06 Apr 2022 | 04:24 AM UTC
Fiji: Authorities to require rapid antigen test within 48-72 hours from entry starting April 7 /update 21
Fiji to require rapid antigen test within 48-72 hours of entry from April 7. Fully vaccinated travelers can enter without quarantine.
Event
Fijian authorities will adjust testing requirements for arrivals from April 7. Under the revised rules, the government will mandate inbound passengers pre-pay for a rapid antigen test (RAT) and undergo testing within 48-72 hours of entry. The government previously planned to require testing within 24 hours of arrival. Proof of a RAT booking is required to board flights. Travelers that fail to take a RAT after arrival could face fines of up to FJD 1,000.
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 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 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 for symptomatic cases and from asymptomatic people's first positive test result. Close contacts of COVID-19 cases no longer have to quarantine unless they display symptoms.
Maritime transport between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu is available without testing or quarantine requirements; however, authorities request that inter-island travelers 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 red zones.
International Travel Restrictions
Fiji continues to ban entry for most unvaccinated people. The government will end the Travel Partner system and permit fully vaccinated travelers from all locations from April 7. Entrants must obtain a negative COVID-19 RAT result taken within 24 hours or a PCR test result within 48 hours before departure. All arrivals must download the careFIJI app. Foreign arrivals must also hold international travel insurance.
Officials do not typically permit unvaccinated Fijian citizens to enter; however, exceptions are possible with permission from the Health and Medical Services officials. Although entry requirements could vary, 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.
