Singapore defers VTL arrangement with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE over Omicron concern

Singapore has deferred quarantine free-vaccinated travel lane (VTL) arrangements with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates amid concerns over the Omicron variant.

Singapore has deferred quarantine free-vaccinated travel lane (VTL) arrangements with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary move to reduce the risk of importation and spread of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.

Singapore had on Sunday reported a two-month low of 747 new coronavirus infections. VTLs for these three countries, originally scheduled to launch from December 6, will now be deferred until further notice, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Sunday night.