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SINGAPORE – The first 14 visitors from New Zealand and Brunei landed at Changi Airport on Tuesday (September 8) following Singapore’s unilateral reopening of its borders to the two countries.
Five were from Brunei and the rest from New Zealand, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
It added that it had approved 59 travelers from Brunei and 77 from New Zealand to fly to Singapore at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The applications opened a week ago.
These visitors will benefit from the air pass scheme, which allows all forms of short-term travel, including leisure travel. This is in contrast to reciprocal green lane agreements between countries, which are typically for essential business and official travel.
The Government had said that it would allow visitors from the two countries, since the virus situation there is well controlled and the risk of importing Covid-19 is low.
Visitors will need to have a swab test upon arrival and will be able to continue their activities after a negative result. They will have to use the TraceTogether app during their stay here, among other conditions.
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung had said last month that the unilateral reopening of the borders to Brunei and New Zealand is a “small and cautious” step that can revive Changi airport.
There are only two weekly flights from Brunei to Singapore, with a total of 500 passengers.
From New Zealand, there are four weekly flights that can carry a total of approximately 1,200 passengers.
But the increase in visitor arrivals is expected to be limited, as travel restrictions and warnings remain in effect in both countries.
The New Zealand government continues to advise all of its citizens not to travel abroad, even as it recognized Singapore’s decision to open its borders.
New Zealanders who decide to travel abroad will be required to serve a quarantine period of at least 14 days in a government-provided facility when they return home.
They are not allowed to self-isolate or take a domestic flight before the quarantine is complete.
Meanwhile, the Brunei government has said that its citizens, permanent residents, and long-term visa holders cannot leave Brunei.
The only exceptions apply to those who receive urgent medical attention abroad, attend court hearings or resume their studies abroad.
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