So you want to travel to Fiji
I’m sad. A piece of my heart has broken off and is floating somewhere in the deliciously warm waters of Fiji. Having just arrived back from the ‘Bula Capital Of The World’, I thought it would be selfish of me to not share how easy to was to escape the Corona-wave currently engulfing Australia.Six Simple Steps
While the rules seem to change often, as of today (14 January, 2022), here are the simple steps to travel and cruise in Fiji.
IMPORTANT – PRINT OUT ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS. I cannot stress this enough. I printed all my document and had them in my hand luggage in a clear plastic sleeve.
1. From 1 January, you must present evidence of a negative Covid-19 (RT-PCR) test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure. You must book a Travel PCR Test. I booked mine with 4Cyte and paid $130, as there was a collection point close to my home, but there are many others. Just Google ‘Covid-19 testing for travellers’. This test does cost – the cheapest I’ve seen in Sydney is at the airport for $79.
2. Proof of full vaccination at airport check-in to enter Fiji.
3. Travel insurance. If you are taking a cruise, please ensure you are covered for multi-night cruising. Currently, both 1Cover and NIB cover multi-night cruising.
4. Proof of Care Fiji Committed (CFC) certified accommodation and airport transfer. All travellers who visit Fiji will need to stay at a CFC certified accommodation. You must have minimum 3-night CFC hotel booking before you depart Australia.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is Care Fiji Commitment certified so people can travel on the Day or Dinner Cruise immediately after you land. Importantly, guests can board Reef Endeavour on an overnight cruise straight away.
5. Get tested. While Fiji is quarantine free, you must take a mandatory Rapid Antigen test at a CFC-certified resort 48hrs after your arrival in our islands. They cost about $30FJ. You can still enjoy 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.
If you’re taking a cruise with Captain Cook Cruises, a rapid antigen test will be conducted on boarding.
6. A PCR test will need to be taken before departing FIJI to enter Australia.* This can be arranged by Captain Cook Cruises or at the resort/hotel you’re staying. They cost about $150FD and you get your result in about 48 hours. Please factor this time into your stay.
* EDIT As of 21 January, 2022, a PCR test is no longer needed to enter Australia. A Rapid Antigen test is all that is now required.
Top Fiji Travel Tips
- Download the CareFiji app. You will need this to check in at all places.
- You can withdraw local currency from ATMs at the airport and other centres. But, you can easily exchange your money at many locations. I swapped my Aussie dollars and Port Denarau.
- Learn these two words ‘Bula’ (hello) and ‘vinaka’ (thank you)
- Take your own disposal masks and change every 3 hours
- Before flying back to Australia, download the Australia Travel Declaration App
I can certainly understand many would feel nervous about travelling, but honestly, if you’re well prepared before leaving, you too will have a stress-free, wonderful holiday in Fiji. Just don’t blame me if you feel just heartbroken when you’re sitting back at your desk, dreaming about those exquisite Fijian sunsets. Sigh.
I was guest of TourismFiji, Captain Cook Cruises and Fiji Airways
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