23 Apr 2022 | 04:51 AM UTC
Vanuatu: Authorities ease domestic and international COVID-19 restrictions as of April 23 /update 5
Officials in Vanuatu ease domestic and international COVID-19 restrictions as of April 23. Shorter quarantine requirements in effect.
Event
Vanuatuan authorities have eased some domestic and international COVID-19 restrictions as of April 23. Officials have shortened the quarantine period for travelers from Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and New Zealand from 14 to three days. Individuals arriving from all other countries must quarantine for seven days. Additionally, the government has lifted ongoing curfew measures in Efate and Santo islands but will impose the highest alert level 3 measures in Torba Province and Pentecost Island following the discovery of new cases in the region.
Domestic Measures
Alert Level 3, the highest level, measures are in Torba Province and Pentecost Island. Inbound and outbound travel to and from the affected areas, as well as inter-island travel between Torba and Pentecost, are suspended; exceptions are in place for health workers and cargo. Workplaces and schools are closed. Social gatherings and religious congregations are banned. People must wear facemasks in public and abide by social distancing measures nationwide. Officials have introduced fines of up to VUV 500,000 for businesses and VUV 100,000 for individuals that flout COVID-19 regulations.
Public transport is operating under protocols and capacity limits. Authorities have allowed some domestic inter-island transport to resume. However, boats are limited to four passengers, and larger vessels and flights must follow government social distancing protocols. Transport operators are still curtailing services, and significant passenger transport disruptions are possible. Cargo shipments continue without restrictions.
International Travel Restrictions
A public health emergency remains in effect through at least July 31, and officials have banned inbound commercial international flights and cruise ships. However, international cargo flights continue. Authorities prohibit nonresidents from entering the country. Officials authorize some repatriation flights, but citizens from designated high-risk countries cannot enter until further notice. Fully vaccinated travelers from low- and medium-risk locations can enter the country with a COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours before departure. Officials require arriving passengers to quarantine for seven days, with a rapid antigen test within 24 hours. Travelers from Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and New Zealand may quarantine for a shorter three-day period.
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.
