For the first time in 20 months, Fiji welcomes first Australian tourists

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Today, for the first time in 20 months, Fiji has opened its entrance to the tourists, in spite of fears over Omicron coronavirus variant.

This morning, the first international tourists from Australia touched down in the Pacific Island nation. Also, daily flights from Melbourne will start from today.

Full vaccination is mandatory for all tourists and they will have to show a negative PCR test that’s taken within 72 hours when they check in for their flight to Fiji at the airport.

Fiji has moved to add more stringent restrictions for its countrymen returning from red-listed countries, in light of the Omicron variant, which include several southern African nations.

Tourists from Australia will not have to isolate but for three nights, they will have to stay at an approved COVID-safe hotel. There they can visit bars and restaurants inside certain zones while they undergo rapid testing.

Australians coming back home to Fiji after vacation will have to face some uncertainty, however, depending on the way this new variant affects restrictions locally.

Travellers returning from non-African countries to New South Wales and Victoria will have to self-isolate at home for 72 hours, as per the current rules introduced in Australia last week.

The Pacific Island nation is tourism dependent for more than $2 billion a year in revenue.

“Today is a very special day as we welcome back our Aussie friends after 20 long months,” Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO Andre Viljoen said.

“We have been working hard since March last year to prepare for this moment and ensure our guests have the safest and most enjoyable travel experience possible.”

“The safety of our customers and staff will always be our highest priority. Our entire workforce is fully vaccinated, our new Travel Ready programme is dedicated to medical safety and wellness.”

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