Australia and New Zealand are planning a 'travel bubble'. This is a free flight path between the two neighboring countries where travelers do not have to be quarantined when they visit each other's countries. Both Australia and New Zealand have severely restricted international travel to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

If successful, the “travel bubble” could expand to more countries with a low number of corona cases. A broader arrangement is planned with Canada and other Asian economies to kick-start supply chains and business travel as soon as possible. 

trans-Tasman travel bubble

The governments of both countries announced on Tuesday their plans to issue a "trans-Tasman travel bubble'even though no timetable was given. This quarantine-free travel zone could bring enormous benefits to both countries in the fight to contain the coronaviris. They are currently imposing a 14-day quarantine for international arrivals.

“The new reality is that the global travel market is in bad shape. In our part of the world and around the trans-Tasman route, it is clear that a travel bubble can work to our advantage, ”said Simon Westaway, Executive Director of the Australian Tourism Industry Council.

Australia's largest airline, Qantas, plans to start using the travel bubble only once domestic flights resume across Australia. Australia and New Zealand are also involved in a larger “trade bubble”, looking for guidance on essential business trips. The larger group includes Canada, South Korea and Singapore.

The countries also want a rapid customs procedure for essential items such as food and medical supplies, and the restart of logistics networks by air, sea and land.

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