Fiji has Reopened Its International Borders to Cruise Ships

After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, Fiji has reopened its international borders to cruise ships.

The relaxation of cruise ship call restrictions comes six months after the resumption of air travel into the Pacific archipelago, which attracted 118,000 tourists.

The move is expected to aid Fiji’s ongoing economic recovery.

Prior to the pandemic, cruise lines, passengers, and crew spent £16.5 million per year in Fiji.

According to a 2018 study on the economic impact of cruise tourism in Fiji, each ship brings an average of £113,497 in spending per port of call, and each passenger brings £33.50.

According to a Tourism Fiji spokesperson:  “With cruise vessels soon entering and docking in Fijian waters, the high direct spends by visitors to our shores will directly benefit handicraft sellers, which are mostly women, as well as local tour operators who regularly line up at the Lautoka port on cruise days.”

All passengers and crew over the age of 16 must be fully vaccinated with a Fiji-approved Covid-19 vaccine, and an antigen test must be completed within 24 hours of arrival.

Valid medical travel insurance with Covid-19 international coverage is also required.