Fiji Drops Post-Arrival Testing Requirement
International travellers are now no longer required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Fiji. The change took effect on Sept. 5, 2022.
As a result of the change, no test results or proof of test bookings will be required to board flights to Fiji and the Entry Test Fiji portal used to pre-book tests will be discontinued.
Furthermore, Fiji has reduced the mandatory isolation period for those who test positive from seven days to five days. Although mandated post-arrival testing has been lifted, testing will be required for anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms, which individuals arriving to Fiji will be asked to self-report on an immigration arrival card.
This is significant news for Fiji as the country’s high levels of community-wide vaccine protection, the expansion in vaccination coverage to children, the increasing uptake of booster doses, and the lessening caseload, has allowed the government to continue relaxing public health measures.
Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, said that: “This is another exciting step towards normalcy for tourism in Fiji. We welcomed a record number of visitors in July, which showed an 82% recovery from pre-pandemic levels. Now, with the removal of the required in-country test, travellers can continue enjoying our islands with even more peace of mind.”
Reducing the isolation period from seven days to five days is expected to greatly assist Fiji’s tourism industry. With hotels reporting occupancy at pre-COVID levels, they will now be able to free up inventory saved for isolation and allow even more bookings.
Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Shaheen Ali observed that: “Our approach to safety is exemplary — we can see that in the growing tourism demand and low positivity amongst tourists. Removing all testing requirements and reducing the isolation period further fuels our economic recovery and eases travel barriers.”
The requirements of being fully vaccinated and purchasing travel insurance still remain until further notice.
The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce will continue to review Fiji’s entry requirements and COVID safe measures, with a focus on fostering social and economic recovery, maintaining border and community surveillance, and supporting the mandate for community wide protection through vaccination.
Go to www.fiji.travel/faq for more.
Photo courtesy Tourism Fiji
