Entry Policies Due to Covid-19 for Oceania
If you are planning a trip to Oceania in the near future, you'll need to check the travel requirements very carefully. Many of the strict restrictions that were put in place in many of the countries here last year have remained to this day.
While Oceania is an area that's had the fewest deaths and cases of the virus, this is primarily due to how severe they've been with locking their borders since day one. While countries such as New Zealand have been celebrated for their minimal cases and deaths, this restriction on foreign travelers is one of the main reasons behind this result.
If you are able to travel to a country in Oceania this year, ensure you follow the regulations very carefully.
These countries are extremely protective of their citizens and are still trying everything to minimize the risk of the virus spreading. When traveling into any country in Oceania, it's likely you'll need a negative COVID-19 test, online health forms, and potentially a quarantine period. This will vary between every country, so be sure to check exactly when you need to complete all of the required documentation and testing before your visit.
Following the restrictions is crucial in this cut-off part of the world, where each country is working as hard as possible to protect those who live there. You'll also ensure you protect yourself when visiting Oceania, particularly the remote islands which may have limited medical facilities in comparison to your home country.
For the most part, travel is quite restricted in this region, but there are some exceptions to this. If you are able to enter a country in Oceania, you'll want to carefully check the regulations that are in place at the current time.
Expect to potentially need to pay for a full quarantine in a hotel, depending on where you are planning to travel. Many of the islands in this region are extremely protective of their citizens due to their remote location. Therefore, it's understandable they may have stricter entry requirements.
Australia
Australia has restricted entry for all foreigners, except for New Zealand citizens residing in Australia and citizens of other Oceania countries in transit to their home countries. Travelers must present a medical certificate attesting to a negative COVID-19 PCR result issued within 72 hours prior to departure, as well as complete a travel declaration form. They may be quarantined.
Fiji
Fiji has restricted entry to all non-resident aliens. Travelers must present a medical proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR result issued within 72 hours prior to departure, undergo mandatory testing and quarantine upon arrival.
Kiribati
Kiribati denies entry to travelers who have been in or transited through countries with confirmed local transmission in the 14 days prior to entry into Kiribati.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands has restricted entry for all travelers.
Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia has extended restrictions on traveler arrivals until at least January 31, 2021.
Nauru
Nauru has suspended all flights except for a single route from Brisbane.
New Zealand
New Zealand has restricted entry to all foreign nationals except Australian citizens residing in New Zealand, as well as Samoan and Tongan citizens making essential travel.
Palau
Travelers are subject to quarantine and testing upon arrival.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has restricted entry for all travelers except medical personnel, flight crew, military personnel, or those with a specially written exemption from the Emergency Controller.
Samoa
Samoa has restricted entry to all travelers except those authorized by the Samoan government for exceptional circumstances.
Tonga
Tonga has restricted entry to all foreign nationals.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu has closed its borders.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu has suspended all flights, except for humanitarian and repatriation flights.