First change: 04/01/2022 – 13:52
SINGAPORE (AFP) – Singapore fully reopened its borders to all vaccinated visitors on Friday after a two-year lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hub, a key gateway to Asia, joined other countries in the region that have recently eased travel restrictions.
So far, only travelers from a handful of countries without quarantine have been able to enter Singapore, from Friday all vaccinated arrivals only need a negative Covid test.
The city-state’s Changi Airport was bustling with passenger activity.
“It is wonderful. I took the first opportunity to fly today (now) after much of the restrictions were lifted (…) We’re getting back to normal,” said Aldo Pizzini, a 63-year-old Italian businessman, who was from Milan, told AFP .
Borders also reopened in neighboring Malaysia on Friday, with thousands of vehicles and motorcycles pouring down the highway linking that country with Singapore.
Kuala Lumpur’s main airport was packed with foreign tourists.
Tourists used to be banned from entering Malaysia, a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches and lush rainforests, but now vaccinated travelers can do so if they test negative for Covid.
© 2022 AFP