How Fiji Will Keep Tourists Safe From the Coronavirus Pandemic
Photo Credit: Tourism Fiji
International travel for most Americans has been non-existent or a logistical nightmare during the Coronavirus pandemic. From the nerve-racking wait for negative COVID test results prior to your departure to the cleaning and safety guidelines at resorts and hotels, trip planning has become an anxiety-laden task that can impede your desire to travel. So, for now, most travelers will have to settle for dreaming about those far-flung destinations or wait until they feel comfortable enough to travel again.
One of those dream destinations is Fiji, a country of 333 islands located in the South Pacific and a 10-hour plane ride from Los Angles. However, due to COVID-19, the country is closed to international tourists, which includes no airplanes landing at Nadi National Airport. Much like New Zealand, Fiji has managed the pandemic extremely well, keeping their number of COVID cases low, and as of Jan. 27, 2021, has no reported cases of the virus. Continuing their proactive approach, the country recently launched a new program aimed to keep international visitors safe.
Photo Credit: Toursim Fiji
The Care Fiji Commitment is designed to ensure that the island nation is ready for when they welcome travelers back on its shores again. What does it mean for visitors? It means that you won’t have to quarantine in Fiji if you are traveling from a country or territory that has its COVID cases under control. Travelers not from one of those lucky countries will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The most recent border restrictions are posted on the Fijian Immigration Department’s website.
The new traveler safety program – in line with the World Health Organization’s guidelines – is designed to enhance safety, health and hygiene protocols across the country and tourism industry. In fact, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Tourism Fiji have developed a COVID-safe training program for frontline workers as well as Wellness Ambassadors, who will be stationed at every business to implement safety protocols.
“The Care Fiji Commitment is our assurance to travelers that the health and safety of everyone who lives and travels here remains our number one priority,” said Tourism Fiji Acting CEO, Robert Thompson. “Now, with this added layer of confidence in place, Fiji is primed to be an ideal post-pandemic destination – one that is and has remained COVID-19 safe, allows natural social distancing, has a wide variety of islands to choose from, offers mostly boutique resorts with under 50 rooms total, and is known for its wide-open beaches and expansive rainforests.”
As part of Fiji’s commitment to stay safe and mitigate the spread of the virus, the program also includes dedicated drop-in fever clinics for concerned visitors showing symptoms, a careFIJI contact tracing app, and clear sanitation practices across all tourism businesses.
Fiji will more than likely be open to Australia and New Zealand before allowing American tourists to cross its border. So, check out the photo slideshow below for some travel inspiration to help keep you daydreaming about an island escape to Fiji, home to all-inclusive resorts, world-renowned spas, jaw-dropping outdoor adventures, world-class scuba diving and more!
