Fiji: Authorities further ease COVID-19-related curfew, business curbs, and domestic travel restrictions as of Oct. 11 /update 13

Event

Authorities are further easing business and travel restrictions across Fiji as of Oct. 11. A shortened nationwide curfew is in place 23:00-04:00 daily. All workplaces, tertiary institutions, places of worship, and other recreational venues like restaurants, cinemas, and sports facilities may open for fully vaccinated visitors at 80 percent capacity. There is no longer a cap for vaccinated attendants of outdoor gatherings, while indoor venues can hold gatherings of vaccinated people up to 80 percent of their capacity.

Social distancing limits are mandatory at indoor public venues and most outdoor venues. Employers must ensure that employees and customers wear appropriate protective equipment, including facemasks, complete temperature checks before entry, and consistently enforce 2-meter (6.5-foot) distancing. Facemasks are not required when exercising, having picnics at the beach, or attending gatherings at home. Workers must also download the government's careFiji mobile application to attend work. Quick response (QR) codes are required at the entrance of all facilities and patrons must check-in. Employers must provide equipment and smartphones for employees, if necessary, and send 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.

Public transport on the island may operate at 80 percent capacity with vaccinated people. Vaccinated passengers may travel to Vanua Levu with negative results of a rapid antigen test for COVID-19 test taken before departure. Such travelers must undergo a seven-day home quarantine upon arrival. The government has also lifted travel restrictions within Viti Levu but requires prior approval for inter-island 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 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. Non-repatriating entrants must 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. Some inbound travelers may be allowed to self-quarantine with permission. The government is asking 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.