Travel restrictions widen to cover foreign nationals who have been present in Spain

Fiji has widened its existing travel restrictions to cover all foreign nationals who have been present in Spain within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

From today, Fiji’s borders will be closed to all foreign nationals who have been present in mainland China, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Spain within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

The Permanent Secretary for Immigration, Yogesh Karan says  Fijians returning from mainland China, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Spain are required to undergo mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to Fiji.

Karan says all Fijians travelling overseas should be aware, if a country they visit is added to Fiji’s restricted travel list while they are abroad, they will also be required to undergo mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Fiji.

He says Fijians are also strongly urged to refrain from any non-essential overseas travel.

He adds due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, new countries may be added to Fiji’s restricted travel list at any time.

The Permanent Secretary adds all international air passengers will continue to be checked with handheld temperature scanners prior to entering the country, and their travel history and health status will be screened by border agents.

Karan say as announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, preparations are underway to introduce thermal scanners at our international airports.

He adds cruise ships are not permitted to berth anywhere in Fiji,  Government ministers, permanent secretaries, civil servants and statutory body staff members are not permitted to travel overseas barring exceptionally critical circumstances.

He says international events have been banned and overseas guests are not permitted to participate in local events.

Karan further says in the interest of preventing an outbreak of COVID-19 in Fiji, it is vital that all Fijians heed the call from the Prime Minister to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water and limit person-to-person contact as much as possible.