In a bid to re-establish air connectivity with Australia, Singapore plans for a quarantine-free air travel bubble.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) who disclosed this on March 14, in a statement while addressing a same-day Sydney Morning Herald report said: “Singapore is currently in discussions with Australia on the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and resumption of travel with priority for students and business travellers.”
MFA’s statement indicates that Australia is a key partner of Singapore in the region and thus far, both nations have been able to handle the Covid-19 situation.
The ministry did not set any timeframe for the discussions and responded to suggestions in the article about the broader implications of Singapore and Australia’s arrangement, if it materialises.
The ministry states: “We are not in discussion on the concept of a quarantine centre or vaccination hub. Australian nationals can transit via Singapore without quarantining to return home if they travel on approved transit routes and if they comply with our public health protocols while in transit.”
According to Sydney Morning Herald article, MFA states that: “New Zealand could also be involved in what would become a three-way travel bubble that [Australia’s] federal government sources are hopeful will be up and running by July or August – well before a mooted broader opening of [Australia’s] international borders from October.”
The article also states: “It could also be possible for people from third countries to enter Australia via Singapore after completing two weeks’ quarantine in the city-state.”