Security travel advice for Fiji

How safe is Fiji?

Threat level: Low

COVID-19 Situation in Fiji

Due to the COVID-19 situation around the world, Fiji has closed its borders and implemented a series of measures to control the spread of the virus. A national curfew has been imposed from 23:00 and 04:00. Public venues (shops, eateries) can operate at half capacity, however entertainment venues such as night clubs remain close. Commercial flights are operating for Fijians and local residents but are very limited and are subject to change at short notice. It is recommended to download the careFiji contact tracing app when at the airport. See our healthcare section for more information.

SECURITY SITUATION IN FIJI

The current travel advice for Fiji is to remain cautious and maintain general personal security measures. Situated just 4 hours from Australia and 3 hours from New Zealand, Fiji has over 330 separate islands and is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for travellers. Many are drawn to the country for its beautiful white beaches and unique coral diving areas and providing basic security measures are taken, trips to Fiji should be trouble-free.

There are no prominent security-related events with regards to incidents such as terrorism, but be aware of the global risk at popular tourist hot spots.

In July 2016, body parts were washed ashore a Fijian beach, which were thought to be a Russian couple Yuri and Natalia Shipulin who moved to Fiji in 2011. Reports suggest they had been murdered in recent months.

Natural weather events can adversely affect the country. Most notably, cyclone Winston hit the country at the beginning of 2016 and caused extreme damage to large proportions of the islands' infrastructure, including private properties and devastated trade such as farming.

The levels of crime in Fiji are relatively low in comparison to other tourist resorts, however theft is known to occur mainly at popular tourist locations. The best travel advice for Fiji is to carry out sensible travel safety precautions and are alert with your surroundings your stay should be relatively trouble-free.

There have also been reports of theft from vehicles, so you should not leave any valuables in sight and ensure that important documents are photocopied and stored in a safe or secure location.

It is recommended females take great care when travelling alone, as sexual assaults have been reported in isolated locations. Please be conservative if visiting the rural areas and outside of tourist areas to avoid offending locals. Although homosexuality is legal in Fiji, some areas do not tolerate it, so you should behave with discretion. Topless bathing and nudity in public is strictly forbidden.

FIJI'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

There is some ethnic tensions between Indo-Fijians and indigenous Fijians of which segregation is apparent. There have also been coups within the government in 1987, 2000, and 2006 causing political tensions and racial issues within the country. There is some trade and budget deficits in the country of which has led to Fiji being a recipient of aid.

During the past 30 years, it has seen itself being suspended from the commonwealth and reintroduced due to issues surrounding democracy. It now has good ties with Australia and New Zealand, since its Commonwealth status had been introduced in 2012.

TRAVELLING AROUND FIJI

Most roads in Fiji are poorly maintained, particularly in the cities. Roads beyond the cities are not paved and can be particularly hazardous to drive on, especially at night.

If you are using public transport such as taxis or minibuses, ensure that the vehicle has a yellow number plate as this marks the vehicle's compliance with Land Transport Authority regulations of Fiji.

If you wish to swim in the sea, only swim in approved swimming locations, please take note of the flags on the beaches and if taking part in outside marine activities, please make sure that the operators are fully licenced and the equipment is up to standard.

EARTHQUAKES IN FIJI

Fiji is in an active earthquake zone and as such, it can also be vulnerable to tsunamis. Please make sure you are aware of what to do in the instance of a natural disaster.

EXTREME WEATHER IN FIJI

Cyclones can occur during the year, however most prominently between November and April. Fiji can experience severe weather such as flooding, landslide and tropical storms. During times of severe weather, infrastructure and services may be disrupted and delayed.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

EMERGENCY SERVICES IN FIJI

Emergency services operator: 911
Police emergency: 911
Fire emergency: 911
Medical emergency: 911

FIJI OVERVIEW

Capital: Suva
Official languages: English, Fijian and Hindi
Religion: Christianity and Hindu
Currency: Fijian Dollar

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR FIJI

U.S. Embassy Suva
158 Princes Road, Tamavua
P.O. Box 218
Suva,
Fiji
Telephone: +679 3314 466
Out of hours telephone: +679 772.8049
Email: ConsularSuva@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy can be found in Suva, Fiji. Its duties covers other islands in the region such as Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu.

British Embassy
47 Gladstone Road
Suva
Fiji
Email: publicdiplomacy@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: 679 3229 100
The British Embassy can be found in Suva, Fiji. Its duties cover other islands in the region such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FIJI

Over 107 countries are visa exempt for stays in Fiji of up to 4 months. You will be issued with a visitor permit on arrival. Please see Visa Policy of Fiji for further information.

Health Care and Immunisations

There are reported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Fiji. There is no vaccination against the disease, prevention is through washing your hands, not touching your eyes, mouth and nose, avoiding contact with people presenting flue-like symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, maintaining social distancing and avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel. People who have a weaker immune system such as the elderly, cancer patients are more at risk.

It is advised that visitors to Fiji are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get a Tetanus vaccination. You may also want to consider getting a Hepatitis A jab, however you should check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

The Zika virus has been reported in Fiji, please take necessary precautions and do not travel if you intend on becoming pregnant or are pregnant. Chikungunya has been reported in several of the surrounding islands and in the south pacific. Local transmission is via mosquitoes. Please take all precautions against mosquito bites to prevent infection.

The medical facilities are generally good within the country but may not be on par with most well-developed countries. The water supply within the major towns and cities are treated, however elsewhere avoid untreated tap water and purchase bottled water where possible.

There is currently a Measles outbreak in Fiji, so ensure that your MMR vaccination is up-to-date.