Fiji: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 1 /update 10

Event

Authorities are maintaining business and travel restrictions across Fiji due to ongoing COVID-19 activity as of Sept. 1. Officials have eased curfew hours to 19:00-04:00 on Viti Levu, including the capital Suva. However, a 23:00-04:00 curfew continues in other areas of the country. The government continues to implement heightened restrictions in designated containment zones in Suva and Nausori. Controls on transport and nonessential businesses are ongoing in these areas. Officials continue to limit access to towns and villages where COVID-19 activity occurs; these short duration lockdowns can occur without warning and continue for up to several days.

Nationwide, public venues must ensure social distancing limits. Employers must ensure that employees and customers wear appropriate protective equipment, including facemasks, check temperature checks before entry, and consistently enforce 2-meter (6.5-foot) distancing. Workers must also download the government's careFiji mobile application to attend work. Companies must also post a quick response (QR) code at the entrance of all facilities and require patrons to check-in. Employers must provide equipment and smartphones for employees, if necessary, and provide health authorities information on absentee workers. Officials could issue a fine of up to FJD 10,000 and/or five years imprisonment for people violating the measures.

The government restricts travel between Central and Western divisions on Viti Levu and from Viti Levu to other islands without approval. Officials will prioritize fully vaccinated travelers for travel. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has suspended all nonessential outbound maritime passenger transport from Viti Levu. Inter-island cargo services continue; captains of vessels must register with MSAF and only offload cargo in designated areas. Cargo truck drivers may also continue to operate inter-island deliveries but must always remain in their vehicles while on Vanua Levu and outlying islands. After completing deliveries, drivers must return to a designated location to await return ferries. Authorities have also suspended all maritime transport to some islands due to COVID-19 concerns.

Travel Restrictions
International commercial flights remain suspended, though officials may authorize some charter flights for repatriation and emergency medical purposes. Foreign nationals cannot enter Fiji unless they first receive explicit authorization from Fijian immigration officials. Cruise ships remain banned from docking; however, yachts and private leisure vessels can dock at Savusavu Bay and Port Denarau with permission and adherence to quarantine and testing requirements.

Authorities require permitted entrants to undergo a PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure. Arrivals from abroad must quarantine for 14 days, download the careFIJI app, and undergo COVID-19 testing after arrival and on day 12 of quarantine. The government also requires non-repatriating entrants to pay for quarantine and health monitoring costs, with various exceptions. While charges for quarantine can vary, authorities indicate the average expense is FJD 2,200, and health-related expenses are FJD 690. The government may permit some inbound travelers to self-quarantine with permission. The government has called on Fijian nationals to suspend outbound travel.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.