One of the exotic destinations par excellence finally says goodbye to the emergency health measures adopted against Covid-19: here's what changes
There are wonderful news for all travellers: one of the latest exotic destinations having kept strict restrictions in place for international tourists has finally decided to reopen its borders, eliminating the most severe health measures adopted to deal with the Covid emergency. Let's see what changes now for those who want to discover this tropical paradise.
Fiji says goodbye to Covid restrictions
For almost two years now, international tourism has started its slow recovery again towards a gradual return to pre-Covid normality. We knew that it would take a long time, and not all countries immediately removed the health measures adopted in previous months to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Little by little, almost all the main tourist destinations in the world have reopened their borders to foreign travellers, some definitively saying goodbye to any type of restriction, some leaving some less severe measures in place, aimed at ensure greater safety to both citizens and visitors.
Fiji is among the last to have maintained a certain strict border control. Until now, in fact, tourists were required to meet various requirements in order to cross the borders of the country. Last May 2022, the authorities took a first step towards reopening, eliminating the obligation to carry out a molecular swab (which concerned all travellers, even those fully vaccinated). The latest update to security measures required tourists to provide proof of entry to Fiji completion of the vaccination cycle and the stipulation of travel health insurance.
Now also these last two requirements are no longer present: the borders reopen completely to travellers, regardless of their vaccination certificate and the presence of insurance. The local administration made the announcement on the official website: "This move follows careful consideration of the global and national Covid situation, and applies to both air arrivals and arrivals from the sea." All thanks to one vaccination campaign which sees 100% coverage with the first dose and 95% with the booster, thus ensuring greater safety for the population.
How to travel to Fiji
What changes, therefore, for i international travellers who want to travel to Fiji? Starting from 14 February 2023, the obligation to present the certificate of complete vaccination and proof of health insurance is no longer required. That is, all tourists are free to board a plane and head towards this splendid exotic destination. This is a big step forward for the economic recovery of the country, which has always seen tourism among its main sources of livelihood.
“In 2022, arrivals in Fiji have reached 71,1% of 2019 levels” – we read on the official Government website, which talks about over 636 thousand travelers who have chosen the country for their holidays. And the forecasts for the new year are decidedly positive, thanks also to the abolition of the latest restrictions against Covid. “The industry welcomes the decision to remove all Covid-19 protocols, restrictions, vaccination and testing requirements, and invites the world to come and experience Fiji: where happiness comes naturally” – he said Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji.
Source: iStock
