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
Oct 20 2021 Lockdown is in effect in New South Wales for unvaccinated people until further notice. People who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 cannot leave their homes for non-essential purposes; those who are not fully vaccinated can gather in groups of two. People who are fully vaccinated can leave their homes gather in groups of 30 in public areas outdoors and attend some hospitality venues. Most commercial flights are suspended until at least end of December 2021. Emergency humanitarian repatriation diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt. However Australian citizens residents and their families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel internationally from 1 November. Entry of foreign nationals has yet to be approved by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Quarantine-free flights to and from New Zealand remain suspended until further notice. However since 20 October quarantine-free flights from New Zealands South Island have resumed. Qantas Airways flights are suspended between Perth Airport (PER/YPPH) in Western Australia and Londons Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) in the United Kingdom until at least April 2022. All travellers including Australian nationals returning from abroad are required to quarantine for 14 days at government-designated facilities upon arrival and travellers have to pay for their quarantine accommodations. Previously travellers who were in New Zealand for at least 14 days prior to departure and have not been in COVID-19 hotspots in the country over the past 14 days were allowed to travel to Australia without quarantine; however this measure has been suspended. Since 20 October quarantine-free flights are allowed for travellers who stayed only in New Zealands South Island for at least 14 days and provide proof of a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Around 175 fully vaccinated international travellers returning from overseas including some Qantas Airline employees who arrive at Sydney Airport (SYD/YSSY) New South Wales (NSW) will be allowed to self-quarantine at home for seven days instead of undergoing 14 days hotel quarantine in the near-term as part of a trial; a similar trial is also underway in South Australia amd Tasmania. Officials plan to introduce the seven-day home quarantine measure to all vaccinated travellers once a majority of the residents are vaccinated in NSW South Australia and Victoria. NSW officials announced plans to allow fully vaccinated international travellers to enter without quarantine restrictions from 1 November. Authorities are in the process of reopening the economy in some states like South Australia Western Australia and Northern Territory while some lockdown restrictions remain in effect in NSW (only for unvaccinted people) Greater Melbourne and parts of Victoria state. A curfew is being imposed in Greater Melbourne daily from 21:00 to 05:00 local time. Virgin Australia Qantas and Jetstar have resumed most domestic flight services except in areas of lockdown. Travel between lockdown areas including between Melbourne and regional Victoria is banned unless for a permitted reason. Gathering limits have been eased both indoors and outdoors in South Australia Northern Territory and Western Australia since mid 2021; social distancing measures apply in all public areas. Gathering restrictions have been reimposed in other states since late June due to periodic lockdowns. Covid Pass is required for some domestic activities: From 18 September up to five adults and children from two households may gather outdoors and also visit some entertainment venues within a 15km (9.3-mile) radius in Greater Melbourne Victoria if all adults are fully vaccinated. From 18 October all fully vaccinated people in NSW can have household gatherings of up to 20 people outdoor gatherings of up to 50 and visit hospitality and other retail venues. From 22 October restaurants and other hospitality establishments in Greater Melbourne can have up to 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 people outdoors while only fully vaccinated individuals are permitted to visit other non-essential establishments like hairdressers and auctions. Covid Pass availability: Residents can download their digital vaccination certificates once they are fully vaccinated from the online Medicare accounts. Other travellers will have to show proof of a digital or hard copy of the COVID-19 vaccination certificate obtained in their own countries. Instances of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals from Southeast and East Asia have been reported in Melbourne and Sydney since early 2020. On 16 April two foreign nationals studying at the University of Melbourne were ambushed and beaten up by two women on Melbournes Elizabeth Street; the attackers fled the scene. Separately instances of vandalism targeting properties of Chinese nationals have also been reported in other parts of Melbourne and Sydney. Foreign nationals are advised to exercise caution in poorly lit areas after dark and avoid walking alone at night as further xenophobic attacks remain possible due to rising number of infections and prevailing restrictions. Protests against lockdown measures have periodically erupted most recently in Sydney and Melbourne on July and August with some demonstrators also referencing conspiracy theories that authorities are attempting to control the population or that COVID-19 was caused by 5G infrastructure. Dozens of people have been arrested following clashes with police at anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne CBD on 21-22 September. Further related demonstrations are likely in the near-term due to the ongoing lockdowns in parts of NSW Victoria and the ACT. All foreign nationals and non-residents are barred entry though authorities plan to reopen international borders sometime in November including to some skilled migrant workers and students with authorised visas once the 80 percent full vaccination target is hit in each of the respective states. Currently quarantine-free travel to and from New Zealand remains suspended. Australian citizens residents and their families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to travel internationally from 1 November. Upon their return states and territories will determine entry restrictions with New South Wales officials announcing that fully vaccinated travellers will not need to quarantine. Before travel Incoming travellers (excluding those on green zone flights from New Zealand and Kiribati Myanmar Niue Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu and Vanuatu and from countries with limited testing capacities including Belize Cook Islands Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Marshall Island Nauru New Caledonia Palau Papua New Guinea East Timor and Waliis and Futuna) must provide a negative COVID-19 test result certificate at the checkin counter issued within 72 hours prior to depature to Australia. Travellers from countries with limited testing capacities including Belize Cook Islands Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Marshall Island Nauru New Caledonia Palau Papua New Guinea East Timor and Waliis and Futuna can produce a negative RT-PCR test result issued 96 hours or less prior to departure. After arrival Travellers excluding those on green zone flights from New Zealand will generally be tested within 24 hours after arrival on day 5 between days 10 and 12 during their quarantine period and on day 16 or 17 after exiting quarantine but testing measures will vary as per the respective state39;s guidelines. International travellers to NSW will be tested multiple times during their 14-day quarantine period and will be asked to test again two days after they complete their quarantine. International travellers to the Northern Territory will be tested twice during their quarantine period. International travellers to Queensland will be tested on day 1 after arrival and on day 5 and again on day 12 or 13 during quarantine and on day 16 or 17. International travellers to South Australia will be tested on days 1 5 and 13. International travellers to Tasmania will be tested within 72 hours of arrival and again on or after day 12. International travellers to Victoria will be tested within 24 hours of arrival and on days 4 8 12 and 14 of their quarantine period. International travellers to Western Australia will be tested within 24 hours of arrival and on days 5 and 13 during quarantine and days 17 and 21 after they exit quarantine. COVIDSafe is an optional contact tracing mobile app. The app is available for download on Apple and on Android devices. Wearing facemasks is compulsory in public areas in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Victoria and indoor areas in NSW Queensland and South Australia. Officials recommend the use of facemasks also in other parts of the country where social distancing measures are not possible to maintain. Facemasks are mandatory on all international and domestic flights nationwide. A ban on outbound overseas travel remains in effect until at least end of October 2021. Australian citizens and permanent residents are not allowed to travel out of the country and residents of other countries need a special permit to exit Australia. In November when international borders reopen fully vaccinated nationals and residents will be able to travel abroad. Australia responded to the pandemic swiftly closing its borders and implementing comprehensive lockdown procedures. In some states like Western Australia and Northern Territory restrictions have been eased to allow for renewal of most economic activities while gathering restrictions have been reimimposed in some other parts of the country including New South Wales and Victoria states which are grappling with a new wave of outbreak since mid-2021. While further outbreaks cannot be ruled-out health authorities and medical facilities are well-equipped to respond to this.
Fiji
Oct 24 2021 A nationwide curfew is in effect daily from 23:00 to 04:00 local time. Only emergency services personnel are allowed to travel out of their homes during the curfew. Security forces enforce the curfew. Authorities have imposed a lockdown in Greater Nadi and Lautoka after the detection of a COVID-19 case; during the lockdown all non-essential businesses have been closed public gatherings banned and residents must stay at home. There are several containment zones or localised lockdowns underway across the country including Waicoka as well as Dawasamus Delakado in Tailevu province Central division where people are prevented from entering or leaving the area. Public gatherings of up to 20 and 30 people are now allowed indoors and outdoors respectively. Non-essential businesses closed nationwide. Police have been enforcing social distancing and other COVID-19 measures. Effective 4 October all workplaces tertiary institutions places of worship hotels restaurants cafes cinemas gyms and pools will be allowed to open at 70 percent capacity. Covid Pass is required for some domestic activities: Proof of full vaccination is required for entry to all workplaces tertiary institutions places of worship hotels restaurants cafes cinemas gyms and pools. Covid Pass availability: A VAX-Check tool will be enabled for real-time digital verification of vaccine status of patrons. Most Fiji Airways international flights remain suspended except emergency humanitarian repatriation diplomatic and cargo flights. Outbound Fiji Airways special flights are resuming again in August to Australia New Zealand and the United States (US?). Authorities stopped all flights from PNG and resumptions were expected after the implementation of new quarantine and other COVID-19 prevention measures for travellers from PNG. All airlines must receive pre-authorisation by the Fijian Ministry of Health to operate flights to Fiji from Papua New Guinea (PNG). Authorities plan to allow entry for international travellers from 11 November. Only Fijian citizens and residents are allowed entry. Eligible travellers as well as those seeking exemption must request entry permission by email to crmtgovnet.gov.fj 72 hours prior to departure. Travellers to Fiji must reserve have a confirmation of a room reservation for their 14 days of hotel quarantine through the Fiji Managed Quarantine website to be allowed entry. Entry exceptions are available for private island resort tourists under the Luxury Vacation in Paradise programme and for those entering on yachts or pleasure crafts through Port Denarau Marina under the Blue Lanes programme. Travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and were only in travel partner countries/territories including Australia New Zealand the United States the United Kingdom the United Arab Emirates Canada Qatar Germany Spain France South Korea Singapore Switzerland Japan and most Pacific Island countries/territories for 10 days prior to travel will be allowed to enter from 11 November. Authorities plan to fully reopen Fijis borders to allow international travel for travellers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 1 December. Before travel Travellers eligible to enter Fiji must email crmtgovnet.gov.fj a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate no older than 72 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival Private island resort tourists entering through the Luxury Vacation in Paradise programme and those entering on yachts or pleasure crafts through Port Denarau Marina under the Blue Lanes programme must also test upon arrival. After arrival All arrivals must take a rapid COVID-19 test at a Care Fiji Committed (CFC) certified resort within 48 hours after their arrival. Travellers entering through the Luxury Vacation in Paradise programme must test upon arrival in Fiji and again 24 hours prior to departing Fiji. There are no after arrival tests for those entering under the Blue Lanes programme as long as they have not been tested positive for COVID-19 on their upon arrival tests. Travellers who undergo quarantine must test negative for COVID-19 to exit quarantine. All arrivals must download the careFIJI mobile app for contact tracing. Those without a smartphone must provide alternate contact details for contact tracing purposes. Travellers to Fiji must quarantine at their reserved room in a government-approved quarantine hotel for 14 days. Quarantine cost of approximately USD 2200 must be paid by the traveller unless exempted. Details for cost exemption can be found here. The quarantine period may be shortened for those coming by ship on a case-by-case basis. All quarantine and test costs are borne by the traveller. For travellers entering through the Blue Lane programme days at sea after departure and before arrival in Fiji are counted towards their 14 days of quarantine. From 11 November travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and were only in travel partner countries/territories including Australia New Zealand the United States the United Kingdom the United Arab Emirates Canada Qatar Germany Spain France South Korea Singapore Switzerland Japan and most Pacific Island countries/territories for 10 days prior to travel must stay in hotel premises for two days upon arrival instead of undergoing 14 days of quarantine. All travellers must have a negative result of a RT-PCT COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure to enter Nadi International Airport (NAN/NFFN). Health screening is conducted at Nadi International Airport and travellers with temperatures over 37.4 degrees Celsius are prohibited from boarding flights. Restrictions including a curfew are in effect in containment zones until further notice. Social distancing measures are in effect nationwide. International flights are suspended. Domestic tourists travelling from Viti Levu island to any other islands excluding Vanua Levu must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 among other requirements. Details can be found here. Travel to Viti Levu island from other areas of the country is mostly restricted to residents who obtained a permit from the Ministry of Commerce Trade Tourism and Transport for travelling for medical reasons or long-term relocation. Travellers must provide the reason for travel their preferred mode of travel duration of travel and their intended address in Viti Levu island to receive a permit. Travellers no longer need a registration number nor a Ministry of Health pass to travel from Vanua Levu island in Northern division to Central division (parts of Viti Levu island and a few outlying islands including Beqa). Authorities restricted movements from Viti Levu island to the rest of the country to travellers permitted on a case-by-case basis. Higher movement priority was given to people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel. Movements to Vanua Levu island in Northern division have been allowed for fully vaccinated travellers who tested negative for COVID-19 on a rapid test before. Such travellers must nevertheless enter home quarantine upon arrival for seven days. Travellers to Vanua Levu and Taveuni islands must obtain a Repatriation Pass by calling 3475190 and testing negative for COVID-19 72 hours before departure to board Fiji Link flights to those islands. Test results must be submitted through eoccentral16gmail.com or physically to a Divisional Commissioners Office. Authorities mandated full vaccination against COVID-19 to travel on Queens and Kings roads in Central and Western divisions. Travel into the lockdown areas is prohibited. Additionally travel to and from Kadavu provinces Waisomo in Eastern division has been restricted. Fiji Link the domestic service requires all passengers to have the careFIJI contact tracing app available at carefiji.digitalfiji.gov.fj/. Public transport operates at 70 percent capacity and 80 percent for fully vaccinated passengers. Regular inter-island travel is expected to resume nationwide from 11 November if rates of vaccination against COVID-19 continue to steadily rise in Northern division and maritime islands. Face masks are compulsory at Nadi International Airport (NAN/NFFN) and in public areas within containment or lockdown zones as well as on public transport vehicles. The island country has witnessed an outbreak since early 2021 which resulted in some curfew and movement restrictions being imposed in and around Greater Nadi. While healthcare facilities are ill-equipped to tackle widespread outbreaks authorities plan to reopen the country to international travellers after an 80 percent or higher COVID-19 vaccination rate is achieved sometime in November.
Kiribati
Oct 22 2021 Most economic activities have resumed and social distancing measures apply in all areas. A 21:00-06:00 local time curfew has been imposed in South Tarawa including Betio. All residents must stay at homes during curfew hours unless for emergency situations. All non-essential travel to and from outer islands is prohibited. Travellers are required to practice preventive measures such as social distancing maintaining good hygiene and self-quarantine at home to minimise the spread of infection. All social gatherings are banned until further notice. There are no known international flight bans in place. The borders are closed to most foreign nationals and non-essential travellers. All travellers coming from countries with local transmission of COVID-19 must spend 14 days in a country free of COVID-19 and obtain medical clearance prior to entering Kiribati. Authorities plan to open international borders sometime in January 2022. Before travel Permitted travellers must get tested 72 hours prior to departure to obtain a medical clearance. Travellers in Fiji can get their clearance from Zens Clinic in Nadi and Tebana39;s Surgery in Suva. There is no evidence of testing requirements for travellers after arrival. There are no known contact tracing apps recommended by the government. If travellers from COVID-19-affected countries arrive in Kiribati without spending 14 days in a COVID-19-free country they must quarantine at government facilities for 14 days and in some cases deportation to the country of origin may also be considered depending on the health condition of the individual. There are no known requirements for wearing face masks. Authorities have advised against travel to countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Kiribati remains one of the few countries globally without a confirmed COVID-19 case. Authorities implemented international travel restrictions as early as February 2020 to prevent an outbreak resulting from imported cases. COVID-19 measures remain in place as there is a risk of the infection spreading very quickly should it reach the country due to the lack of a strong health infrastructure.
Marshall Islands
Oct 21 2021 Domestic air travel between Kwajalein and Majuro is allowed on Air Marshall Islands airline only. Social distancing measures apply in all public areas. Most flights to the Marshall Islands remain limited but United Airlines have scheduled flights between Honolulus Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL/PHNL) in the United States Hawaii and Marshall Islands International Airport (MAJ/PKMJ) in October. All borders are closed to foreign nationals. Non-essential maritime travel is suspended. Vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for entry. Before travel Incoming travellers must test for COVID-19 antibody within 48 hours prior to entering their 14 days (seven if fully vaccinated) of pre-travel (phase 1) quarantine in Honolulu Hawaii take a PCR test on day one of their pre-travel quarantine and another PCR test 48 hours prior to their scheduled departure from Honolulu. After arrival Travellers must test for COVID-19 on days seven and 14 of their 14-day phase 2 quarantine. Fully vaccinated travellers who underwent a shorter seven days of phase 1 quarantine must additionally take a PCR and antigen test for COVID-19 on day one of phase 2 quarantine. There is no national contact tracing app. All incoming arrivals must conduct phase 1 quarantine in Honolulu Hawaii United States for 14 days then phase 2 in either the Arrak Quarantine Centre if arriving in Majuro or Kwaj Lodge Quarantine Centre if arriving in Kwajalein for another 14 days. Fully vaccinated travellers are eligible for seven days of shorter phase 1 quarantine in Honolulu. There are no face mask requirements at this time. Most economic activities have resumed and social distancing measures apply in all public areas. Owing to its remote location in the Oceania region Marshall Islands has not witnessed a wideaspread COVID-19 outbreak. The first two cases of COVID-19 were announced by authorities on 29 October 2020 but the infections were soon brought under control with tougher border restrictions. Officials have implemented social distancing measures in public spaces and hygiene practices in workplaces while relying mostly on international travel bans to prevent any further imported COVID-19 cases. Authorities plan to lift some international travel restrictions in the near term to allow visitors from those countries without an ongoing outbreak.
Micronesia
Oct 22 2021 Social distancing and sanitisation measures apply in all public areas. Some non-essential businesses are also closed with large public gatherings banned. All incoming passenger commercial flights through the country remain suspended except for very few repatriation flights; outgoing flights are also mostly limited to repatriation flights. All foreign nationals have been banned entry to Micronesia until further notice. All sea and air borders remain closed. After arrival All travellers will be tested after arrival on or around day 14 before being allowed to exit quarantine. There is no known contact tracing app in Micronesia. All returning residents permitted entry to Micronesia must quarantine at a government approved facility for 14 days upon arrival. There are no face mask requirements at this stage. Outbound travel remains open but is discouraged unless medically necessary. Social distancing measures remain in all public areas while most economic activities have resumed but a ban on inbound travel is in force. A clause allowing authorities to suspend domestic inter-state travel in the event of a detection of COVID-19 was added to the Declaration of Public Health Emergency which remains in force until at least 31 January 2022. While there is no COVID-19 outbreak in the Federated States of Micronesia authorities have adopted strict border control measures since the pandemic began. The territorys healthcare system is not equipped to handle a widespread outbreak. Social distancing measures remain in force. Authorities are unlikely to ease border control measures until the outbreak is contained in neighbouring countries in the Oceania region.
Nauru
Oct 21 2021 Residents in Nauru have been advised to follow social distancing measures in urban areas and onboard cabs and taxis. Most commercial flights operated by Nauru Airlines except limited services to Brisbane Australia remain suspended until further notice. Emergency humanitarian repatriation diplomatic and cargo flights are also exempt. Travellers who have spent at least 14 days in Australia (excluding areas with high cases of the virus including Australian Capital Territory New South Wales and Victoria) Cook Islands Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Taiwan Tonga Tuvalu or Vanuatu have been permitted entry. Visitors who have transited through or have been in Fiji Papua New Guinea or Australias Australian Capital Territory New South Wales or Victoria in the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter Nauru. Other travellers require an exemption to enter. Before travel Incoming travellers must produce a certificate of negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 72 hours prior to departure; the certificate must be shown when boarding the flight to Nauru. There is no evidence of testing requirements for travellers after arrival. There is no known national contact tracing app. Travellers coming in from abroad are required to quarantine for up to five days upon arrival. There are no face mask requirements at this time. Most economic activities are ongoing and social distancing measures apply in all public areas. Authorities in Nauru have relied on social distancing measures in urban areas and international travel bans to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in their territory. There are no cases of COVID-19 in Nauru so far. However authorities are unlikely to lift travel bans to allow international travellers into their country in the near-term as most tourists to Nauru originate from countries with an ongoing outbreak.
New Zealand
Oct 22 2021 Officials placed the Auckland and parts of Waikato (Waitomo district including Te Kuiti Waipa Otorohanga Raglan Te Kauwhata Huntly Ngaruawahia Hamilton City and some surrounding areas) under Level 3 alert until at least 1 November. Personal movement will be limited except for permitted reasons such as essential shopping exercise work education caregiving and for medical reasons. Catch-up gatherings of up to 10 people from no more than two households is allowed in the Auckland region as the first of a three-stage easing of Level 3 COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions. Domestic flights are limited in areas on lockdown. In areas excluding Auckland which are on Level 2 restrictions residents can travel only to those areas which are also on Level 2 or Level 1. Travel into and out of Auckland which is on Level 3 is prohibited. In areas excluding Auckland and Waikato which are on Level 2 restrictions indoor gatherings and outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people. The 100-person gathering limit is removed at hospitality venues provided that customers are seated and social distancing measures are followed in COVID-19 Level 2 alert areas including Wellington Canterbury Bay of Plenty Gisborne Hawkes Bay Taranaki Nelson Manawatu-Whanganui Tasman West Coast Otago Marlborough and Southland from 6 October. Most international flights operated by Air New Zealand the countrys flag carrier remain suspended until further notice. Emergency humanitarian repatriation diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt. International travellers have been allowed to transit through the countrys airports provided they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and do not enter the country. Commercial flights between New Zealand and Cook Islands have been halted along with their two-way quarantine free travel arrangement from 17 August. The quarantine free NZ-Australia travel bubble was suspended from 24 July due to the Delta variant outbreak in several Australian states. Only returning residents will be allowed into the country and subject to pre-departure tests and government facility quarantine. Flights between South Island and Australia are expected to start in the near-term. All borders are closed to most foreign nationals. Some essential workers with temporary visas will be permitted entry to New Zealand provided their employers get prior permission from the government. Dependants of New Zealand citizens and residents can also appy for an exemption to enter the country. From 28 January 2021 residents from the Cook Islands can travel to the country quarantine-free. Residents from New Zealand will also be able to travel to and from the Cook Islands without COVID-19 related quarantine restrictions after the lockdown ends in New Zealand as part of a new travel agreement. New Zealands travel bubble with Australia is suspended from 24 July due to localised outbreaks in Australia. Some vaccinated seasonal workers from Vanuatu are being allowed into the country from 4 October and from Samoa and Tonga from 12 October with eased quarantine measures. From 1 November foreign nationals aged 17 years and over looking to enter New Zealand must be fully vaccinated and will be subject to pre-departure testing and quarantine requirements. Before travel All travellers from Australia and very high risk countries including Brazil India Indonesia Pakistan and Papua New Guinea must produce a negative COVID-19 test result issued 72 hours prior to departure. The list of approved laboratories can be found here. All incoming travellers to New Zealand excluding those from Antarctica Cook Islands Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia Niue Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu and Vanuatu must provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained 72 hours prior to departure. Travellers from Antarctica Cook Islands Micronesia Fiji Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia Niue Palau Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu and Vanuatu do not need to produce a pre-departure test. Upon arrival Seasonal workers who received at least one dose of their vaccine and coming in from Vanuatu Samoa and Tonga are tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. After arrival Most incoming travellers are tested on Days 1 3 and Day 12 after arrival during their quarantine period except those from Antarctica and some Pacific island countries. Seasonal workers who received at least one dose of their vaccine from Vanuatu Tonga and Samoa are tested for COVID-19 on day five after arrival. NZ COVID Tracer is an optional contact tracing mobile app which can be downloaded from www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-resources-and-tools/nz-covid-tracer-app. New Zealand residents returning from abroad and approved travellers are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at government designated hotels. A Managed Isolation Allocation System is active and travellers will need to register on the online platform and obtain a voucher to secure a place in a managed isolation facility. Travellers are legally required to get a voucher or will be denied boarding. Cook Islanders can enter New Zealand without quarantine requirements. Authorities announced that quarantine-free entry was allowed for air travellers from Niue en route to New Zealand. A quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia was suspended from 24 July until 11 November. Returning residents were subject to mandatory 14 days quaratine at desginated government approved facilities for a fixed cost except for those coming on a managed return flight from New South Wales who will not have to pay for their quarantine costs. Seasonal workers who received at least one dose of their vaccine from Vanuatu Samoa and Tonga are allowed to skip managed isolation and quarantine and instead self-isolate at their place of work for seven days upon arrival. People aged 12 years and above must wear a face mask when visiting essential services including supermarkets service stations and pharmacies and onboard public transportation and related hubs including at bus and taxi terminals nationwide effective from 23:50 local time (11:50 GMT) on 18 August. Stricter exit rules for travel to the Pacific Islands will be enforced including restricting those who have travelled outside of New Zealand in the previous 14 days. Travel to and from Australia is allowed while travel to other non-Pacific countries remains banned. Auckland and parts of Waikato regions are under Level 3 alert until at least 1 November. Authorities in New Zealand have relied on periodic localised lockdowns border restrcitions and health screening and testing measures along with COVID-19 awareness drives to prevent a widespread outbreak. An extension of internal restrictions cannot be ruled out due to fears of community transmission from some imported new strains of COVID-19 since early August 2021. Border closures are also expected to remain in place in the near-term until the outbreak is contained in neighbouring Oceania and Pacific countries.
Palau
Oct 21 2021 Large public gatherings are banned in the territory until further notice. Social distancing measures apply in all other areas. All inbound commercial international flights to Palau are suspended. United Airlines has resumed some services between Palau (Koror) International Airport (ROR/PTRO) and Guam International Airport (GUM/PGUM) for repatriations and essential workers. A limited number of flights to and from Palau are operational following the resumption of the travel bubble between the two countries on 14 August. Flights have also resumed between Palau and Taiwan under a quarantine free travel bubble program. All non-vaccinated travellers except those entering under the travel-bubble agreement with Taiwan have been banned entry to Palau. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from vaccination requirement. Officials in Taiwan and Palau relaunched the travel bubble which allows for tourism with eased restrictions on 14 August. Travellers must stay with their tour groups avoid crowds and stay in their hotels and approved areas. Vaccinations against COVID-19 have been available on arrival in Palau. Before travel Incoming passengers must take a COVID-19 tests within 72 hours before departure. Test results can be substituted with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 including proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating that the traveller has recovered from COVID-19 and is cleared to travel. Taiwanese tourists entering as part of the travel bubble agreement must take a PCR test prior to boarding at Taoyuan Airport (TPE/RCTP). After arrival Travellers must test for COVID-19 on their first and fifth days following their arrival. The tests must occur at the Belau National Hospital between 8:00-10:30 local time at the cost of USD 30.50 per test. There is no national contact tracing app. All travellers are however required to were a monitoring wristband during the self-quarantine period. All travellers must undergo a five-day self-quarantine. Quarantine sites will be designated by the government. Travellers arriving from Taiwan under the travel bubble agreement are exempt from quarantine. There are no face mask requirements in public areas at this time. However all arriving travellers will be required to wear face shields upon exiting their aircraft and travelling to their quarantine facility. Social distancing measures prevail in all public areas. Due to its remote location in the Oceania region Palau has not witnessed a major COVID-19 outbreak. Authorities have relied on international travel bans and social restrictions to prevent any COVID-19 infections. Authorities are unlikely to reopen their borders to foreign visitors in the near-term as most of the countries surrounding the island nation have prevailing COVID-19 outbreaks.
Papua New Guinea
Oct 22 2021 Travel in and out of areas designated as high-risk for COVID-19 is banned. These areas currently include Sandaun Eastern Highlands and Western provinces. Exemptions will be made for those travelling for essential reasons such as medical care. From 18 October until 1 November a lockdown is in effect in Western Highlands province. Police have erected checkpoints at all provincial and district borders including in Mount Hagen while religious and funeral gatherings have been banned. Essential workers and some students have been allowed travel exemptions. From 18 October recreational venues such as nightclubs and gambling facilities were closed in Arawa Buin and Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Inter-provincial travel has been banned for most travellers with effect from 22 March; permitted travellers must produce a negative test one day prior to travel. Passengers must be temperature tested upon entering all airport terminals wear face masks and fill out contact tracing form at check-in and health form in-flight. Travellers on aircrafts with high temperatures have not been allowed to travel. Travellers not vaccinated against COVID-19 have been barred from travel between provinces by aircraft. Unvaccinated travellers arriving or departing at Goroka Airport (GKA/AYGA) in Goroka Eastern Highlands province as well as travellers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms at Mount Hagen Airport (HGU/AYMH) in Kagamuga are required to undergo Rapid Diagnostic Testing for COVID-19. Those who test positive must quarantine. In Bougainville people have been urged to avoid travelling between communities and restrictions on inter-province travel remain in place; those with COVID-19 symptoms must get tested before they travel into and out of Bougainville. Operations at the Aropa airport (KIE/AYIQ) were suspended commercial flights to and from Port Moresby Airport (POM/AYPY) are operating through Buka Airport (BUA/AYBK). Travel in and out of Western Highlands province as well as between its districts is suspended from 18 October until 1 November; essential workers and some students will be allowed travel exemptions. Social distancing measures remain in place. Authorities have called on citizens to refrain from certain cultural and social activities such as sports and large religious gatherings. Gatherings that are larger than 20 are banned until 30 October. Those that can be held require pre-approval from the local authorities. Restaurants and shops can operate between 07:00-22:00 local time activities related to gambling and night clubs were prohibited and buses are allowed a maximum of 15 passengers. In Bougainville maritime and airport security have increased along with the enforcement of health protocols for businesses and individuals. The main public hospital in Port Moresby has restricted its services due to surging COVID-19 infections; consultation and gynaecology clinics were shut all elective surgeries were on hold and people were urged to avail emergency services at other clinics. Increased health and security checks are in place at border and other areas of Enga province face masks are compulsory on public and private transport buses can load a maximum of 13 passengers essential businesses can operate with reduced capacities and operating hours and large public gatherings are banned. Instances of looting targeting Asian stores were reported across Lae Morobe province on 3-5 April 2020 as some residents allegedly blamed expatriates for the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result multiple shops were periodically closed in Laes Bumayong Miles West Taraka and Bundi areas. Further looting incidents and possible assaults targeting expatriates are likely in the near term if COVID-19 infections continue to rise. Police officers stormed and blocked access to the Eastern Highlands provincial headquarters in Goroka on 4 May 2020 due to the non-payment of allowances from a COVID-19-related tracing and surveillance operation. Further related protests with the potential to escalate to unrest with police remain likely in the near-term if the government is unable to successfully negotiate with protesters over their wages. Authorities have allowed limited international flights to operate to and from Australia Singapore Hong Kong Japan the Solomon Islands Fiji Nauru Micronesia Vanuatu the Cook Islands Samoa Palau and Niue through Jacksons International Airport (POM/AYPY) in Port Moresby. Flights with India as its last point of departure are banned from landing. Air France Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines connecting passengers transiting in Singapore within 48 hours have been allowed to enter. Only Air Niugini PNG Air Hevilift Tropic Air and Pacific Direct Limited have been permitted to operate flights to and from Papua New Guinea. Only fully or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed entry into the country; unvaccinated Papua New Guinean nationals and residents are exempt. All land and sea borders remain closed to most foreign nationals except for approved travellers such as essential workers. Only vaccinated travellers specifically authorised by the National Pandemic Controller David Manning may cross these borders. A travel form and a health form are required for entry. Before travel All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test administered no older than 72 hours prior to boarding. Upon arrival All travellers will be tested upon arrival. After arrival All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellersas well as those arriving from high-risk countries - including India and the Philippines - regardless of their vaccination status will be subject to post-arrival testing on days seven and 12 during their quarantine. Authorities announced that all international arrivals must install a tracking app or carry a tracking device to be allowed entry until further notice. Foreign nationals without residency status were required to wear a global positioning system ankle monitor for the duration of their quarantine. Travellers will cover the cost for the monitors which is set at USD 28. All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated arrivals as well as those arriving from high-risk countries (India and the Philippines) regardless of their vaccination status must quarantine for 14 days; unvaccinated diplomats must quarantine for 21 days. The cost of quarantine and testing completed while isolating will be at the expense of the individual in quarantine. Some travellers with a written exemption may be allowed to self-isolate at home. A tracking device is used to monitor quarantine compliance. A list of hotels approved for quarantine can be found here. The wearing of face masks is mandatory in all public areas nationwide including onboard public transport and inside shops in Port Moresby. Passengers are required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test at airports prior to check-in. Some inter-provincial movement restrictions social distancing measures and limits on large gatherings remain in effect nationwide. Authorities in Papua New Guinea have relied on border closures strict lockdown measures and internal movement restrictions to tackle the outbreak. There has been a spike in new infections from early March 2021. Authorities have implemented testing kits health screening measures and a call centre for people to check their symptoms quickly on the phone. A further easing of restrictions is unlikely in the near-term when infections are on the rise and the countrys healthcare infrastructure is incapable of handling a widespread outbreak. A 14:00-06:00 curfew is in effect in Eastern Highlands province. The curfew will be reviewed on 27 October. A 18:00-06:00 curfew is in effect in Western Highlands province from 18 October until 1 November.
Samoa
Oct 21 2021 Public buses can operate normally. Ferries between Upolu and Savaii resumed on Sundays and a ban on flights between Upolu and Savaii was lifted. A nationwide state of emergency remains in place until 24 October. All businesses must close on Sundays unless exempted otherwise. Supermarkets have been allowed to operate during 06:00-22:00 local time from Mondays to Saturdays and 12:00-22:00 on Sundays while restaurants can operate from 06:00 to 23:00 from Mondays to Saturdays. Pharmacies and petrol stations can open on Sundays from 15:00-22:00. Bars and nightclubs can operate from 06:00-23:00 from Mondays to Saturdays while street vendors selling clothing fruit vegetables and cooked food may also reopen in Apia. Most commercial international flights and ferry services remain suspended until further notice. Emergency diplomatic repatriation and cargo flights are exempt. Travellers with a history of a positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test result are banned from entering Samoa for at least six months from the date of their first positive test and must provide a genome sequencing test result of the virus if available and have three consecutive negative results from COVID-19 tests taken 14 days apart before their date of departure. All test results must be in English and submitted via email to the Director General of Health through ceohralth.gov.ws and Doctor Robert Thomsen through robertthealth.gov.ws to gain entry approval. All travellers must email Samoa Health (enquirieshealth.gov.ws or samoahealth.travelenquiriesgmail.com) at least 21 days prior to travel to gain entry permission. Entry is granted on a case-by-case basis considering the travellers departure location and vaccination status among other criteria. Travellers departing from Fiji or other countries with the widespread transmission of the COVID-19 delta variant are barred from entry as well as transit. All travellers must have spent at least 28 days in a country with minimal or no community transmission of the delta variant before travelling to Samoa. All travellers arriving from American Samoa who travelled outside of American Samoa must have been in American Samoa for at least 28 days after quarantine to be permitted entry into Samoa. Before travel Travellers must have a negative result of a blood serology COVID-19 antibody test taken within seven days before departure and a negative result of a RT-PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours prior to departure to be presented upon arrival. Fully vaccinated air crew are exempt from the blood serology COVID-19 antibody testing requirement. All test results must be in English. There are no testing requirements for travellers after arrival. Samoa Travel Tracer is an optional contact tracing app. There are no face mask requirements at this time. Restrictions on travel and businesses are in effect as part of a State of Emergency (SoE) which is subject to renewal on a monthly basis. The ongoing SoE was extended until 24 October. Due to its remote location in the Oceania region Samoa has not witnessed a widespread COVID-19 outbreak. Authorities as a precaution implemented social distancing measures which have eased since early May after authorities were convinced that there were no infections in the territory. Churches schools and some non-essential businesses have resumed. A further easing of social restrictions are likely in the near-term as authorities are keen on resuming all economic activities. Samoan nationals residents returning from abroad and travellers are required to quarantine at government-designated facilities for 21 days upon arrival. Some residents will be allowed to self-quarantine in their home on a case-by-case basis.
Tonga
Oct 21 2021 A 00:00-05:00 local time curfew is in effect nationwide. Public transportation has resumed with limited capacities within Tonga. Inter-island travel has been reinstated between the Haapai Vavau and Niua group of islands. Authorities have banned social gatherings of over 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors except for gatherings at religious services and educational institutions while most non-essential businesses remain closed. People must maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) at all gatherings. Vendors selling agricultural and fishery items are allowed to operate. Some night clubs and bars are allowed to operate for limited periods on Fridays and Saturdays. Authorities plan to pass a bill that will make it a crime for anyone to refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with penalties of up to USD 1000 fine or imprisonment of no more than six months nationwide. The bill was expected to be deliberated by a committee before it is submitted to the Legislative Assembly for the final reading and voting. Further information was not immediately available. All commercial flights are suspended until further notice. Emergency humanitarian repatriation diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt. All sea and land borders are closed to foreign nationals. Before travel All travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Tonga. There are no known after arrival tests for travellers. There is no national contact tracing app. Tongan nationals and residents returning from abroad are required to quarantine at government-designated facilities for 21 days upon arrival. There are no face mask requirements at this time. While there are no known exit requirements limited repatriation flights are available for travel out of Tonga. Authorities have imposed gathering limits and night curfews until 20:00 local time on 25 October. Officials in Tonga have been relying on curfews and social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. There have been no confirmed cases of infections reported in Tonga. International travel restrictions are likely to remain in Tonga until the COVID-19 outbreak slows in other neighbouring Pacific countries.
Tuvalu
Oct 21 2021 There are no known disruptions to public transport services. However public transportation may be limited in areas with suspected cases. Authorities have allowed the resumption of church services and other non-essential businesses since April while some public spaces may be closed. Residents have been advised to follow social distancing measures in all public areas. While there is no ban on international flights through Tuvalu most airlines have suspended flights through the country except for emergency and repatriation flights. All foreign nationals and non-residents are barred from entering Tuvalu. Before travel All travellers permitted to enter Tuvalu must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate issued at least 72 hours prior to departure. Upon arrival All travellers are tested upon arrival. There is no known contact tracing app in the country. All incoming travellers to Tuvalu will be quarantined at government approved facilities for at least two weeks. There are no known facemask requirements at this stage. Social distancing measures apply in all areas and economic activities have resumed. Due to its remote location in the Oceania region Tuvalu has not experienced a COVID-19 outbreak. Authorities have relied on strict border control measures and social distancing rules internally to avoid spread of infections. The country has limited healthcare facilities which are not capable of handling a widespread outbreak hence strict border control measures are likely to remain in the near term.
Vanuatu
Oct 21 2021 Domestic flight services and public transportation services have resumed on limited schedules across the country. Entertainment venues remain closed while public gatherings are limited to up to five people. All non-essential businesses and public transport services have been ordered to halt operations by 19:30 and 21:00 local time respectively. Authorities plan to make vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for workers of government or private companies when the country transitions out of a state of emergency (SoE) and a Public Health Emergency Declaration is declared by the Health Minister. The current SoE was set until 31 December but an earlier end of the SoE was expected in the near term. All commercial flights were suspended until at least 31 December. Emergency humanitarian diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt. All ports of entry are closed to foreign visitors until at least 31 December. Eligible travellers must apply for prior permission to enter the country via the Vanuatu Electronic Traveller System within 24-72 hours prior to departure. Before travel Travellers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to departure. Travellers from Oceanian countries/regions other than Australia New Zealand Papua New Guinea Guam French Polynesia New Caledonia and Fiji are exempt. After arrival Travellers must test for COVID-19 on days five and 11 of quarantine. Those who were in COVID-19 high-risk countries within 14 days prior to travel must additionally test for COVID-19 on day one of quarantine. There is no national contact tracing app. All travellers are required to quarantine at government designated facilities for 14 days upon arrival at the travellers own cost. There are no face mask requirements at this time. Vanuatu nationals and residents are not allowed to exit the country for non-essential travel. SoE and social distancing measures remain in force until 31 December 2021. Authorities were quick to restrict entry to foreign nationals when other neighbouring Pacific countries started reporting case numbers and successfully prevented a widespread COVID-19 outbreak last year. Authorities have periodically imposed strict nationwide lockdown measures in areas with potential risk of COVID-19 infections. A nationwide state of emergency is in effect until 31 December in response to both the pandemic and persisting disruptions caused by Category-5 Cyclone Harold in early April.