Fiji is among 18 countries that do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter New Zealand. The New Zealand Government made the announcement yesterday.

New Zealand’s COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said except from Australia, Antarctica and most Pacific Islands all other countries have to do the testing.

“The change will come into force for all flights arriving in New Zealand after 11:59pm (NZT) on Monday 25 January, to minimise disruption for those passengers with imminent departures.

“Other countries will be considered for exclusion if their situations change,” he said.

“As we signalled last week, given the high rates of infection in many countries, most global air routes are of critical concern for the foreseeable future,” Chris Hipkins said.

“New Zealand is currently in a good position with no community cases, but we continue to take action with very specific steps to further strengthen our borders in response to what we’re seeing overseas.”

All travellers are still required to complete 14 days mandatory isolation, including routine Day 3 and Day 12 tests.

From February 8, all passengers arriving in New Zealand except those from exempted countries without evidence of a negative approved test or medical certificate would incur an infringement offence fee or a fine not exceeding $1,000.
COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES NOT INCLUDED IN NEW ZEALAND’S EXPANDED PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENT ARE:

• Antarctica
• Australia
• The Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Nauru
• New Caledonia
• Niue
• Palau
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tokelau
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj