The Australian government is working on a plan to create a travel bubble with Singapore.
If struck, the deal could also establish Singapore as a quarantine gateway for travellers on their way to Australia, the Age and Sydney Morning Herald report. Deputy prime minister Michael McCormack confirmed the government was working on the plan on the ABC on Sunday morning.
Under the plan, Australians would be allowed to travel to Singapore without approval from the home affairs department provided they have been vaccinated for coronavirus.
Singaporeans who have been vaccinated would be able to travel to Australia without having to undergo two weeks of hotel quarantine.
It may also be possible for people from other countries to enter Australia via Singapore after completing quarantine in the south-east Asian city-state.
Meanwhile attempts at similar arrangements with New Zealand appear to have reached a stalemate.
Eastern Australian states have allowed New Zealanders to travel freely to Australia since late last year but New Zealand is yet to reciprocate.
Its prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has been frustrated with Australian states flicking the switch from open borders, or “green zone”, to closed, or “red zone”, on short notice in response to NZ outbreaks.
From that frustration, it appears the two countries are no longer attempting to work together on bubble arrangements.
New Zealand’s Covid-19 minister Chris Hipkins said a goal of shared plans between the two countries has all but been abandoned. However, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said he would happily open Australia’s borders to Kiwis when Ardern chooses to.