The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Fiji will soon be a bit easier to access as the government of the island nation will drop pre-arrival COVID-19 testing for vaccinated travelers.
Starting May 1, in an effort to streamline the entry process, visitors no longer have to present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken prior to arriving.
Vaccinated travelers 16 and older still need to schedule an in-country rapid antigen test to be taken between 48 and 72 hours after arrival. They also need to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19.
"This is yet another significant step for Fiji, making it easier than ever to travel to our idyllic shores from around the globe. The Fijian Government has continued to respond to data and science, and moved quickly to make these changes, as more countries around the world also relaxed their protocols. There has never been a better, simpler time to come to Fiji than now," said Brent Hill, CEO for Tourism Fiji.
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Tourism Fiji reports that since the country reopened to visitors in December 2021, it has welcomed more than 100,000 international travelers.
What are the rules to enter Fiji?
All travelers 16 years and older must be vaccinated to enter Fiji. However, starting May 1, they no longer need a pre-arrival COVID-19 test.
Still, before departure, travelers must book an appointment to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test between 48-72 hours after their arrival in Fiji. Visitors can make a reservation at entrytestfiji.com.
In addition to scheduling a test, visitors also must have travel insurance where COVID-19 is not an exclusion for coverage.
As of April 25, almost 75.9% of Fiji's population had received at least one dose of the vaccine according to Our World in Data.
For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.
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