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SINGAPORE: Residents of Singapore and Brunei will soon be able to travel between the two countries for essential business and official purposes, after both sides agreed to establish a reciprocal green lane.
This was announced in a joint press release on Tuesday (September 1) by the Singapore and Brunei foreign ministries.
“Both sides agreed to an agreement to allow the safe resumption of the transboundary movement of a limited number of people, with the necessary safeguards to ensure that the public health concerns of both parties are addressed,” the ministries said.
Applications start Tuesday.
READ: Singapore to waive stay-at-home notice for New Zealand and Brunei travelers, test them for COVID-19 upon arrival
Singapore had said last month that some travelers entering the country from Brunei and New Zealand will not be required to provide a stay-at-home notice. Instead, they will take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
HEALTH MEASURES
Travelers from Singapore and Brunei must have stayed in the respective countries for at least 14 days prior to departure, and must take a COVID-19 test at least once 72 hours prior to flight.
For Brunei travelers, they will need to apply for a SafeTravel Pass through the receiving company or government agency in Singapore, the ministries said.
After an approval letter is issued, the business or agency will need to submit the traveler’s negative COVID-19 test result and a 14-day controlled itinerary.
If the applicant requires a visa, they can apply for it through the usual channels.
READ: SIA, Changi Airport welcomes government decision to ease some COVID-19 travel restrictions
When checking in at Brunei Airport, travelers will need to present a valid SafeTravel Pass, negative COVID-19 proof, valid return air ticket, or proof of other transportation arrangements to return to Brunei to airline staff.
Otherwise, travelers may be denied boarding.
Travelers should take a COVID-19 test when they arrive in Singapore and remain isolated in declared accommodation for up to two days until they receive their results.
Users of the reciprocal green lane will bear the cost of their tests.
Transportation from the airport to the accommodation must be provided by the receiving company or government agency, and travelers must adhere to a controlled itinerary.
READ: Allowing Some Travelers to Test for COVID-19 Instead of Sending Stay-at-Home Notices is a ‘Cautious Small Step’ to Reopen Aviation: Ong Ye Kung
The measures are similar for those traveling from Singapore to Brunei.
Details on the application process and reciprocal green lane requirements can be found online for those traveling from Singapore or Brunei.
Singapore is working on green lane travel arrangements with several countries. It is in talks to resume essential business travel with Japan, with officials tasked with finalizing a deal in early September.
He has also said that he will begin discussions on a reciprocal green lane with Indonesia.
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