Singapore international borders: Australians but not Victorians allowed from October 8

Singapore will open its borders to Australians from next week, but will continue to exclude Victorians from entering the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) released a statement Wednesday saying that, from midday on Thursday (2pm AEST), October 1, Australian citizens could apply for an Air Travel Pass for entry to the country on or after October 8. Applicants must have remained in Australia for the previous 14 days before entry and undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Changi Airport. Only after obtaining a negative result will they be allowed to freely roam Singapore. Victorians or anyone who has been in Victoria during the previous 14 days will not be allowed to apply. Singapore is also opening its borders to travellers from Vietnam under the same conditions. "Both countries have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID-19 virus," CAAS stated. "Over the last 28 days, Vietnam has zero local COVID-19 cases, while Australia (excluding Victoria state) has a virus local incidence rate of 0.02 per 100,000. The risk of importation from these countries is low." COVID-19 tests at the airport should take about 12 hours before a result, according to CAAS, but could take up to 48 hours. Visitors must take a taxi or other private transport to their accommodation and remain there until they receive the result. They must also download Singapore's contact tracing app, TraceTogether, and keep it activated during their stay.<br/>