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Border Reopening

Kiribati welcomes first commercial flight since border lockdown

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Tarawa, Kiribati was in celebration mode as the island converged at Bonriki International Airport on Thursday 04 August 2022 to welcome the country’s first commercial flight, 2 ½ years since COVID-19 border lockdown.

Fiji Airways’ FJ231 landed at Bonriki International Airport with more than one hundred passengers at 11am and were welcomed by the Ngaon Nareau choir whose chants and singing echoed welcoming sounds of the islands throughout the terminal building.

Also present to celebrate the occasion was Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan. In an interview, Honourable Nauan said that he hoped visitors will enjoy their Kiribati experience. He also extended an invitation to them saying “take the time to learn about who we are as a people and the values that we hold dear to our hearts. Immerse yourself in our tropical islands and turquoise lagoons and most importantly, remember to make the most of your time here in Kiribati”.

At the arrival’s concourse, passengers were greeted by reigning Miss Kiribati, Paepae Kilei and staff of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) who garlanded travellers and returning resident’s with katokabau, the traditional Kiribati floral head piece presented to special guests.

Entertainment by the Tekeang ni Marawa dance group at the arrivals area filled the terminal building with more excitement as some passengers could not resist the invitation to join the dancers as they made their way to their eagerly awaiting hosts and families. For many of these travellers, its was a happy and emotional reunion after having being separated from their families for a very long time.

The first commercial flight to Tarawa yesterday is a significant milestone achievement and represents the Government of Kiribati’s efforts to manage COVID-19 and to bring back some normalcy to its tourism industry.

Discussions on the resumption of flights into Kiribati’s second international airport and fly-fishing mecca, Kiritimati (Christmas Island) this year is continuing and the TAK will share reopening details once information is available.

International travel to Kiribati to begin 01 August 2022

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The Government of Kiribati, through the Office of Te Beretitenti today announced that all international travel to and from Kiribati will return to normal on the 1st of August, 2022.

This official announcement also confirmed that the Government of Kiribati has reduced the compulsory in-country quarantine days for all travelers from seven (7) to three (3) days.

The announcement follows the Government of Kiribati’s confirmation that the country’s COVID-19 Alert Level has been reduced from 3b to 3c and it has relaxed the SOP guidelines currently being practiced as part of Kiribati’s preventive measures against COVID-19.

The New Public Health Order was effective from Friday 17th of June, 2022 and will remain for two weeks as the curfew hours have ceased for all islands that are infected by COVID-19.

Furthermore, inter-island travel will still be subject to the availability of quarantine centres on islands that are COVID-19 free.

Despite the relaxation of some of the SOP guidelines, the Government appeals to the general public to continue practicing health safety measures such as wearing masks in public and the continuation of handwashing to help stop the spread of the virus. The public is encouraged to visit clinics to receive vaccination and booster, 5 months after receiving second dose.

As of this week, the administration of the Pfizer vaccine for youths between the age of 12 and 17 years has commenced in South Tarawa and Betio. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure all their children are fully vaccinated to ensure the safety and well-being of their children and the general public.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati will share the full details of Kiribati’s August border reopening conditions in the coming days.

 

 

Tourism Kiribati Welcomes Border Re-opening Announcement

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has welcomed the announcement yesterday by te Beretitenti, His Excellency Taneti Maamau on his government’s decision to open Kiribati national borders from January 2022.

In his announcement, President Maamau urged the people of Kiribati who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccines to complete both their doses before the end year. He emphasized that unity and complying with restrictions and regulations is very important for the safety of all I-Kiribati. The President called on old men and women organizations, church groups, youth groups, women organizations, Islands Councils, communities and fathers and mothers in every household to help encourage family members and friends get vaccinated against this deadly virus.

Through its Tourism Restart Program, TAK has developed the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal and is currently undertaking COVID-19 safety protocol training for all accommodation providers. Properties in South Tarawa, North Tarawa, Abaiang, Tab North and Tab South have completed their training whilst the rest of accommodation and tourism service providers in other islands will receive their COVID-19 protocol training by November 2021. TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau confirmed that an industry-wide refresher training will be conducted in December 2021, prior to border reopening in January 2022.

As part of its restart program, TAK will also launch its Digital Marketing Strategy in September for implementation form October 2021, giving the Pacific Island destination 3 months to roll out its marketing campaigns and programs.

Travellers returning or visiting Kiribati for the first time in 2022 can expect an improved experience through the destination’s Mauri Mark program, a hotel assessment and accreditation program and the Mauri Way, a Kiribati National Tourism Customer Service program for all tourism service providers.

Details of Kiribati’s COVID-19 traveler requirements and protocols for the January 2022 international border reopening will be advised once it is available from government.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is responsible for working with our partners to encourage travelers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring our country.

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