Fiji Travel Bula Bubble - Is It Safe to Travel to Fiji from Australia & New Zealand?

Klook Team

Last updated 18 Nov 2021

Ready to bid COVID blues bye-bye with a visit to Fiji! Image credits - @fly_fijiairways, @tourismfiji, @vomoislandfiji on Instagram

The pandemic has been on much longer than expected, and the avid traveller amongst us has missed being out there on the road. If you are the island type perhaps you’re missing the beach?

On the note of beaches, one of the places that many Aussies and Kiwis look forward to visiting has to be the beautiful island of Fiji!

Thanks to the initiation of the Trans-Tasman bubble, Australians and New Zealanders who have been pining to head for the Pacific Islands have received a much-needed lifeline.

This was one of the key outcomes from a meeting that the Australian Prime Minister, Scomo himself, had with his New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Arden. For the travel deprived, this is awesome news indeed!Surely, for nations like Fiji that are almost wholly dependent on tourism revenues as 40% of the country's GDP comes from the tourism industry and is critical for their economy, the implementation of a Fiji travel bubble can’t have come a moment too soon.

So, if Fiji is where you want to head for your next vacation, read on for all the information you need on the destination and all the travel advisory you should know before booking your trip.

1. Planning a Trip to Fiji? Here’s What You Have to Know on Covid Travel Restrictions

Covid-19 Travel Advisory

For a country with over one-third of its tourists visiting from Australia and New Zealand, Fiji sure has been a perennial favourite with Aussies and Kiwis. In 2019, that number rose to a staggering 41% of all tourists to Fiji arriving from Australia.

Of course, the COVID -19 pandemic has dealt a big blow to the travel scene globally, and there are currently Fiji travel restrictions applicable. But things have been looking up, and by the end of this year, hopefully, this island paradise could well be your chosen travel destination again.

Here is a closer look at your prospects with the latest update on the Fiji travel bubble and travel advisory for Australians and New Zealanders planning to visit Fiji.

Is There COVID in Fiji?

From 2020, the COVID-19 virus has been affecting the whole world, forcing countries to shut down their borders. Though Fiji managed to remain almost covid-free through 2020 by tightening its borders, in 2021, they were hit by severe outbreaks.

From less than 100 cases reported in March 2021, Fiji has been reporting a daily average of 200 positive cases as of mid-September 2021. While this may not be high in comparison to other and bigger nations, such consistent numbers being reported means travel should still be avoided.

Is it safe to travel to Fiji & When Will Fiji Open Its Borders?

Fiji will initially offer quarantine-free travel to fully vaccinated tourists from Travel Partner countries. Currently these are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

Once you arrive, you can holiday safely and enjoy the best of Fiji knowing that when sticking to Care Fiji Committed businesses, everyone you interact with will be fully vaccinated.

The following applies to visitors from Travel Partner countries who plan to visit Fiji from 1st December 2021! More info here.

Is There Any Quarantine Period Required?

No! Once you arrive, you can holiday safely and enjoy the best of Fiji knowing that when sticking to Care Fiji Committed businesses, everyone you interact with will be fully vaccinated.

Do You Have To Wear a Mask?

You should follow the COVID-19 protocol in Fiji, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.

When Can I Travel To Fiji Again?

From 1 December 2021, Fiji will offer quarantine-free travel to fully vaccinated tourists from Travel Partner countries. Currently these are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

2. Where to get Flights From Australia to Fiji?

Fiji is very well connected to various parts of Australia and New Zealand. Qantas, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia and Jetstar have flights from Australia to Fiji, while Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and Qantas fly from New Zealand to Fiji.

However, these are unusual times, and the airlines have suspended their flights for now.

If you are planning a trip to Fiji, you will have to wait till 30th November as Qantas has soft plans to resume its Sydney to Fiji flights by mid-December. Fiji Airways could restart quarantine-free flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Fiji as early as 1st November.

As for travel between the islands, the domestic arm of Fiji Airways and Fiji Link, will start its flights between Suva and Nadi for fully vaccinated passengers. All the pilots, cabin crew and engineers employed with Fiji Link and the airport ground staff in Nadi and Suva are fully vaccinated.

How Long Is The Flight to Fiji?

Depending on where you are in Australia or New Zealand, Fiji is a short flight away and ideal for a short weekend getaway or a leisurely longer vacation. At between four to six hours flying time, there aren’t very many destinations so easily accessible and irresistible, all at once, from the east coast.

Fiji flights from Sydney are available daily and take approximately 4 hours. Daily direct Fiji flights from Brisbane take only 3 hours and 30 minutes. Fiji flights from Melbourne are available five days a week, and the flying time is about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Air New Zealand flies once a week from Auckland to Nadi in Fiji.

Where To Get Flight Tickets?

Once the borders open, flight tickets will be available on many of the leading airline website portals like Qantas, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

3. What Do I Need to Know About Fiji Before I Go?

Where is Fiji Located?

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a cluster of 332 islands, out of which 110 are inhabited.

Is Fiji a Country?

Fiji is a country that is officially known as the Republic of Fiji.

Is Fiji Far from Australia?

Fiji is one of the best island destinations in the world, located about 3000 km east of Australia and 2000 km north of New Zealand.

As a travel and holiday destination, Fiji ticks several boxes and is easily one of the most visited countries for Australians and New Zealanders who want a quick, close, yet fulfilling option for an island getaway.

Whether you are a beach person – or better still, an island person – or have a fascination for new culture and living, Fiji has it all.

There is an overdose of sun, sand and surf that is more than welcoming. And for the adventurer there are reefs, lagoons, islands and, of course, plenty of water sports to indulge in. No wonder Aussies and Kiwis make it a habit of visiting Fiji whenever possible.

Is Fiji Family Friendly?

Fijians are extremely friendly and inviting, making Fiji a family-friendly destination. Their relaxed and laid back vibes are sure to win you over.

There is no way one trip can do justice to a place like Fiji. Officially, there are 332 islands - though one in three islands is not inhabited. But even with the ones that are, there is so much to see and do. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are perennial favourites, but there are many more Fijian sights and experiences to be had in the different islands.

What Are The Languages Spoken in Fiji?

Fiji can be an easy country to travel to, given that English is one of the languages spoken in the islands. Of course, among the locals, Fijian and Fijian Hindi are also widely spoken on the island.

What Is The Currency Used in Fiji?

The local currency is the Fijian Dollar or the FJD. One Australian Dollar or the AUD is worth approximately 1.52 FJD (dependent on current exchange rates). One New Zealand Dollar or NZD is worth approximately 1.57 FJD.

Is Fiji An Expensive Destination?

Fiji can be a great destination to travel to, but this can come at a cost. Firstly, there are limited flights from both Australia and New Zealand and traveling to Fiji is the first major expense to contend with.

If you are looking for some luxurious accommodation in swanky and scenic resorts, this can be expensive as well. But, that said, there are plenty of alternatives in Fiji with hotels and even Airbnb’s. For those on a budget, hostels can be a great option too.

Getting around Fiji is not difficult. The local bus service is just right for those on a tight budget. For those who want a little more comfort, renting a car is a more preferred option.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food with more than enough to choose from. There are upmarket restaurants as well as budget eating joints, including market stalls. For those looking to have a drink, take your pick from the pricier choices at the resorts to the local brews that are available at bars and supermarkets as well. And if you are the type that thrives on great food and drinks – yaqona, a drink made from the roots of a pepper tree, can be addictive.

Again, for sightseeing and attractions as well as activities, Fiji does offer both a higher ticket cost and more affordable alternatives depending on your budget.

Which Type of Plug Point Is Used in Fiji?

Fiji also uses the type I adapter plugs used in Australia and New Zealand. These three-pin power outlets work with electrical connections up to 240 volts. For other plug points you might need to bring an adapter or buy one at the airport.

Do Aussies Need a Visa to Enter Fiji?

Fiji has a visa on arrival programme for a list of countries, including Australia and New Zealand. You need to show your passport at immigration upon arrival.

Best Time To Visit Fiji?

Fiji is all about the sun and the sand, and lots of it too. There are just two seasons to choose from, making it so much simpler to decide when to go. However we suggest you visit Fiji from December to April as it is comfortably warm.

Weather in Fiji

Fiji has perfect tropical weather making the place an exotic destination all year round. The temperatures are mild and hover around 25-30 degrees Celsius.

What Happens if You Get Sick While in Fiji?

Should you face a medical requirement while travelling to Fiji, there are hospitals and private healthcare facilities available on the islands. These may be mostly restricted to urban areas like Suva or Nadi. For now, it is best to avoid travel to the rural, interior areas of the island. Pharmacies too are available in the more populous towns, but they may not stock the gamut of medicines you are likely to find in Australia and New Zealand.

What To Do in Fiji?

Fiji is filled with fun activities for the entire family! Some of our favorite, fun-filled activities include:

Taking a soul-cleansing therapeutic Nadi mud bath on this tour

Discover the wonders of Nadi while on a guided tour. There’s everything from a famous Hindu temple to towns, artifacts and gardens to explore.

End the evening with a tasty dinner and sacred flame show. Nothing beats the mesmerizing dancing and twirling flames.

4. Final thoughts

While battling a COVID-19 outbreak, this Pacific island getaway had been out of reach during the last 18 months. However, with vaccination numbers so high in Fiji and constantly climbing, traveling to the island may be closer than you think. With the number of cases starting to come under control, a lot is going for a destination that Aussies and Kiwis have historically loved to travel to.

Qantas is already planning resumption of flights in December, it looks like Fiji is all set to welcome tourists again, and the islands could well be where you are headed for Christmas and the holiday season in 2021.

So, pack your bags and get your bathers ready! Fiji is calling.

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