After a year of rapid growth in tourist arrivals that exceeded its expectations and targets, Fiji has set its sights higher in the current year. It has removed all restrictions on visitors’ entry.

The Fijian Government has removed all travel restrictions on the entry of international travellers to the Pacific Island nation, with effect from  February 14. According to a press statement, international travellers to Fiji will no longer be required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and travel insurance.

The statement adds that besides being one of the first countries to open its borders in December 2021, Fiji welcomed 636,312 visitors in 2022, a strong recovery surpassing its expected targets. This latest move comes following careful consideration of the global and national Covid-19 situation by the Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) and applies to both arrivals from air and sea. As the country evolved towards treating Covid-19 as an endemic, the last set of entry requirements were removed on February 14, says the statement.

“The industry welcomes the decision – no protocols, restrictions, vaccination requirements or COVID-19 tests and invites the world to come experience Fiji: where happiness comes naturally.” He added “we still strongly encourage travellers to have travel insurance and take the necessary precautions we all know well to stay healthy and maximise their fun in Fiji!” says Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer Brent Hill.

Previously, all travellers 16 years and above were required to produce proof of full vaccination and travel insurance covering Covid-19. The statement adds that as reported by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Fiji’s hospitalisation is low, owed to community-wide immunisation and in-country surveillance capacity. Notably, the focus remains on implementing Covid-safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of Covid-19. The MHMS also reports 95 pc of Fiji’s estimated adult population are vaccinated, with booster shots continuing to be administered to eligible people across the islands.

Therefore, consistent with the experience in other countries with high vaccination rates, Fiji will no longer have any Covid-19 related border health measures, says the statement, adding that Fiji’s Border Authorities will continue to review border health measures and maintain community surveillance for early warning of future threats while fostering socio-economic recovery.