update and highlight this @milelion): * Visa-waiver agreement planned to resume (suspended as of April, 2020) Problem is of course – when? And can any of the official parties make this super clear so we can stop worrying, what the heck. I called the KR embassy and had to be faced by a grumpy receptionist saying “we don’t know anything KR hasn’t told us” + a consul website that says to update about VTL… Read more »
Truth is they don’t know much either. That’s the sense I’m getting so far. It doesn’t help that Korea is due to undergo a transition to endemic covid like sg which will result in a lot of rule changes
And at the moment to qualify for VTL travel, the only option for designated outbound flight SIN-ICN is OZ752 and inbound flight ICN-SIN is from SQ? It has to be managed by 2 airlines instead of single airline, round trip flight?
Can anyone please confirm on the above? It doesn’t make sense at all.
Thanks.
Any managed to get their K-eta for their trip? It seems like Singapore is not one of the listed countries applicable to apply for K-eta on the website.
Below is the reply from ROK embassy in responding to my email query.
############
Dear Sir/Madam,
Korea has yet to decide whether to reinstate visa waiver for Singaporeans. If reinstated, you will be able to apply for K-ETA.
Please keep a lookout for the information on our website (click)
Thank you and best regards,
Consular Section | Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Tel: (65) 6256-1188 | Fax: (65) 6258-3302
47 Scotts Road, Goldbell Towers #16-03/04, Singapore 228233
Website: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/index.do
############
That reply seems very contradictory to the whole idea of a mutual VTL arrangement if they have “yet to decide whether to reinstate” visa waiver. If they decide NOT to reinstate it, I think a lot of people will be very upset since no visa waiver basically means no entry for short-term tourists. We just have to wait for more information.
Korea is just monitoring whether SG cases get better. If get worse, they may just indefinitely pause it.
very likely K-ETA application and PCR on arrival reservation only starts from 8 Nov
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/upload/eng_content/20211104_enu.pdf
Anyone facing problems with the Self Diagnosis app? Canโt seem to snap a photo to authenticate my passport
15 days away from commencement of VTL and a few key things still not communicated officially by Korea side
– K-ETA: Can Singapore residents apply?
– On-arrival tests: Can they be done at Incheon airport? How to book these tests?
– Day 6/7 tests: Where to do?
– Self diagnosis app: Seems to have bugs (cannot authenticate passport)
I planned a trip from 16 Nov and am starting to get nervous they canโt get these things sorted before VTL officially commences.
me too! someone please post updated info here. I will too so we can all benefit from it. thanks!
Hi Annya, how many days will you be in Korea? If the day 6/7 coincides with your pre-departure test needed by Sg, you can refer to the MOH approved testing ctrs. Arrival day is day 0. https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/covid-19-report/(%E1%84%8C%E1%85%A62021-325%E1%84%92%E1%85%A9)-covid-19-testing-medical-institutions(9-15).pdf
iโll be there for 11-12 days so will need to take 5 tests! (canโt overlap the day 6/7 with the predeparture)
I will be heading to Seoul in Dec for 11 days as well so am looking forward to your updates!
No news on tourism visa. Wanted to go South Korea via VTL dates with my wife who is a foreigner and but she is required to apply tourism visa to travel to South Korea from Singapore. Korean embassy says they still do not open tourism visa applications even for VTL as of today. And tourist visas take time to process. unfortunately itโs 2 more weeks till VTL but no news on this as well. So may mean that for now, if visa-waiver is reinstatedโฆ VTL is only for Singaporeans or resident of countries not requiring a tourism visa into South… Read more »
If this is the case, it’s so disappointing. Effectively, only Singapore citizens are eligible under the VTL scheme as we (non-Singaporeans but say SPRs) will not be able to travel to ROK if tourist visa application (including visa-waiver countries) continues to be suspended by ROK. I believe when we apply for tourist visa, they go by nationality and whether you are a PR or an EP holder in SG is irrelavant. I see a very slim chance for non-Singaporeans (residing in SG) to travel to ROK for holiday via VTL but I hope I am wrong.
Yes, sad but true. Very misleading especially when official channels and news outlets keep saying others may apply visa… but ROK says tourism visa is not accepted
Update, Visa application is accepted now. first few days at Korea Embassy. Subsequently visa to be handled by authorised Visa Agents only
Is car rental considered as private hire?
Is airbnb entire house rental allowed for quarantine while waiting for the arrival PCR result?
Hi Aaron
For ETA, do you have any details around eligibility for non Singaporean who resides in Singapore (e.g. PR)?
Regards
David
refer to this post: https://milelion.com/2021/11/08/korea-eta-applications-and-safe2go-portal-now-open-to-singaporeans/
Even if Seoul is not your intended destination, you will still need to self-isolate until your on-arrival test results are released. In other words, you canโt take a train/domestic flight straight after arrival. => If I am travelling in private car directly to my destination (outside of Seoul) instead of via train/domestic flight, would that be allowed, rather than waiting at the airport for the test results?
After the test is completed, they must take a taxi or private-hire vehicle to their residence or accommodation while awaiting the results (results โshouldโ be out by noon the day after testing).
Can I check where this information is from please? Last I saw it said that results “should be back in 12 hours”
Also – any updates on if Ep’s in Singapore can obtain a visa to enter Korea for VTL tourism?
Translated from the Korean embassy FAQ. Caas is the source that says 12 hours. Guess we’ll only know when we’re there.
Thanks.
Anyone have an update regarding Visa application?
I’ve just applied for a K-ETA. (UK citizen on an EP in Singapore) – nothing back yet.
Hi, would like to know is there a section in the application to indicate that you are an EP in SG?
I couldn’t see one. It just asked for nationality.
Thanks!
Hi! It looks like any WHO approved vaccines is eligible for this Korea VTL travel. We are vaccinated on Sinopharm (WHO approved) but this is not an approved vaccine in Korea. Hence, I’m wondering if you know if there are differentiated rules for being able to enter Korea versus the in-country Covid measures?
We can download the HealthHub vaccine cert that states we are fully vaccinated by Sinopharm, but would restaurants etc accept it? Any help on this would be great! Thanks.
– A person who is fully vaccinated in Singapore with WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) COVID-19 vaccines for at least two (2) weeks before arrival in Korea.
sinopharm would fall under this list
source: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2435/view.do?seq=761362
“After the test is completed, they must take a taxi or private-hire vehicle to their residence or accommodation while awaiting the results (results โshouldโ be out by noon the day after testing).”
is it advisable to just stay in ICN airport hotel?
there is a Darakhyu – Terminal 1 capsule hotel.
same terminal as SQ arrival right? thanks
I think you should check with the hotel if it is a capsule room. I have a feeling capsule is not allowed it doesnโt allow isolation if u think about it. There are hotels in Incheon you can choose from. But Now Aaron is saying hotels may not accept such touristsโฆ which is a huge setback!
Hi, does anyone know if VTL travellers will be issued a quarantine exemption certificate? The hotel asked for this to be shown at check in – any idea if this is something to be applied for separately, or will be issued after clearing the customs? Thank you
My hotel asked for the same certificate for check-in. However I told them that weโd already have the negative pcr test from Singapore ready and they said that we can show them that for check-in while waiting for the Korean pcr results. Maybe itโs worth checking with your hotel whether this arrangement is acceptable? Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Aaron, for all the hard work you are doing for us birds in the cage!
I have a question, if one is vaccinated in a non-VTL EU country however is now residing in Korea with the digital verification COOV QR app, can I enter Singapore? Does the vaccination need to have occured in a VTL country only?
As long as your vaccination is WHO approved it is fine. Thatโs what the authorities in Singapore look at. If you have stayed 14 days and more in Korea before coming to Singapore it is VTL travel.