Two-way quarantine-free travel between Singapore and the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan was restored on 25 February 2022 under the VTL (Sea) arrangement. The VTL concept has since been scrapped, but quarantine-free access continues under theย new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF).
If you’re planning on hopping over for a quick getaway, here’s some good news: the cheaper antigen rapid tests (ARTs) are now accepted for pre-departure testing.
ARTs now accepted for travel to Batam & Bintan
Previously, travellers from Singapore to Batam & Bintan were required to present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure.
While the cost of PCR testing continues to fall every month (tests now start from S$80 per person), it’s still a steep price to pay- even more than the ferry ticket, in some cases!
From 19 April 2022, travellers from Singapore to Batam & Bintan can present a negative ART result taken within 24 hours of departure,ย provided their 14-day travel history consists of only Singaporeย (I would assume that Indonesia can also be part of the travel history, though it’s not explicitly stated).
| โ What about recently-recovered travellers? |
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Indonesia now recognises recovery certificates, but their process makes very little sense. Travellers who can show proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 30 days before departure are exempt from taking a pre-departure test. However, they must take an on-arrival PCR test, and if this comes back positive, serve a 5-day isolation at a dedicated facility (at their own expense). Therefore, it’s much better to do a pre-departure ART, even if you’ve recently recovered. ARTs are less sensitive and therefore less prone to showing false positives for “shedders.” Moreover,ย wouldn’t you rather know that you’re positive before you leave home, rather than when you reach theย Indonesia side? |
For avoidance of doubt, ART results are only valid for travellers entering Indonesia through the Riau Islands Province (which consists of Batam, Bintan, Tanjung Pinang among others).ย If you’re travelling to other parts of Indonesia such as Bali, a pre-departure PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure is still required.
Both the Batam Fast and Bintan Resort Ferries websites have been updated to reflect this latest information.
Travel between Singapore and Batam/Bintan
With the latest changes, here’s the updated requirements for travelling from Singapore to Batam & Bintan.
| ๐ฎ๐ฉ Summary: Travel to Batam/Bintan |
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Do note that Indonesia no longer requires an on-arrival PCR test, unless the passenger:
- Has a body temperature greater than 37.5ยฐC
- Is not fully vaccinated
- Is travelling under the recovered traveller scheme
This means that most travellers will have freedom of movement from the moment they arrive, with no isolation required.ย
Returning to Singapore under the VTF is extremely straightforward as well. Travellers are only required to complete the SG Arrival Card and take a pre-departure ART/PCR test within two days of departure. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Passholders have the option to take a remotely-supervised tele-ART from the comfort of their hotel.ย
| โ๏ธ Vaccinated Travel Framework |
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| Fully Vax. & Unvax. Aged 12 and Below |
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| *Children aged 2 or under in the current calendar year are exempt. Exemptions may apply for recently recovered travellers who are fully vaccinated | |
The process will become even simpler from 26 April 2022, when Singapore scraps its pre-departure test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers.
For a complete guide to travel under the VTF, refer to the post below.ย
Complete Guide: Singapore’s quarantine-free Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF)
Testing for Singapore-Batam/Bintan Travel
| โ๏ธ Testing: Singapore-Batam/Bintan Travel | ||
| Location | Remarks | Price |
| ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore | Within 24h of departure (ART) | From S$11 |
| ๐ฎ๐ฉ Indonesia | 2 days before departure (ART) | From S$9 |
Thanks to the elimination of the PCR test requirement, testing costs between Singapore and Batam/Bintan are almost negligible.
Travellers simply need to take one supervised ART in both directions, which starts from S$9 plus the cost of your own antigen test kit (~S$5).ย
If you’re not eligible to take a tele-ART when returning to Singapore, you can book an in-person ART for 100,000 IDR (~S$9.50) in Bintan.
Conclusion
Travellers from Singapore to Batam & Bintan can now take a pre-departure ART instead of a costly PCR, provided they’ve remained in Singapore for the past 14 days. This means that testing costs for a round-trip journey now start from S$18 (plus the cost of your own antigen kits), much more reasonable in the grand scheme of things.
Let’s hope that Bali and other parts of Indonesia start accepting antigen tests soon as well.
(HT: Faris)
NO thanks. Who would take tests to travel nowadays. Crazy
So much trouble if want to visit batam bintan bali Indonesia…messwell don’t go…I’m not keen at all.
Art tests are so convenient aldy.still complain.look at South Korea, that is rely crazy.
Man i just paid for pcr test last week for the short gd friday trip… but this is gd news.. love it!
When indon want to scrap all the test
These so called VTL are runned by MAFIA GROUP. CUNNING AND GREEDY BUT DAMMED IDIOTS !
So troublesome . With all this nonsense test might as well spend my money in Singapore. .
Even though ID gov doesn’t specify if tele-ART is acceptable, ferry operator websites have been stating to require professionally administered ART (which costs more than tele-ART), could you please double confirm again if tele-ART is really allowed? Thanks.
Hi can I check for the indonesia trace together app PeduliLindungi in order to upload the vaccine info what does vaccination date refer to? Normally an individual will have 3 shots of vaccine( including a booster). Does vaccine date refer to vaccinated status date(based on 2 vaccines or the last vaccine taken(booster shot date)?