International borders to open in the Pacific
By Isabelle Jurukovski
A majority of the Pacific region is now open to visitors, following years of being closed off to the rest of the world during the beginning and height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Fiji leading the pack in December 2021, many Pacific countries have since followed suit and have gradually reopened or are on the path of reopening their borders to international travellers.
Despite borders re-opening and vaccination rates continuing to rise in the region, Pacific countries have implemented entry requirements that must be adhered to by all incoming travellers. The table below outlines what you need to know about current and upcoming border openings in the Pacific.
You will also need to make sure you are familiar with your country’s requirements for returning home from any of these Pacific countries.
Country | Border Opening Date | Entry Requirements |
Fiji | Fiji’s borders have been opened to all international travellers since 1 December 2021. | The current entry requirements into Fiji are as follows:
If you test positive for COVID-19 in Fiji, you will need to isolate for 7 days at your accommodation. |
Papua New Guinea | Papua New Guinea’s borders have been opened to all international travellers since 16 February 2022. | The current entry requirements into PNG are as follows:
All people departing PNG will also be tested for COVID-19 within 7 days prior to travel. |
Niue | Niue’s borders were opened to all international travellers on 28 June 2022. However, flights are only available direct via New Zealand. Those wishing to travel from outside New Zealand must travel via New Zealand and meet border entry requirements for both New Zealand and Niue | The current entry requirements for Niue are as follows:
All travellers are required to get tested on Days 1 and 3 after touching down in Niue. If you test positive for COVID-19 you will be required to isolate at your accommodation at your own cost. |
Cook Islands | Cook Islands’ borders were opened to all international travellers on 1 May 2022. However, flights are only available direct via Auckland, New Zealand. Those wishing to travel from outside New Zealand must travel via New Zealand and meet border entry requirements for both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. | The current entry requirements into the Cook Islands are as follows:
If you test positive for COVID-19 in the Cook Islands, you will need to isolate for 7 days at your accommodation along with their household contact/s. |
Solomon Islands | Solomon Islands’ borders were opened to all international travellers on 1 July 2022. | The current entry requirements into Solomon Islands are as follows:
Copies of the test, vaccination certificates and questionnaire must be sent to NHEOC_REPAT@moh.gov.sb. |
Vanuatu | Vanuatu’s borders were opened to all international travellers on 1 July 2022. | There is no requirement for international travellers to be fully vaccinated before travelling to Vanuatu. There is also no requirement for travellers to Vanuatu to quarantine or be tested upon arrival. However, all travellers (aged 2 years and above) must provide at departure the following evidence:
The evidence of a negative result will need to be provided in advance of travel at the airline check-in desk and will need to be presented to the border control agent upon arrival in Vanuatu. If you test positive for COVID-19 in Vanuatu, you will need to isolate for 7 days at a hotel or resort with approved isolation Standard Operating Procedures. |
Kiribati | Kiribati’s borders will open to all international travellers on 1 August 2022. | All international travel to and from Kiribati will return to normal on 1 August 2022. The details of the entry requirements for Kiribati following the border re-opening are yet to be confirmed by the Tourism Authority Kiribati. |
Samoa | Samoa’s borders will open to all international travellers on 1 August 2022. | Currently the borders are only open to returning residents and essential workers. The current entry requirements include:
In the lead up to the reopening of borders on 1 August 2022, the Samoan Ministry of Health has indicated that entry requirements could be relaxed. |
Marshall Islands | Marshall Island’s borders will open to all international travellers on 1 October 2022, depending on COVID-19 developments. | The Marshall Islands government has announced that the entry requirements from 1 October 2022 for international travellers will include:
Upon arrival into the Marshall Islands, all travellers will need to undertake a Supervised RAT and will also need to quarantine at their home or accommodation for five days, with a RAT on Day 5. |
Note: We believe this information is current at 19th July 2022.