You’ve probably heard about Singapore easing its border restrictions from 1 Sep 2020.
SHN will be reduced for travellers coming into Singapore from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam from 14 days to 7 days.
Previously, the task force explained that the average incubation period for Covid-19 is 5 to 6 days, which means an SHN of 7 days is still long enough to determine if a traveller has Covid-19.
And people who are visiting Singapore from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand do not need to serve any SHN.
Instead, they’ll be tested immediately for Covid-19 upon arrival.
Well, the folks over at New Zealand heard about Singapore’s declaration and here’s what they have to say:
New Zealand Not Changing Travel Advisory Despite’s S’pore’s Easing Of Border Restrictions
Currently, New Zealand’s travel advisory to their own people is the same as Singapore: Do not travel to other countries.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that New Zealand will not change their travel advisory telling its own residents not to travel.
While Singapore’s decision to try and implement travel arrangements with New Zealand shows our “trust” in how New Zealand handled Covid-19, they will need to review their advisory according to “international developments”.
New Zealand Borders Still Closed To Almost All Forms Of Travel
Whether by sea, air or land, only New Zealand citizens are able to enter the country without needing to seek approval.
For any other travellers looking to enter the country, they must fall under one of these categories:
- Be a partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizens or residents, who hold a visa based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident partner or parent.
- Be a diplomat who holds a post in New Zealand.
- Be someone who has been considered by the New Zealand government as having a critical purpose for travel while the border is closed and having been granted a visa which recognises this.
They’ll need to submit a request to the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Even then, your visa is subjected to approval.
In other words, it’s a one-sided love story.
Now, if you’re wondering why Singapore is professing its love to so many countries at the same time and possibly risking public embarrassment, it’s because of this.