Asia-Paci c governments cautious on cross-border travel

By Greg Waldron | 5 May 2020

Asia-Paci c governments are taking a tentative approach to opening up international travel as the
coronavirus pandemic starts to abate, with the possibility of a “bubble” containing Australia and New
Zealand.

In a press brie ng following a virtual meeting with Australia’s national cabinet, New Zealand prime
minister Jacinda Arden said that a travel “bubble” between the two countries was discussed.
 Source: Greg Waldron
The drop-o point of Changi’s Terminal 3 amid the coronavirus crisis.

“There are a lot of similarities in the way we have each tried to manage [Covid-19] and get on top of
it,” she said. “Therefore, the same goals for both us. Neither of us want cases coming between our
countries. Regardless of our future path, we’ll be looking for ways to do it safely.”

She gave no timeframe for such a bubble to be established, but noted the extensive trade and
tourism links between the two countries. She pointed out that New Zealand sent 1.2 million tourists
to Australia in 2019, second only to China.

New Zealand claims to have brought the coronavirus under control. Australia is also gradually easing
lockdown measures taken in response to the pandemic.

Cirium schedules data shows that seats o ered in April 2019 on the pivotal trans-Tasmin route fell 91%
from a year earlier.

Arden’s remarks follow recent indications that other nations in the region are considering future steps
for international travel.
In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing has quietly proposed lifting travel restrictions to
the mainland in order to allow a degree of business travel.

On 1 May, Singapore minister for trade and industry Chan Chun Sing said he had participated in a
video conference with leaders from Australia, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand to discuss plans
for the movement of goods and services as well as the essential movement of people.

“Singapore will work with like-minded partners to facilitate the resumption of essential cross-border
travel, with mutual assurance of health standards. We agreed to work out guidelines that will allow
our people to travel between our countries once more, without compromising e orts to safeguard
public health.”

Local media subsequently quoted Chan as saying that common health declarations and other checks
will be necessary before cross-border travel can resume.

Singapore’s “circuit-breaker” system to stem the spread of coronavirus is in place until 1 June, limiting
movement locally. Neighbours such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia continue to
battle coronavirus outbreaks.