24 Mar 2022 | 08:00 AM UTC
Vanuatu: Authorities slightly ease COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of March 24 /update 3
Officials reduce some restrictions in Vanuatu as of March 24 amid COVID-19 activity. Plan for transport disruptions.
Event
Vanuatuan authorities slightly eased restrictions nationwide as of March 24 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Officials have permitted nonessential businesses to reopen and some domestic transport to resume with capacity limits and protocols. Officials have introduced fines of up to VUV 500,000 for businesses and VUV 100,000 for individuals that flout COVID-19 regulations.
Domestic Measures
Alert Level 3, the highest level, measures are in effect throughout the country. Residents are encouraged to remain at home as much as possible and cannot leave home during an ongoing 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew; exceptions are possible for emergencies and personnel in essential industries. The government has reduced public services to critical functions and restricted public gatherings. Residents must also wear facemasks in public. Public transport is operating under protocols and capacity limits.
Authorities have allowed some domestic inter-island transport to resume. However, boats are limited to four passengers and larger vessels and flights must follow government social distancing protocols. Transport operators are still curtailing services, and significant passenger transport disruptions are possible. Cargo shipments continue without restrictions.
International Travel Restrictions
A public health emergency remains in effect through at least July 31, and officials have banned inbound commercial international flights and cruise ships during the period. However, international cargo flights continue. Authorities prohibit nonresidents from entering the country. Officials authorize some repatriation flights, but citizens from designated high-risk countries cannot enter until further notice. Fully vaccinated travelers from low- and medium-risk locations can enter the country with a COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours before departure. Officials require arriving passengers to quarantine for 14 days, with COVID-19 testing within 24 hours and on day eight after arrival.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
