After suffering from a devastating Covid-19 Delta outbreak, Fiji now says it’s ready to open its borders to international travellers.
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama says the Pacific nation wants to be “the safest destination for tourism and travel anywhere in the world”.
It’ll open to a list of countries including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and most of its Pacific neighbours on November 11.
However, flights aren’t set to begin until December 1.
There won’t be quarantine, but travellers must be fully vaccinated and return negative tests pre-departure and upon arrival.
Tourists will then need to spend two days in a hotel in a period of loose isolation, before they are free to explore “safe-travel areas” around the country.
“They will be large enough for tourists to enjoy the best of Fiji, but restrictive enough to protect areas with low vaccination coverage,” Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said.
“This two-day period of hotel confinement is a measure that we expect to relax as more Fijians become fully vaccinated.”
Eighty per cent of Fijians aged 18 and over are fully vaccinated, while 96 per cent of adults have had one dose.
Fiji had enjoyed a relatively Covid-19 free status early in the pandemic, but in April this year the Delta variant swept through the country.
According to Fiji government figures, more than 51,000 people have caught Covid-19 in the ongoing outbreak.
More than 650 people have died, but the true figure is believed to be higher.
Bainimarama says his country is ready for travellers.
“To our friends in Australia and New Zealand and to the residents of other countries we're preparing to welcome, our message is simple: Fiji is ready to welcome you back to our shores,” he said.
At this stage, anyone returning to Aotearoa will still need to go through MIQ.
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