Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, says his Government is negotiating with the New Zealand Government for Vanuatu to be part of a planned New Zealand travel ‘bubble’.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues globally, Australia and New Zealand – who have no cases or falling numbers of cases of the virus – are planning a travel bubble, or corridor, that will allow the quarantine-free flow of people between the two neighbours.

If successful, the bubble could grow to include other countries that also have no or a low number of cases.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand revealed their plans in May 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 strong records in containing the virus.

Prime Minister Loughman says he has given the assurance to New Zealand that Vanuatu has not registered any COVID-19 cases and is keen to be part on this travel bubble.

But he says Vanuatu will only join the travel bubble if the Vanuatu Government agrees to it.