Tourists are no longer obliged to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival in Fiji.

Previously, travellers had to schedule a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 72 hours of their arrival. Tourists were compelled to spend seven days of isolation if the test proved positive.

In addition, a pre-departure test requirement had been in effect, but it was eliminated in May.

In a statement, the Fijian government announced that as of September 5, on-arrival testing would no longer be required given to the island nation’s widespread immunisation and low case numbers.

Arrivals who show Covid-19 symptoms will continue to be required to undergo testing, but the isolation period for those who test positive will be lowered to five days.

The government stated that the shortened isolation period will “substantially benefit” Fiji’s tourism economy.

“With hotels reporting occupancy at pre-Covid levels, they will now be able to free up inventory – easing the pressure during peak tourism season,” the statement said.

This further enables hotels to accept new reservations and generate new revenue.

The need that all visitors be completely immunised would continue to exist.

In July, Fiji welcomed 78,638 tourists, which represents 82% of the expected amount for July 2019.

The island nation anticipates having had 500,000 visitors by the end of the year.