Tahiti Closed

[larsfforsberg]

Any thoughts on Tahiti closing? Has anyone heard any time frames? It closed yesterday or the day before, and I haven't been able to get any solid intel regarding anything other than they followed France's lead, and shut down tourism. I'm in Tahiti now and I'm not a citizen of the EU.


Any thoughts on the way forward? Will they stop departures by boat, like Australia etc? How about planes from the US? Does anyone have a friend at the airlines? This could get complicated, as New Zealand has just shut down for all of 2021.


Will Fiji follow? - closing the door to exit Tahiti?


What about Hawaii for Americans? Does anyone know for sure the situation for Americans sailing to Hawaii? Is it possible politically to sail to Hawaii from French Polynesia currently (after cyclone season of course)?

[JPA Cate]

France locked down France. Perhaps they've included Outre Mer, (the French Overseas Territories), as well. New Caledonia has been closed since early last year.

The long term history of pandemics is that they run about 5 years. We may be struggling a lot longer than we have hoped for.

If the US has bad troubles with the SA strain of Covid, like Britain, we may see similar tightenings.

Sorry to not be more encouraging, but we'll see whether one of the not yet released vaccines will impact transmission of that strain -- or not. The processes are not fast.

Ann

[Montanan]

Travelers arriving by sea

“It is forbidden for any pleasure boat arriving in French Polynesia to call, anchor or park, or disembark at sea any person in the internal waters and territorial sea of French Polynesia until further notice”. – Art.13 of the Order No. HC 3099 CAB of October 20, 2020. https://www.service-public.pf/dpam/w...20.10.2020.pdf



Papeete, February 1st, 2021
Travel restrictions to French Polynesia

Faced with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases around the world and in order to preserve French Polynesia which has for its part, shown significant improvement for several consecutive weeks, the authorities have decided to temporarily suspend travel to French Polynesia including for tourists from all origins until further notice.

As of Wednesday, February 3rd, travel will be authorized only for travelers who can justify one of the compelling reasons (health, professional, family, return home) as described on the website of the High Commission. The duration of this measure will be specified in the coming days.

Travelers currently in French Polynesia whose return is scheduled during this week can end their stay normally; beyond that, it is advisable to contact your airline to check your flight schedule.

All travelers aged 11 and over who travel to French Polynesia by air are subject to the following mandatory conditions:

Prior to boarding:
Proof of a negative RT-PCR test (any RT-PCR test listed on this FDA site is allowed) carried out within three days prior to their international air departure. If the result is not obtained in due time, a certificate of completion of the RT-PCR test must be presented to the airline company, together with a negative result to an antigen test performed on the day of boarding. Any antigen test listed on this FDA site is acceptable for the same-day test in the event the RT-PCR test result was not received. Self-tests are not accepted.
Present the receipt of the health registration from the Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information System).
Present the certificate of derogatory travel HERE and the declaration on honour HERE completed and signed.
During the stay:
Travelers must complete a self-test 4 days after arrival in French Polynesia. The self–test will be provided upon arrival in French Polynesia.
Prior to departure (returning in United States only):
Beginning January 26, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all passengers 2 years of age or older on a flight to the United States, regardless of their immunization status, to present at check-in :
A negative result from a Covid-19 viral test carried out within 3 days prior to their international flight;
or, in the case of a previous Covid-19 infection within the last 3 months prior to departure, a positive viral test result, along with an official letter from a physician indicating that the passenger has made a full recovery and is authorized to travel;
The possible options for testing prior to departure are available HERE. For travelers who could not carry out their test before reaching the international airport, antigenic testing are available at Tahiti Faa’a Airport. Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Travelers staying in the islands need to ensure to reach Tahiti no later than 4:00 p.m to have enough time to get tested at the airport’s Covid Center.

Also, the authorities of French Polynesia have declared a state of health emergency with the application of reinforced measures through Feburary 15, 2021.

A curfew is in effect on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. All trips, circulation or movement in public areas are prohibited, every day, between 9:00 pm and 4:00 am through February 15, 2021 with the possibility to be extended. The official statement can be downloaded on the website of the High Commission. Find the curfew terms and conditions in the frequently asked questions.

[Montanan]

From February 3, travelers will have to justify an overriding reason

The Franceinfo site publishes the list of reasons as well as the documents necessary to be able to justify them


For compelling personal or family reasons

Death of a family member in the direct line of a brother or sister; visit to a person whose prognosis is in danger, for direct line family members. Required documents: act or certificate of death, medical certificate establishing the situation of the person whose vital prognosis is engaged.
Custody of children by the parent vested with parental authority or whose custody right is recognized by a court decision. Required documents: court decision and supporting document for the place of residence
Summons by a judicial or administrative authority. Required document: summons by the administrative or judicial authority
Legal or economic impossibility of remaining in the territory in which the person is located. Execution of an expulsion measure from the territory. Required documents: Expiring residence permit, act of dismissal, etc.
Students at the start, resumption or end of their studies. Required document: school certificate issued by the establishment
For an overriding reason for health

Vital medical emergency (for the person as well as an accompanying person if their presence is essential). Required documents: medical certificate, proof of scheduled hospitalization, etc.
For compelling professional reasons

Missions essential to the pursuit of an economic activity, requiring an on-site presence which cannot be postponed and whose postponement or cancellation would have manifestly disproportionate consequences or would be impossible (including transport professionals). Required documents: employer's certificate, professional card for international freight transport crews, international passenger transport, international maritime transport
Health professional contributing to the fight against Covid-19 or participating in cooperation operations of major interest in health matters. Required document: professional card
One-off missions linked to the exercise of public authority prerogatives (including diplomatic missions) that cannot be postponed or postponed. Required document: professional card, mission order
High level professional sportsmen for participation in meetings validated by the Ministry of Sports. Required document: professional card, certificate issued by the organizer in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports

[Montanan]

As to Hawaii

There is being contemplated an easing of travel restrictions after the most vulnerable population have been vaccinated.

Reference:

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/...ted-travelers/

[Discovery 15797]

Originally Posted by larsfforsberg

Will Fiji follow? - closing the door to exit Tahiti?

What about Hawaii for Americans? Does anyone know for sure the situation for Americans sailing to Hawaii? Is it possible politically to sail to Hawaii from French Polynesia currently (after cyclone season of course)?

WRT to Hawaii, you either need a negative PCR test from a qualified testing facility within 72 prior to departure (plane arrival), or 10 day mandatory quarantine.

If you are sailing in, you must clear in at a designated port. Sea time counts toward the mandatory quarantine time.

The difficulty for sailing to Hawaii idea will be finding a marina. Marinas have become quite full as a result of the exodus by US citizens out of SoPac. Plan ahead & contact marinas to ensure you have a marina slip prior to departure.

WRT Fiji, I've been in constant contact with agent there. I am planning an April departure/May arrival. So far everything looks good, but Fiji must approve departure AFTER you get negative PCR test results. For up-to-date info on Fiji contact YachtHelp agent.

[Allied39]

I sat listening to folks celebrate the end of 2020. I could not fathom the depth of seperation from reality that I was witnessing.
Give it a while and the awesome fantastic year that 2020 was (comparably) will be sorely missed.
Ho hum.

[Montanan]

As to Fiji,

Per the US Embassy.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No, with limited exceptions

Entry to Fiji is restricted to Fiji citizens and, in some cases, foreign nationals with work or residence permits. Entry is not currently permitted for tourism or temporary visits.

All travelers require advance permission from the Government of Fiji prior to travel. To request permission, contact borderrequest@immi.gov.fj.

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes


Per Fiji Immigration Agency:

References:

Home

https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/wp-content/...on-Fijians.pdf

Prior to departure for Fiji:

If planned travel is by sea (other than yachts using the Blue Lane pathway)

Non-Fijian citizens require approval from the Office of the Prime Minister for entry into Fiji. Contact the Office of the Prime Minister – Department of Immigration at email: borderrequest@immi.gov.fj

If arriving by yacht – using the Blue Lane pathway under the Fijian COVID Safe

Economic Recovery Framework
Engage Port Denarau yacht agents who will then apply on your behalf to the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT). Yachts may only enter Fiji at Port Denarau (after obtaining the necessary approvals).

If requesting variation to the mandatory quarantine.

14 days of government-supervised quarantine is mandatory for all travellers into Fiji, however variation to the location of quarantine may be considered in special circumstances where there is significant economic benefit to Fiji. In these circumstances the conditions of the government mandated quarantine are replicated, with all costs incurred borne by the traveller. This is also subject to government resource availability. These requests must be made well in advance for consideration by the CRMT at crmt@govnet.gov.fj
Variations to government-supervised quarantine may also be considered on medical grounds. Please contact the CRMT at crmt@govnet.gov.fj

Upon arrival at Fiji:

Quarantine for travellers on yachts travelling under the Blue Lane Blue Lane
pathway under the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework
The number of quarantine days will be calculated by subtracting the number of uninterrupted sailing days from 14 days. Uninterrupted sailing days are days where the yacht has not stopped at any port nor been embarked by other persons, or where the persons on board have not disembarked. For
example, a yacht sailing seven uninterrupted days would only be required to quarantine for seven days in Fiji. Meeting with other yachts at open sea and/or stopping at Minerva Reef will count as interrupting sailing days and the quarantine clock will be reset.
If there are less than 14 days of uninterrupted sailing, the yacht will be quarantined at a safe harbour in Port Denarau under surveillance by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF)/Fiji Navy for the period of the remaining days.


Latest Update of COVID-19 - Fijian Immigration:

This is to advise that all foreign nationals who are currently stranded in the country due to COVID-19 should contact Fijian Immigration Office so that they could be properly guided to maintain their legal status. This applies to all categories of permit holders.




Travel Advisory: COVID-19

Please refer to COVID-19 travel guidance below to assist you in your travel to Fiji:

1. Prior to travelling, all Permit Holders must request Fijian Immigration Department for authority to travel. All request to be email to with the following supporting documents:
a. Permit Holders
i. Passport Bio-Data Page;
ii. Permit Letter or Stamp; and
iii. Travel Itinerary.

2. If you hold dual citizenship, you will need to provide evidence of your Fijian Citizenship status. You will be required to provide one of the following evidences at the check in counter:
a. A valid Fijian Passport
b. Citizenship Certificate of country of residence.

3. Once approval is granted to travel, you must take a mandatory pre-departure COVID-19 test. The COVID-19 test must be on for a sample collected at most 72 hours prior to departure. The COVID-19 test must be on the RT-PCR testing platform. Rapid tests, antigen/antibody tests, home collection tests are not acceptable.

4. You must email the test result to before traveling.

5. All travelers arriving into Fiji must undertake a mandatory 14 days quarantine in a government designated border quarantine facility. A COVID-19 test will be again conducted at the quarantine facility.

6. For further conditions of entry, please refer to the following links:
a. https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/wp-content/...or-Fijians.pdf
b. https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/wp-content/...on-Fijians.pdf

7. This information is subject to change depending on the requirements of change by border agencies.

Revised: 03/02/2021

[BillKny]

I think the long and the short of it is: Just stay out of the Pacific this year. All of the normal places you would stop are either closed, or severely restricted. Your options to bounce around to avoid the tropical storm seasons on either side of the equator are just not available.

It's a shame, we had hoped to be heading that way this year, but it's just not reasonable. Of course, unreasonable people will try anyway, and we'll read all about them.

[Montanan]

FIJI Blue Lane Travel

December 8, 2020

About CRMT

The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce is a Cabinet-mandated working group consisting of the Permanent Secretaries for Economy (Chair), Health and Medical Services and Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport. The Secretariat support is provided by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Border Health Protection, Incident Management Team, and Republic of Fiji Military Forces Surveillance team.

As part of Phase 2 of the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework (Framework), on behalf of the Fijian Government, the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) is pleased to announce the “Luxury Vacation in Paradise” initiative in partnership with Fiji Airways and the Fijian tourism industry.

Globally, services-driven countries are progressively shifting its focus away from mass tourism to more niche, high-spending travellers – who are suggested to be the first to travel. Therefore, in an effort to build on the success of current initiatives, such as the “Blue Lane”, and based on strong interest from industry, the CRMT and Fiji Airways, in close consultation with border agencies, and industry, has embarked on the “Luxury Vacation in Paradise”.

The overarching approach of “Luxury Vacation in Paradise” is to allow tourists to safely enter and holiday in Fiji – with the quarantine period being part of the Fijian holiday experience. This is an extension of the provisions for “Vacation in Paradise (VIP) Lane” under the Framework.

The VIP Lane refers to an end-to-end safe travel pathway where safe travel begins from the point of origin, includes port of departure and mode of travel to port of arrival and transfer to a designated private resort. Movement is organised and/or contained within the lane and the return journey to point of origin follows the same pathway. Throughout this pathway, there is minimal contact with the local Fijian population following clear guidelines for quarantine and testing for those, who will be coming in contact with them.

The success of the recent 2-hour Fiji Airways flight, on board the Airbus A350, reaffirms the Fiji Airways Travel Ready program, and the state of readiness of Fiji’s national airline to welcome visitors back. The Travel Ready program, coupled with the Care Fiji Commitment program, will both add a layer of preparedness and confidence as the Luxury VIP initiative progresses.

Notwithstanding mandatory negative COVID-19 testing, travellers will need to undergo strict pre-departure and on-arrival health and hygiene protocols, including installing the careFIJI mobile application and keeping device Bluetooth turned on.

Under the Luxury VIP, approved private island resorts are geographically secluded from main land and the larger local population.

Notably, the CRMT, to date has approved 95 yachts under the Blue Lane, 61 applications under the Special Requests with Significant Economic Value, and 15 clubs to open as Taverns.

For more information on the Luxury VIP, contact the CRMT Secretariat on crmt@govnet.gov.fj

[Discovery 15797]

There is actually more to Blue Lane requirements than outlined above. Also, don't get mired down in US state department advisories, or airline processes.

If you are thinking about sailing to Fiji, I recommend you contact YachtHelp. The agent, Mr. Jamieson, will be more than happy to send forms and explain the proper procedures, costs (@$1500 USD), and additional requirements prior to departure from current port and upon arrival in Fiji.

[Montanan]

Fiji Blue Lanes References:


https://www.noonsite.com/wp-content/...Procedures.pdf


https://www.denaraumarina.com/vip-lanes/