Australia, Singapore aim for travel bubble by July

Australia and Singapore have held talks about allowing travel between them by nationals of the two countries who have had Covid-19 vaccinations, The Age reported, citing Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan.

Singapore is “very keen” to work with Australia on a proof of vaccination certificate and agreed officials should work together, Tehan said, according to the Melbourne-based newspaper.

The minister said he was scheduled to travel to Singapore in the coming months and “this will be a key topic of discussions as we seek to explore a travel bubble with Singapore,” The Age reported.

Tehan said he has held talks with Singapore Trade Minister Chan Chun Sing about the plan, according to the newspaper. Australian government sources said they hoped the plan will be in place by July or August.

“We are in discussions on how to cooperate in opening our economies safely, taking into consideration the Covid-19 situation in both countries,” the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday, responding to similar reports.

“Singapore is currently in discussions with Australia on the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and resumption of travel with priority for students and business travelers,” according to the statement.

“We 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.”

In addition to covering travel by nationals of the two countries, it could allow people from third countries to enter Australia via Singapore after a two-week quarantine there, according to the report. New Zealand could also be involved in what would become a three-way travel bubble.