It is now simpler and cheaper to travel to quarantine-free Fiji, following a major announcement by the Fijian government involving the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors over the age of 12 years from travel partner countries now have the option to use a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of a flight’s scheduled departure, instead of the more expensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, to enter Fiji. This rule change came into effect on 9 February 2022.
The island nation has also announced the end of its nationwide curfew, for the first time since March 2020. In further good news, all vehicles, such as buses, vans and taxis can operate at full capacity. Mask wearing, however, is still being enforced. Businesses and venues that may be visited by tourists can now open at full capacity, with the exception of the likes of cinemas, bars and gyms, which can operate at 80 per cent capacity.
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The announcement has been made possible because of Fiji’s high level of vaccination. More than 90 per cent of Fiji’s population over the age of 15 have been fully vaccinated – coupled with the falling number of people needing hospitalisation, the strong take-up of booster vaccines and the effectiveness of the Care Fiji Commitment, which helps to ensure guests are kept safe at all times.
Making the announcement on Sunday, acting Prime Minister the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the easing of restrictions meant a great deal for Fiji’s economy and the restoration of livelihoods.
The easing of restrictions and testing requirements locally made it easier and more affordable, he said. “We’ll create more local economic activity and attract more tourists. That means more business, including for micro and small businesses, more demand, and more jobs for our people. And it will further consolidate our path towards record-breaking economic growth.”
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Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said they were also working to phase out the three-night stay with stakeholders and industry partners as more venues where the 48-hour in-country RAT can be administered open up.
“This is another significant announcement for tourism in Fiji! It follows the already welcome recent changes such as RAT tests to return to Australia, reduced isolation protocols and nine new travel partner countries being added. We know these decisions will make Fiji an even more attractive destination to travel to – cheaper, simpler, but just as safe. We commend the Fijian government for its bold, forward-thinking approach and look forward to getting the good news out about Fiji’s easy and affordable travel requirements to our markets,” Mr Hill said.
Is Fiji on your travel radar? Are you more or less likely to travel to a country that only requires a negative RAT for entry? Let us know in the comments section below.
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