15 Jun 2022 | 07:41 AM UTC
Pacific: Nations and territories in South Pacific maintaining most COVID-19-related restrictions as of June 15 /update 69
South Pacific nations and territories maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of June 15. 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 June 15, 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 July 4. The government has lifted restrictions on indoor gatherings. Authorities allow all businesses and services to operate at full capacity, and vaccination requirements have ended for staff and patrons. All companies must maintain customer information for contact-tracing purposes. 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. Officials have ended a pre-departure testing requirement.
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.
Nauru: Officials allow some essential international flights, primarily via Brisbane, Australia. Inbound passengers must spend two days in managed quarantine and obtain a negative PCR COVID-19 test before departure. Arrivals 12 years old and above must be fully vaccinated for entry. Travelers must wear protective face coverings on inbound flights, complete a health declaration form, undergo checks for COVID-19 symptoms upon landing, and quarantine for at least five days at a designated location under health observation before release. Aircrew members, medical workers, and transit passengers are exempt from the requirements. The government requires all commercial maritime crew to remain at sea for 14 days and provide documentation 12 hours before arrival; authorities will conduct COVID-19 tests onboard vessels; ships can only enter the port after test results become available. Air cargo operations are ongoing with quarantine measures for the crew.
Niue: Most foreign nationals remain banned from entry; however, exceptions are in place for fully vaccinated children, spouses, and other dependents of Niue residents, as well as for diplomats and essential workers. The government requires travelers to apply to enter the country. All inbound passengers must submit an online travel form, provide evidence they were fully vaccinated, and obtain a negative COVID-19 test result 48 hours or less before departure. Nonresident foreigners must also hold travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation. Most international flights remain suspended; officials permit a flight from Auckland, New Zealand, for repatriation and essential personnel once every two weeks. Entrants must self-quarantine for seven days. All inbound passengers must undergo COVID-19 testing on arrival and before leaving quarantine. Officials plan to start quarantine-free travel with New Zealand and lift the requirement for entry permission from June 27.
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. All international travelers must complete a declaration at least 72 hours before arrival; however, a pre-departure testing requirement has ended. 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. 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.
