FIJI TRAVEL INFORMATION

as at 25 April 2022

On the 1st of December 2021, Fiji opened for happiness for fully vaccinated residents of Australia. 

As is the case for all destinations, travel will be a little different than it was in 2019 when you just grabbed your passport, sunscreen and jumped on the next available flight. There are requirements that must be adhered to pre, during and post travel.  These requirements are changing and adapting constantly, and it is imperative that prior to travel you seek the most recent advice from the official sources.

Travelling to Fiji:  https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/home/traveltofiji/international-travel/

Travelling to/from Australia:  www.smarttraveller.gov.au

Prior to departure

1. Passport:  Ensure your passport is valid at least six months beyond your anticipated return date.

2. State Restrictions: Whilst Victoria, Queensland and NSW have confirmed quarantine free travel; this is not the case for all States. Ensure you have checked the travel requirements for your state of origin as you may require re-entry permits, pre-approval to depart, and quarantine on your return (at your expense).  https://www.australia.gov.au/states

3. Vaccination: You must be fully vaccinated with a Fiji COVID-19 approved vaccine. These are Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson. There must be a minimum of 14 days between your second vaccination dose and the day of your departure. All travellers aged 12 years + must have internationally recognised proof of that vaccination and provide it at the time of travel. Travellers under 12 years will be exempt provided they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent/guardian.

4. Please ensure your name on your vaccination certificate is identical to your name in your passport.  All vaccination certificate information can be found at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/what-types-proof-there-are/international-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-proof     

 5. Pre-paid in-country COVID-19 Test: Travellers 12 years and above must produce proof of a pre-booked and pre-paid RAT, to be administered after 48 hours but before 72 hours of arrival into Fiji, at any one of the CRMT approved facilities. You can book your in-country test here. This also applies to travellers transiting Fiji for more than 48 hours.

If a traveller is entering Fiji with a proof of the isolation period served from a credible institution or has a fit to fly certificate from a medical practitioner, the prepaid in-country RAT requirement does not apply. 

6. Travel Insurance: Comprehensive Travel Insurance that includes COVID-19 medical cover is mandatory for travel to Fiji. You will be asked to present proof of your valid cover at airport check in and you will be refused boarding if you cannot present it. It’s important to note that not all travel insurance is equal, and it is often the case that if it is free with your credit card, it may not include COVID-19 cover.  At the time of writing, travel insurance will not cover you against expenses incurred in the event of a border closure.

7. RAT or PCR Test:  Effective from 9 February 2022 travellers from Australia aged 12 years and above can now produce either a negative PCR or RAT test.  PCR test must be taken no more than 2 calendar days prior to the scheduled day of departure.  RAT test must be taken no more than 24 hours prior to the commencement of your journey. 

Your RAT test results can be either paper-based or electronic and must show:

• Travellers name and date of birth
• Test result – negative, or “not detected”
• Method of test – ie RAT, or if chosen PCR or NAA test
• Type of specimen collected
• Brand and manufacturer of the RAT test
• Date of test and that the test was carried out under the supervision of, and signed by authorised person.
• The test must be undertaken by or under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner – eg pharmacist, general practitioner, nurse, pathology collector, or trained personnel at an airport-based testing station.
• Other changes include no more QR Coding or use of the Care Fiji App.  
• For travellers who previously tested positive within 30 days of travel to Fiji proof of isolation period and a fit to fly certificate must be shown.  

Note that you require valid proof of your pre-departure COVID 19 test before heading to the airport. Private pathology clinics generally provide the approved documentation including Histopath at Sydney and Melbourne Airport.  You are responsible for paying for this COVID 19 test. Free Government testing clinics (drive-throughs, for example, where you would currently go if you were symptomatic) are not suitable in most cases, as you need to ensure your test result includes all the necessary information to meet the relevant government requirements for international travel.  A standard test result will not suffice.

Wherever you get your test done, ensure that you make it known at the outset that you require it for international travel purposes and be guided by their response as to whether they are capable of doing it or not. These tests cost approx. $50 – $200 per person. We understand that many of the PCR testing clinics that provide travel certificates require you to take your passport with you at the time of testing. 

Testing clinics in Australia are currently still under significant duress due to high volumes.  If you are able to pre-book your test at a relevant time to ensure you get your results prior to travel, we strongly urge you to do so.  

8. Are you feeling poorly? Stay home!  If you wake up on the day of travel or feel ill the day before travel, stay home! Contact your travel agent to discuss your options.

9.  If you have previously had COVID. For travellers who previously tested positive within 30 days of travel to Fiji,  proof of isolation period and a fit to fly certificate must be shown.  

When in Fiji

1. Attend your Pre-paid in-country COVID-19 Test: Travellers 12 years and above must produce proof of a pre-booked and pre-paid RAT, to be administered after 48 hours but before 72 hours of arrival into Fiji, at any one of the CRMT approved facilities. You can book your in-country test here. This also applies to travellers transiting Fiji for more than 48 hours.

The Rapid Antigen Test will be at your expense (estimated to be approx. F$35 per person). This will be done by trained professionals/certified health professionals associated with the hotel.

3. If you test positive whilst in Fiji, you will most likely be sent to a Fiji Government-approved Quarantine Hotel (at your expense) or isolated within your confirmed hotel depending on their ability to accommodate you, and require further testing and a minimum  7 day isolation assuming that at the end of the 7 days you are fever free for 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.  Each CFC approved resort has a designated and trained wellness ambassador and they will be able to assist you with ‘what happens next’ in the instance you do test positive.

COVID Safe practices: Whilst Fiji has achieved over 80% of its eligible population vaccination target, there is still an element of the public that is vulnerable to COVID. Therefore, masks will be required in relevant situations, and social distancing will apply.  Please avoid visiting low vaccination areas when in Fiji.

Coming Home

1. Travel declaration: Effective 18 Feb 2022, the Australian Government has updated the forms that must be completed by Australians and visitors to Australia. The most recent change is the introduction of the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) which will replace the Australia Travel Declaration. All passengers travelling to Australia must complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) within 72 hours* of their overseas departure.

You can start your DPD seven days before your flight but must submit it withi​n the 72 hours before your departure for Australia. This gives you time to organise your health information and declaration (vaccination status and COVID-19 test result) within 72 hours before your flight.​Click here to download DPD.

2. No Rapid Antigen Test required to return home: The Australian Government no longer requires people travelling to Australia to have a COVID-19 test before travel.  However all inbound travellers must declare their vaccination status to enter Australia. Please see the proof of vaccination webpage for further information on the type of proof you need.

You will NOT be permitted to return home if if you test positive. Instead, you will be required to quarantine in Fiji at your expense.  The Australian Government has also reduced the wait time between testing positive and being cleared to return to Australia, from 14 days to 7 days.    A ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate will be provided at the completion of your 7 day isolation by your Resort’s/Hotel’s medical officer.

Masks are still mandatory on all flights and you will still be required to follow the direction of each State and Territory Government regarding quarantine and return testing.  

As the traveller, you are responsible for ensuring you are compliant with all COVID regulations when travelling to an international destination and returning to Australia. Any costs incurred, such as testing and quarantine, are additional to any package cost and will be borne by you directly. Requirements are changing and adapting constantly, and it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have met all criteria required within the time frames demanded by each destination.

Marilyn Lynch

Director – Island Escapes 

DISCLAIMER: This is to be used as a general travel guide only.  The information within is a collation of official information provided by government websites and resources on the day of writing. Although all care has been taken to ensure accuracy, international travel advice is changing daily. We suggest you regularly refer to the official government website links we have added throughout.two calender