Fiji — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
All foreign passengers to Fiji must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the country. A return or onward ticket to a country to which passengers have right of entry is required, as are sufficient funds to cover the period of stay in Fiji. Visitor permits are obtainable on arrival, and are valid for up to four months. Visitors can apply for two-month permit extensions (for an aggregate of six months). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Fiji within ten days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Americans
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required for British passport holders (irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein); a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
Canadians
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
Australians
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
South Africans
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
Healthcare
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers entering Fiji within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected areas. Visitors to Fiji should practice strict food, water and personal hygiene precautions to prevent typhoid as well as other diarrhoeal illness. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Fiji, except short-term visitors who dine only at major restaurants and hotels, such as cruise passengers. Visitors must drink only bottled water, The mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, is a serious risk between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing long clothes and using insect repellent at all times. Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment, but travel insurance with provision for medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is advised.
Safety
Fiji does exhibit some socio-political tension and visitors need to be vigilant and avoid political rallies and public demonstrations. On 5 December 2006 the military moved into Suva, and took over the running of the country in what was the fourth coup in 20 years. Visitors are advised to keep up to date with the current situation and avoid all large gatherings of people. The uncertain political situation, poor economic climate and unemployment mean the crime rate is high and it is unwise to carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive clothes or jewelry. Pickpockets are active at bus stations and taxi ranks and women on their own should be cautious. There has been an increase in the number of violent robberies, which have occurred against foreigners, particularly at night and in urban areas. Natural dangers exist in the form of rip tides along the reefs and river estuaries and care should be taken when swimming or boating. There is also the possibility of shark attacks. On the roads reckless driving is common and animals on the road pose a hazard, particularly after dark. Cyclone season is usually from November to April.
