The Singapore government says this is to prevent the spread of the new B.1.1.529 variant of the coronavirus, named Omicron, which is potentially more contagious.

The republic’s trade and industry ministry said in a statement today that the land VTL arrivals will be required to take an antigen rapid test (ART) at the two designated points — Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange and Queen Street Terminal.

“This will take effect from tomorrow (Nov 29), 8am, starting with the first land VTL travellers arriving in Singapore,” it said.

The travellers will also be required to make an e-payment for the ART at the testing centre directly, the ministry added.

“The on-arrival ART will allow us to reduce the risks of spread of B.1.1.529 to Singapore, and enable us to progressively expand the land VTL in a safe and calibrated manner,” it said.

It was previously announced last Wednesday that those travelling from Malaysia to Singapore must test negative in a pre-departure polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or professionally administered ART, which must be done within two calendar days before departure for Singapore.

Singapore and Malaysia are launching the land VTL to further restore connectivity between the two countries.

The ministry reminded all travellers to ensure that they had the necessary documents ready before they boarded the designated VTL buses.

For more information on the land VTL, visit https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl-land/overview.

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