the wearing of masks will become optional and all venues may operate at full capacity.

Following the establishment of private testing facilities nationwide, the three-night-stay requirement upon entry into Fiji is being removed.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says from the 7th of next month (April 7th, 2022) fully vaccinated visitors, residents, or citizens of Fiji will only need to conduct Rapid Antigen Test within 24-hours of arrival in the country at an approved testing facility.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds engaging more private sector test providers brings in competition.

Sayed-Khaiyum says hotels are not going to be providers however, only remote ones can be providers after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport.

From the 7th of next month, Fiji will also do away with the Travel Partner system.

“All visitors to Fiji will play by the same rules because from 7th April we will also do away with the Travel Partner system in other words anybody from anywhere in the world as long as they are vaccinated can come to Fiji. The most important thing we highlighted is that visitors need to be vaccinated. If they and they test upon arrival then the country of origin is far less important.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says the marketing grant for Tourism Fiji will increase by $893,000 to a total of $20.9m

In the revise budget the government is also allocating an increase of $700,000 for Tourism Fiji’s operational expenses.

He adds the blue lane initiative is giving way to normalize maritime travel.

Sayed-Khaiyum further highlighted that from tomorrow (25/03/22), the wearing of masks will become optional and all venues including stadiums may operate at full capacity.

Social distancing requirements will no longer be enforced either.

He adds it is up to people to apply the more than two years of experience we have with COVID to do what makes them feel comfortable and safe.