Reopening borders a key priority: gov't

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wants travel to resume within the year end.

Reopening travel is one of the key priorities of Singapore, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In an interview with BBC, Lee said this will allow tourists to return to the city state soon.

"Hopefully by the end of this year or next year the doors can start to open, if not earlier," he said.

To prevent further spread of COVID-19, he suggested the implementation of vaccination passports.

However, he noted that it will take some time before international travel to return to normal, pre-pandemic levels.

"It will not be like before where you can just buy a ticket, hop onto the plane and go off to Hong Kong, Bangkok or Bali for a weekend or a casual holiday," he added.