05 Jul 2022 | 08:25 AM UTC
Pacific: Nations and territories in South Pacific maintaining most COVID-19-related restrictions as of July 5 /update 71
South Pacific nations and territories maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of July 5. Disruptions ongoing in some locations.
Event
Countries and territories in the South Pacific region are adjusting domestic and international restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of July 5, the following measures are in effect:
Federated States of Micronesia: The government continues to ban inbound commercial passenger flights until Aug. 1; cargo deliveries continue. Authorities have resumed repatriation flights, but temporary suspensions of these flights can occur at short notice. Individuals must quarantine for three days in Guam and undergo testing before traveling to the country. Arrivals must quarantine for at least three days at government-designated facilities after arrival. Inbound commercial vessels must follow social distancing protocols and quarantine rules.
Guam: A public health emergency remains in place through at least Aug. 4. Most domestic restrictions have ended. Only foreign nationals fully vaccinated with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac can enter the territory. Exceptions are possible for people under 18 years old; individuals with medical, humanitarian, or emergency exceptions; people with valid visas departing countries with limited vaccine availability; and foreign government officials.
Marshall Islands: Most inbound international travelers remain banned until further notice. Individuals wishing to enter the Marshall Islands must receive permission from authorities in advance. Travel between Kwajalein and Majuro remains limited to Air Marshall Islands (CW). The government has suspended nonessential outbound air travel until further notice; departing citizens must request a government exemption. Authorities require all entrants to quarantine in Honolulu, Hawaii, for three days and undergo testing before departure. Arrivals must quarantine for an additional 14 days. Entry for fishing vessels from countries or territories with COVID-19 activity, cruise ships, and private ships remains suspended, though officials permit stops for provisions. Cargo shipments are allowed, but vessels must stay at sea for 14 days before entry.
Niue: The government permits international travelers via flights from New Zealand. All inbound passengers must submit a Niue Traveller Declaration, provide evidence they were fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the previous three months, and obtain a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours before departure. Nonresident foreigners must also hold travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation. Entrants do not have to quarantine upon arrival. All inbound passengers must undergo COVID-19 PCR testing on days 1 and 3 after arrival. People that test positive for COVID-19 while in Niue must self-quarantine at their accommodation at their own expense.
Northern Mariana Islands: The government is maintaining the Community Vulnerability Level at Green - the lowest level. Gatherings of over 150 people remain limited if participants are unvaccinated. Authorities require people that get COVID-19 to self-quarantine for five days and undergo testing before exiting. Only foreign nationals fully vaccinated with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca/Covishield, Sinopharm, and Sinovac can enter the territory. Exceptions are possible for people under 18 years old; individuals with medical, humanitarian, or emergency exceptions; people with valid visas departing countries with limited vaccine availability; and foreign government officials. Authorities no longer require a health declaration or pre-departure testing. Unvaccinated entrants must continue to self-quarantine at appropriate accommodations for five days and take a COVID-19 test on day 5.
Palau: Officials require individuals 18 years old and above to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Inbound travelers two years old and above must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. Travelers can also show proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 and medical clearance for travel. Officials will end the pre-departure testing requirement from July 9. Inbound passengers must monitor their health for any COVID-19 symptoms, wear facemasks in public, and avoid large gatherings for the first four days after arrival. Officials will also issue mitigation orders to travelers upon entry. Officials may issue quarantine orders for 14 days for people exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases; authorities could quarantine other individuals for less time if present at exposure sites only. The government requires facemasks in schools, medical facilities, and all indoor gatherings of 50 or more people. Violators will face fines and/or imprisonment.
Tuvalu: Almost all commercial flights remain suspended. However, the government may approve sporadic repatriation flights. Inbound travelers are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine before entering the country.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
