Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

FIJI AXES TRAVEL RESTRICTIO­NS

- HAMISH SPENCE

IT JUST became a lot easier for Aussies to enjoy a tropical island getaway, with Fiji ending its major Covid restrictio­ns for internatio­nal travellers in under two weeks.

Internatio­nal travellers currently need to spend three nights at a Care Fiji Commitment certified hotel or resort when they arrive in the country, but that requiremen­t is ending from April 7.

Fiji is also doing away with its “Travel Partner” system with select countries, meaning anyone can visit regardless of their country of origin.

Fiji’s Economy Minister Aiyaz SayedKhaiy­um made the announceme­nt on Thursday night, saying all visitors will now play by the same rules.

“All visitors to Fiji will play by the same rules because from 7th April we will also do away with the Travel Partner system,” Mr Sayed-khaiyum said. “In other words, anybody from anywhere in the world as long as they are vaccinated can come to Fiji.”

The announceme­nt has come as welcome news to many, especially the country’s flag carrier airline Fiji Airways.

“The timing for the Fijian Government‘s decision to relax Fiji’s entry requiremen­ts could not be better as we head into the best time of year to visit,” Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer Andre

Viljoen said. “We’re already projecting big arrivals numbers over the coming months and now we expect the numbers to look even better.”

But while some Covid restrictio­ns are gone, Australian­s will still need to satisfy some conditions to enjoy their stay. “Travelling to Fiji will be as easy as showing proof of vaccinatio­n, a negative pre-departure rapid test, travel insurance, and a rapid test within 24 hours of arrival,” Mr Viljoen said.

 ?? A view from the Marriott Momi Bay Resort and Spa, Fiji. Photo: Chris Mclennan ??
A view from the Marriott Momi Bay Resort and Spa, Fiji. Photo: Chris Mclennan

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