29 Apr 2022 | 05:51 AM UTC
Fiji: Authorities to end pre-departure testing requirement for entry from May 1 /update 22
Fiji to lift pre-departure testing mandate from May 1. Fully vaccinated travelers can enter with mandatory on-arrival rapid antigen test.
Event
The Fijian government will no longer require pre-departure testing for inbound passengers from May 1. Authorities have lowered the age for mandatory vaccination to enter the country to 16 years old; almost all travelers must present proof of or exemption from vaccination to board flights.
Domestic Measures
The government encourages people to wear facemasks if they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, but there is no facemask mandate. Employees at high-risk businesses and Care Fiji Certified (CFC) accommodations and operators must continue to confirm that patrons are fully vaccinated. Officials could issue a fine of up to FJD 10,000 and/or five years imprisonment for people violating the measures.
Residents and visitors who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for seven days, provided their symptoms are improving, and they have not had a fever in the previous 24 hours. The quarantine period begins at the onset of symptoms or the first positive test result for asymptomatic people. Close contacts of COVID-19 cases only need to quarantine if they display symptoms. Visitors may be moved from accommodations to overflow facilities to serve quarantine; officials recommend booking a CFC hotel.
Inter-island travelers must avoid so-called red zones or areas with vaccination rates below 60 percent. Officials may require a seven-day quarantine for travelers to outlying islands designated as red zones.
International Travel Restrictions
Fiji continues to ban entry for most unvaccinated people. Inbound passengers must pre-book a rapid antigen test (RAT) for FJD 38 to board flights and undergo testing within 48-72 hours after arrival. Travelers that fail to take a RAT could face fines of up to FJD 1,000. Entrants must download the careFIJI app. Foreign arrivals must also hold international travel insurance.
Unvaccinated Fijian citizens must apply for entry permission from Health and Medical Services officials. The government could require quarantine of up to 14 days at government facilities and testing. While charges for quarantine can vary, authorities indicate the average expense for quarantine is FJD 2,200, and health-related expenses are FJD 690. Some inbound travelers may be allowed to self-quarantine with permission.
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.
