Australia and New Zealand are planning a “travel bubble”, or corridor, that will allow the quarantine-free flow of people between the two neighbours. Both countries have severely restricted international travel to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A wider scheme is planned with Canada and other Asian economies to help supply chains and business travel.
The governments of Australia and New Zealand revealed their plans on Tuesday to set up a “trans-Tasman travel bubble”, although no timeframe was given. This quarantine-free travel zone could provide huge advantages to both nations, who have shown strong records for containing the virus. Currently, they impose a 14-day quarantine on international arrivals.
Qantas, Australia’s biggest airline, wants to start using the travel bubble once domestic flights across Australia are resumed.
Airline’s Chief Executive, Alan Joyce hopes the travel bubble can be extended to more countries if successful.
Chris Roberts, chief executive of New Zealand’s tourist board Tourism Industry Aotearoa, said it needed the correct health safeguards and the best use of technology to work.
“If New Zealand and Australia can show this can work, then it is likely to be adopted elsewhere. It could be 12-18 months before we return to open borders.”
The countries also want a fast-tracking customs procedure on essential items such as food and medical supplies, and to restart logistics networks across air, sea and land freight.
