Vaccine certification next step in plan to restart quarantine-less travel: Singapore

Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that developing methods for mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification with other countries will be the first step towards re-establishing travel without quarantine or stay-home notice.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung recently announced that Singapore was studying a proposal from Hong Kong to reopen borders safely. This follows his announcement on March 12 that bilateral travel corridors for vaccinated passengers from places with low to moderate infection rates may well happen in the second half of this year.
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung recently announced that bilateral travel corridors for vaccinated passengers from places with low to moderate infection rates may well happen in the second half of this year. Photo courtesy: Connect@Changi

The Ministry added it was looking to establish these new travel arrangements with countries and regions which have 'successfully controlled the pandemic through surveillance and testing, contact tracing and social distancing measures'.

Singapore daily The Straits Times quoted an MOT spokesman as saying that discussions about vaccination certification at the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as well as bilaterally, will take some time since most places have only just started vaccinations and are looking into certifications.

On March 15, Australia's Tourism Minister had announced plans to travel to Singapore to discuss the creation of a digital vaccine passport system.

Meanwhile, China rolled out its vaccine passport earlier this month, while Germany and the United States are working towards developing their own soon.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung recently announced that Singapore was studying a proposal from Hong Kong to reopen borders safely. This follows his announcement on March 12 that bilateral travel corridors for vaccinated passengers from places with low to moderate infection rates may well happen in the second half of this year.