Singapore has announced that Malaysia will be the next addition to the Vaccinated Traveller Lane (VTL) scheme, with fully vaccinated travellers able to fly between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur without quarantine from 29 November 2021.
It’s important to note that the reopening only covers air links at this time; quarantine-free land travel by via the Causeway or Second Link is not yet possible.
Prior to COVID-19, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur was the busiest route in the world, seeing an average of 82 flights a day covering the mere 296km between the two capitals. With the collapse of the proposed HSR between the two countries, this air link is likely to remain very busy for the foreseeable future.
With the latest developments, fully vaccinated Singaporeans will be able to travel to at least 13 countries by the end of November with no quarantine on either side.
| 🌎 VTL Agreements | |
| Current VTL |
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| From 15 Nov 2021 |
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| From 21 Nov 2021 |
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| From 29 Nov 2021 |
|
Singapore-Malaysia VTL
From 29 November 2021, fully-vaccinated travellers from Malaysia may board VTL flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and enter Singapore quarantine-free via Changi Airport.
It’s not known at the moment whether the agreement will extend to other airports within Malaysia (prior to COVID, Firefly served Subang out of Seletar Airport), but I’m guessing they’ll keep it to Kuala Lumpur initially until things settle down.
Likewise, the designated VTL flights have yet to be announced, so hold your fire for now. Singapore Airlines should be updating their VTL flights page shortly.
As a reminder, here’s the prerequisites to enter Singapore on a VTL flight.
| ✔️ VTL Eligibility Criteria | |
| All |
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| Long-term pass & short-term visitors |
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| Short-term visitors |
|
| *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 | |
Award Costs
There’s absolutely no reason why you should be redeeming miles on a route as short (and cheap) as Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, unless you’re looking at a last-minute flight where prices have gone haywire.
But in case you’re interested:
 Redemption Cost from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur(Flight on Singapore Air) | ||
| Saver (One-Way) | Advantage (One-Way) | |
| Economy | 7,500 | 15,000 |
| Premium Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Business | 19,000 | 35,000 |
| First | N/A | N/A |
Assuming that Malaysia Airlines also operates VTL flights (and it almost certainly will), it may be better to consider a redemption via British Airways Avios.
These start from 6,000 miles in Economy Class, and 12,500 miles in Business Class. Business Class passengers on Malaysia Airlines can hop across to Terminal 1 to visit the Qatar Premium Lounge, and I think I’ll book one of these flights once the facility reopens just so I can do exactly that.
Trust me, it’s amazing.
Conclusion
Singapore and Malaysia will restore quarantine-free travel across what used to be the world’s busiest air corridor from 29 November onwards, which is great news for anyone longing to visit for leisure, business or family.
While there’s no timeline for opening the land border yet, the joint press statement says there is “good progress” in discussions on a similar scheme for the Causeway and Second Link. If you miss your weekend jaunts to Johor, just wait a little longer.
Is this for Singapore and Malaysian citizens only?
OMG I AM SO HAPPY!!!!! SIA better open up their VTL flights fast hahaha I’m camping on their site until they open up, i have not seen my family in 2 years and this is such a relief, do you think they will have a quota on how many arrivals per day?
Quite likely, yes. But as with all things it will expand over time. Vtl capacity, my tummy…
Same. HAHA stay safe!
Is there any news about what and how many Covid-19 tests need to be done when going from SIN to KUL?
The flight is only an hour long and it is ridiculous to force travellers to take a test either side of it. Some MRT rides are longer and more packed than SINKUL flights and we don’t have to test for commuting. Hopefully, authorities will come to their senses and reduce the testing to ART tests to keep travelling affordable for all.
As of 21 Oct, pre-departure PCR and on arrival PCR is still required
https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/mhapp/hq/en/important-notice/malaysia.html
But who knows if they may grant some exemptions for this SG-MY VTL. No details announced yet though.
The demand from Malaysians will easily last till next year though I’m quite keen to have a weekend stay in KL. Will be curious to see what’s the airfare like in the immediate months.
Hi Aaron,
I am just wonder, if i book a flight now which is non VTL, am i able to change the flight to a VTL flight after they announce?
sure…if there are seats available.
Noted, thanks.
Yes, free change is allowed on SIA, subject to any fare difference e.g. if your original flight you got a cheap fare but is non VTL and the VTL flight is only selling the higher fare, you will have to pay the fare difference; they waive the change fees for tickets issued up till the end of this year.
Thanks bent.
Any thoughts on whether it would be feasible to use this VTL to visit Langkawi? I assume might have to self isolate in a KL hotel first then fly to Langkawi the next day but would there be other restrictions on travel between Langkawi and KL?
Hi, sir
May I know how to book vtl flight?
Vtl flight arrangement between singapore & malaysia are still being finalise, so wait for the announcement soon.
Too kan chiong and bought a non VTL flight. AA. What happen if travel under not VTL flight?
home quarantine 7 days
14-day travel history only includes Singapore and/or VTL countries and/or Category I countries
Dear Aaron, does that mean i can spend as little as 2 days in Malaysia? Since my travel history is only between SG and Malaysia, both being VTL countries
Yes. You can theoretically fly to KL, take an expedited Pre-Departure Test at KLIA, and fly back to Singapore 2 hours later.
KLIA has a centre for swabbing ?
Any info whether if crossing states are allowed ? (KLIA to JB)
So can i fly in on say 1st then fly back on 3rd , and do an ART on 3rd at KLIA then a pcr upon arrival into sg?
What is meant by one way VTL to brunei? I can’t find any references on the safe travel website. Thanks!
Means that people from Brunei can come here, but not Vice versa
Those who got matched to Qatar Gold last year may have a fair chance to use the Qantas Singapore First Lounge (set to reopen as Qantas recommence Singapore service from Monday November 22) when traveling on a MH flight if the VTL flight schedule fits the lounge hours.