New Zealand Not Changing Travel Advisory Despite’s S’pore’s Easing Of Border Restrictions For Them

By
Boon Hun
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You’ve probably heard about Singapore easing its border restrictions from 1 Sep 2020.

SHN will be reduced for travellers coming into Singapore from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam from 14 days to 7 days.

Previously, the task force explained that the average incubation period for Covid-19 is 5 to 6 days, which means an SHN of 7 days is still long enough to determine if a traveller has Covid-19.

And people who are visiting Singapore from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand do not need to serve any SHN.

Instead, they’ll be tested immediately for Covid-19 upon arrival.

Well, the folks over at New Zealand heard about Singapore’s declaration and here’s what they have to say:

New Zealand Not Changing Travel Advisory Despite’s S’pore’s Easing Of Border Restrictions

Currently, New Zealand’s travel advisory to their own people is the same as Singapore: Do not travel to other countries.

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that New Zealand will not change their travel advisory telling its own residents not to travel.

While Singapore’s decision to try and implement travel arrangements with New Zealand shows our “trust” in how New Zealand handled Covid-19, they will need to review their advisory according to “international developments”.

New Zealand Borders Still Closed To Almost All Forms Of Travel

Whether by sea, air or land, only New Zealand citizens are able to enter the country without needing to seek approval.

For any other travellers looking to enter the country, they must fall under one of these categories:

  • Be a partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizens or residents, who hold a visa based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident partner or parent.
  • Be a diplomat who holds a post in New Zealand.
  • Be someone who has been considered by the New Zealand government as having a critical purpose for travel while the border is closed and having been granted a visa which recognises this.

They’ll need to submit a request to the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and receive an invitation to apply for a visa.

Even then, your visa is subjected to approval.

In other words, it’s a one-sided love story.

Now, if you’re wondering why Singapore is professing its love to so many countries at the same time and possibly risking public embarrassment, it’s because of this.

Transport Minister: Opening Up Can Resuscitate Changi Airport

By now, you should know that Changi Airport is as empty as our wallets.

According to Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, it’s a step to resuscitate Changi Airport and tell the world that Singapore is open for business.

He said, “The aviation sector, Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines do not just concern the sector itself, but are linked to the whole economy…So we need to really start to take steps to open up in a safe manner that can revive Changi Airport and resuscitate the aviation sector.”

Currently, there are two flights weekly that can fly a maximum total of 500 passengers from Brunei to Singapore, and four flights weekly that can fly a total of about 1,200 passengers from New Zealand to Singapore.

He added, “I believe we can strike a good balance between keeping Singapore and travellers here safe, as well as reviving the air traffic sector.”

By opening the border in a safe manner, it’s hoped that more people are going to come and visit Singapore, either for business or leisure.

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Boon Hun
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