Fiji sets plans for a post-pandemic travel bubble with New Zealand and Australia

Fiji is working towards establishing a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand, as announced by the country's leader on Sunday.

Prime Minister Josaia “Frank” Voreqe Bainimarama shared with parliament that his vision for a 'post-Covid society' includes a gradual revival of the tourism sector, which is crucial for Fiji's economy.

“As Australia and New Zealand finalize their trans-Tasman bubble, Fiji’s strong track record in managing the virus positions us to take the lead in the Pacific,” Bainimarama explained.

“We’re creating our own bubble – a Bula Bubble – linking Fiji with New Zealand and Australia,” he added.

Bula is a Fijian greeting, used to say 'hello' or 'welcome'.

Fiji reported its first case of COVID-19 on March 19. Since then, the country has confirmed only 18 cases and no deaths, with the World Health Organization confirming no new cases since April.

Tourism accounts for 40% of Fiji’s GDP in a typical year, with Australia and New Zealand being its largest markets.

Prime Ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand have yet to respond to Fiji's proposal.

How would it work?

As per Bainimarama's proposal, travelers from Australia and New Zealand must either show proof of completing a two-week quarantine in their home country before traveling, or undergo quarantine at an approved hotel or government facility at their own expense upon arrival at Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main gateway.

Arriving passengers will also be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their flight.

Bainimarama introduced the concept of 'VIP lanes' for approved travelers, where VIP stands for 'vacation in paradise'.

Fiji Airways, the national carrier, along with Tourism Fiji, will be the key partners in the initiative, Bainimarama stated. A list of approved quarantine hotels is still to be announced.

Bainimarama also expressed his desire to launch a Pacific pathways program for visitors from Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tonga, with the potential to expand to Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu if the initial stages prove successful.

Sea travelers hoping to visit Fiji can enter Fijian waters if they meet certain conditions.

Those arriving on personal vessels who can prove they’ve been at sea for at least 14 days will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. Others who haven't met this requirement will need to quarantine at their own cost while docked in Fiji.

Visitors will be responsible for covering the cost of their COVID-19 tests.

Cruise ships remain indefinitely banned from entering Fiji.

No timeline has been set for the Bula Bubble, and although discussions for a 'trans-Tasman travel bubble' allowing leisure travel between Australia and New Zealand began in May, no concrete plans have been finalized yet.