Fiji has announced all COVID-19 restrictions will be removed. As borders have opened for the Pacific Island nation, previous proof of vaccination or travel insurance was required. Tourism Fiji has wasted no time promoting the island paradise as a 'Zero Covid Restrictions' hotspot.
Previous restrictions
More recently, the nation dropped its requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival. However, from February 14, the country will welcome anyone, no vaccines, no tests, just paradise.
With the nation sitting with a population of 93% fully vaccinated and low hospital admissions, the move from the Fijian Government hopes to bolster the tourism industry, which was decimated as the world went into lockdown. As reported in Traveloffpath, Brent Hill, Chief Executive of Tourism Fiji, noted:
“The industry welcomes the decision to remove all protocols, restrictions, vaccination requirements, and COVID-19 tests – and invites the world to come and experience Fiji: where happiness comes naturally.”
A slow recovery
Compared with its neighbors, Fiji was slower to open its borders without restriction to encourage covid-conscious travelers, emphasizing following their local protocols and expectations. With a conservative approach to tourism up until now, the nation now hopes to cash in on a flurry of international travelers during the post-covid travel boom.
333 islands to explore
With white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters, the abundance of activities and wildlife is a magnet for all travelers. The country provides a range of accommodations to fit all budgets. In 2022 the country welcomed over 630,000 visitors, representing approximately 71% of pre-covid levels. The national carrier, Fiji Airways, is looking to position itself as a key airline in the Pacific and reminding travelers to stop over en route between Australia / New Zealand, the United States, and Canada.
Plenty of ways to get to Fiji
Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Suva Nausori International Airport (SUV) are the two international airports in Fiji, operating a full range of connections across the Pacific rim.
Did you know we also have an aviation YouTube channel?
Fiji Airways unsurprisingly operates the lion's share of routes, reaching the likes of Singapore, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Wellington. The carrier operates a range of Airbus A330, A350, and Boeing 737 in Australia, New Zealand, and long-haul destinations, with a fleet of ATR-72, ATR-42, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 for its shorter hopes domestically and to other Pacific island nations. Fiji Link operates turboprop aircraft and maintains all domestic and short operations. Compared with Fiji Airways, the principal operator of international and widebody flights.
Korean Air once connected Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) with Nadi weekly. However, this ceased operation in October 2019.
Suva's Nausori International Airport, the second largest airport in Fiji, maintains a small international network, connecting the eastern side of the island of Viti Levu and outlying islands to Auckland, Funafuti (Tuvalu), Port Vila, and Sydney.
Sources: Travel off path