Singapore reopens to tourists from Brunei, NZ on September

Singapore will reopen its doors to tourists for the first time since March beginning Sept. 8, but only so far only for those from Brunei and New Zealand.

According to Singapore's Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung, they would allow tourists from Brunei and New Zealand as both countries controlled the epidemic situation very well with an incidence rate of well below 0.1 infections per 100,000 population.

He added that it was a small cautious step to resuscitate Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines.

Ong noted that as a small open economy, Singapore needs to keep its borders open, have connections with the world, and be an aviation hub to survive, earn a living, and prosper.

Travelers who have stayed in Brunei and New Zealand in the last consecutive 14 days before arrival in Singapore would only need to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and not isolate themselves for days like those arriving from other places.

Changi Airport Group spokesman Ivan Tan welcomed the as an encouraging start to what the airport hopes would be a gradual resumption of air travel to and from Singapore.

Singapore has over 56,000 cases of COVID-19 so far, with 27 virus-related deaths.