With international travel restrictions easing again in Australia you might be thinking of a tropical holiday in nearby Fiji.
Before you go you might be wondering what are the latest COVID restrictions, what happens if you get it while you’re there and what is the risk of infection while travelling?
Here are all your Fiji COVID questions answered.
Do I need to be vaccinated?
Fiji is only open to fully vaccinated travellers and their accompanying minors.
Anyone older than 16 must display proof of vaccination at the airport check-in prior to departure for Fiji.
In this case, fully vaccinated means you have received two doses of a TGA-approved vaccination.
Fiji currently recognises AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Coronavac (Sinovac), Covishield, BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm), Covaxin and Sputnik V vaccines.
Do I need to do a COVID test before leaving?
No, but you do need to do one once you get there.
To enter the country, you will need to pre-book a rapid antigen test (RAT) which every traveller aged 12 and over must take within 72 hours of arrival.
Do I need anything else to enter?
Yes, you will also need travel insurance and it must cover COVID-19.
If your insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19 the country offers a FijiCare COVID-19 travel insurance available to all travellers.
The only exception is if you hold a valid permit and have a supporting letter from a sponsor or employer to meet all COVID-related costs, including isolation if required.
Your insurance should require any extra days you need to stay in the country isolating should you test positive for COVID.
Am I required to wear a mask?
Mask wearing is optional in Fiji however it is recommended, especially in crowded venues.
An exception applies if you are a close contact with a positive COVID case where you are required to wear a mask in public.
What happens if I get COVID while I’m there?
Fiji has a seven-day isolation period for anyone who tests positive with COVID.
Where possible you should be able to isolate in the room you’ve booked if you’re staying in a hotel, otherwise there may be an isolation room at the hotel, or you will be placed in an “overflow” facility.
Isolation ends if you are fever-free, and all your other symptoms have improved after the seven days.
Masks are encouraged after testing positive however this is not mandatory.
What if someone I’m travelling with tests positive but I’m negative?
You can choose to isolate with them, but you don’t have to.
If you do choose to isolate, you will be required to wear a N95 mask.
It also means if you test positive during that time you will have to commence your own seven-day isolation period.
If you decide not to isolate, you will be required to wear a mask in public and test if you experience symptoms.
I’ve recently had COVID, do I have to postpone my trip?
Depends on when you had it.
If you have tested positive within 30 days of your travel and have recovered, you’ll need to produce either a proof of isolation from a credible institution, a fit to fly certificate or a letter from a doctor.
What happens if I don’t follow these requirements?
There are some tough penalties.
Anyone who fails to comply with the mandatory requirements is liable on conviction to a fine of up to FJ$10,000 ($6,700) or up to five years’ imprisonment.
Being convicted of a crime overseas may also impact your ability to travel in the future.
What do I need to do before coming back to Australia?
From July 6, Australia will be open to anyone regardless of vaccination status.
A COVID test is also not required, however travellers are encouraged to monitor symptoms after returning.
What is Fiji’s vaccination rate?
More than 95 per cent of Fiji’s adult population is fully vaccinated.
Comparatively, Australia has a 95.92 vaccination rate for people older than 16.
However, the Fijian government does recommend avoiding areas with low vaccination rates to help lower risk of exposure.
Fiji also has a comparatively low COVID rate compared with other countries, on June 30 reporting 64,713 total cases – Australia has had more than 8.1 million cases.
However, it is worth noting Fiji has a much smaller population of 896,000.
How will I know where I should go within Fiji?
Fiji has a program called the Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) where all businesses and services participating follow a World Health Organization approved standard of best health practice.
The program also ensures everyone you interact it in the program will be fully vaccinated.
The Fiji government recommends staying, dining and doing tours with CFC businesses to avoid infection.
Safe travels!