A Singapore reaches almost 80% vaccination rate, the doors are creaking open and IATA (International Air Transport Association) was the first to applaud the opening of quarantine-free travel lanes from Germany and Brunei and urged other Asia Pacific states to take similar steps.

It will be the first time the 5.5 million residents of this city state can go for quarantine-free leisure travel since the closing of borders in March 2020.

“Singapore’s announcement is a positive step in the right direction. We understand the need for a cautious approach, and look forward to seeing further lifting of quarantine requirements. This will help with the recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA’s deputy director general.

Ross Veitch, CEO and co-founder of Wego, said, “SHN free travel for vaccinated travellers arriving from all but the riskiest of countries needs to become the new normal. I applaud this cautious first step by the Singapore government and hope this approach is quickly extended to many more countries.”

From September 8, fully vaccinated residents can travel to Germany and back without having to serve stay-home notice (SHN). They will have to undergo four Covid-19 PCR tests, including one before the flight. Given Germany has already opened its borders to Singapore, it means travellers can travel both ways without quarantine.

Read the full article here