Fiji reopens to Australia in December but not everyone is welcome

Travel-starved Australians are rushing to book their first overseas holiday to Fiji, with resorts receiving bookings right through until next October.

Australians will be able to travel to Fiji by Christmas but not everyone will be welcome.

The island nation will open up to international visitors in December after hitting the 80 per cent double vaccination target last week.

It also comes after the NSW government announced fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents could fly into the state without the need to quarantine from November 1. Other states are yet to confirm quarantine arrangements.

The announcement has seen a rush of bookings from excited Aussies, with some resorts reportedly close to being sold out for popular dates in 2022.

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill said resorts are reporting solid bookings with the Radisson Blu in Denarau already 50 per cent sold for December 1 – the day of the first flight of arrivals. Intercontinental, Marriott Momi Bay, the Hilton and Castaway are also reporting strong bookings.

“It is going incredibly well – we have had such amazing interest, it has just been brilliant. A lot of interest pre-Christmas, early January, and then another huge spike through March, right through to September and October – so it’s really exciting,” Mr Hill said.

“Obviously some people want to get out and come straight away which is great, and others are planning that first overseas trip for 2022”.

But before you book your trip, note: conditions apply.

G’Day! Six Senses Fiji, Malolo Island. Picture: Supplied

WHO CAN ENTER

Fiji will initially offer quarantine-free travel to fully vaccinated tourists from Travel Partner countries: Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Spain, France, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and most Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

Currently Fiji recognises all WHO vaccines: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Sinopharm / Sinovax vaccines.

WHERE TO STAY

All tourists are required to stay at a Care Fiji Committed (CFC) resort – a WHO-approved standard of best-practice health and safety measures for travel in a post-Covid world.

“Ensure you have documented proof of a confirmed CFC booking before your flight,” says Tourism Fiji.

Kids Club, Sofitel Fiji resort & spa, Denarau Island, Fiji. Picture: Chris McLennan

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Anyone aged over 12 must get a negative Real-Time PCR test done 72 hours before boarding their flight to Fiji. A negative test means you probably did not have Covid-19 at the time of the test. A positive test means you likely have Covid-19.

ON ARRIVAL

Travel for tourists on holiday in Fiji is quarantine-free but all arrivals need to take a mandatory Rapid Covid-19 test 48 hours after arrival. Guests are advised to factor this into their overall trip cost.

“With this 48hr time frame, you can still enjoy using the facilities at your resort, transiting to your CFC-certified resort on another island or booking a daytrip tour as long as you’ve engaged CFC approved and certified tourism operators throughout,” says Tourism Fiji.

That view!!! Picture: Supplied

WHILE THERE

You won’t be able to escape Covid-safe measures – even in Fiji.

– You must wear a mask in public places (eg restaurants, tour buses, shops);

– Social distance where possible (2m);

– Wash or sanitise your hands frequently;

– Activate your careFIJI contact tracing app to check into businesses;

– Avoid low vaccination zones. A map of these areas will be released closer to December.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time of year to visit Fiji is during May, not only for cheaper flights and accommodation before the mid-year peak season but also because the chance of rain and high temperatures is lower.

November to April is the wet season so expect hot and humid conditions with brief but heavy showers and a high chance of tropical storms. Average daytime temperatures reach 30C with a low of 21C at night during this period.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Smart Traveller advises some travel insurers now offer limited cover for Covid-19. It will likely only cover medical, quarantine and cancellation costs if you or someone you’re travelling with tests positive to the virus. But travel insurance is unlikely to cover cancellation if you’re not able to travel due to government travel bans.

Budget Direct insures trips to Fiji, including overseas medical and hospital expenses, luggage and personal effects, and cancellations and delays, it’s website says.

For more information see Tourism Fiji

Originally published as Fiji reopens to Australia in December but not everyone is welcome