Singapore and Australia discuss possibility of air travel bubble without quarantine

In response to an article by The Sydney Morning Herald, titled “Australia and Singapore plan for travel bubble and quarantine hub by July”, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement to clarify what's on the cards during the ongoing discussion.

Noting that Australia is a key partner of Singapore in the region, the ministry noted that both countries are currently in discussion on how to cooperate in opening the economies safely while taking into consideration the COVID-19 situation in both places.

Thus far, Singapore and Australia have been able to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, there is ongoing discussion with regards to the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and resumption of travel with priority for students and business travellers.

Both governments are also discussing the possibility of an air travel bubble which will allow residents of Singapore and Australia to travel between both countries without the need for quarantine.

However, contrary to what was reported, the countries are not in discussion on the concept of a quarantine centre or vaccination hub.

The ministry also noted that Australian nationals can currently transit via Singapore without quarantining to return home if they travel on approved transit routes and if they comply with Singapore's public health protocols while in transit.

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