How to Travel to Melbourne from Singapore under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)

Editors note: Below is a WhatsApp message we received with regards to travelling to Melbourne via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). Do make your own necessary homework and research. We are not liable for any damages, claims, expenses, or liabilities with regards to our post below. Happy reading!

My family arrived in Melbourne last Sunday. It was an experience and I was asked by many on the steps necessary. Well, my advice is, please adhere to the regulations. What I will share is valid as of now. Things may change and we need to respect that it’s done with the good attention of protecting all. So, fellow Singaporeans, here are the steps we took:

Step: 1.
Download the app Australian ETA to apply for a visa. Get the passport and the persons applying for the visa physically next to you. Your face will be scanned by the system.

This cost abt $20-21

You will receive the visa by email. Print it out.

Step 2:
Get your flight tickets. Make sure to get the correct flight, VTL. We bought 2 types of travel insurance, AIA for usual benefits and another to get coverage in case of Covid-19 related matters.

Step 3:
You will need to be fully vaccinated which is at least 2 weeks from the 2nd jab. Your cert is ONLY accessible after 2 weeks of the your 2nd vaccination.

Go to https://www.notarise.gov.sg for your notarised vaccination certs. These documents will be emailed to u. Print and make sure you have the hardcopy filed and softcopy on your mobile.

Softcopy to be on your mobile to be shown when you go to places.

Step 4:
Book for your pre-departure PCR test. Some airlines say it has to be taken 72 hrs before your flight and some say 48 hrs. Please, read carefully.

Step 5:
Less than 7 days but more than 3 days before departure, go to the Australia travel declaration website to enter travel declarations. Be careful of the timeline.
You may also download the app for this.

Remember this is to enter Australia (the continent). This does not allow you entry to the individual state.

To do this, you need your passport details, vaccination certificate, details of address, and an Australian phone number. Print these out.

Step 7:
Depending on the state that you wish to enter, check out the necessary documentation. We were entering Victoria and only realized that we have to submit another document the night before we departed; it’s called Victoria travel declarations.

Once you submit this, the declaration will be emailed to you. Print it out.

Step 8:
Be very early for your flight. They take some time to check all documents.

Step 9:
There is the usual immigration card for you to fill up on the plane as you arrive in Australia.

Step 10:
At the airport, you will be handed the quarantine declaration papers. You need to specify where you will serve your 72 hrs quarantine. You need to sign it off saying that you understand the requirement. Seems like they might allow a Singapore number or the usual email.

Step 11:
Within 24 hrs of entering Victoria, you need to get a PCR test done. Here, you must have an Australian phone number. The results will be sent to you via that number. Bring your passport and boarding passes. They might ask for it.

This test is free.

Their PCR includes a throat swab. The one in Singapore is only a nose swab. Personally, I was gagging as the nurse did the throat swab on me. Regardless of the results, you still need to be quarantined for the full 72 hrs.

Step 12:
Day 5-7, another PCR test needs to be done. This is also free.

Additional steps when leaving Australia. We were told that we need to go to another clinic that performs pre-departure tests. These are payable from $140-160.

That’s all I have for now. Hope it helps those planning their trip to Melbourne.

Seriously, I did not expect that each of us will have to fork out more than $400 for swab tests (we have to pay for one more test when we are back in Singapore).

Otherwise, getting to Melbourne is an adventure by itself.

Good luck. Read well and ensure you are clear on the steps.

FYI: I had 3 files with the documents, just in case. Would like to avoid being held up. So, they can say that Singaporeans are Kiasu, Kiasee… it’s ok, we do what we need to survive and make it.

Have a good December all!