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Fiji Information

Overview

Comprised of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, the Fiji archipelago is at the crossroads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. More recently, Fiji’s tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes have made it a prime spot for tourists.

Fiji’s population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided almost equally between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendants of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society.

Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. They are not judgmental of other people and rarely express a negative opinion. Customs still prevail in the more traditional villages, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. And of course, Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave was found offshore at Tavarua, a place which still draws surfers from around the world.

A coup by indigenous Fijians in 1987, followed by a further coup in 2000, caused immense harm to the tourism industry and to Fiji’s international reputation. Then, in December 2006, military chief Frank Bainimarama announced he had taken over the country and installed himself as interim prime minister from the start of 2007. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, whom he accused of mis-managing the country’s affairs, was sent back to his home island.

Top Things To See

Step back in history in the capital Suva, at the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House, and the old Parliament Buildings.

Discover the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.

Explore the Naihere Sacred Caves deep in the Sigatoka Valley.

Discover Fiji’s copra, ginger, sugar cane and cocoa plantations.

See beautiful murals at the Church of Saint Francis Xavier, high on the hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the northwestern side of Viti Levu.

Visit the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, a natural river formation, which has been cultivated into a realistic microcosm of Fiji.

Get dramatic views of the islands after a hike up the mountains, such as Mount Batilamu on Viti Levu.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Arrange a cruise by schooner or yacht to the different islands, or a coach tour around the main islands.

Zoom along the mangrove-lined tidal corridors on jet-boat trips.

Bamboo-raft along the streams and rivers.

Scuba-dive and snorkel around Fiji’s soft coral reefs, such as the Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall. 

 Get active and go sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking or parasailing.

Surf the famous ‘Cloud Breaker’ (6m/18ft wave) that was found offshore at Tavarua. Fiji’s waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are off Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat.

Trek Fiji’s network of marked nature trails, such as the Lavena Coastal Walk or Vidawa Forest Walk.

 Watch for fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles, or swim in waterfalls, in the forest and coastal parks and reserves.

 Investigate the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains, and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes off the main Queens Highway on Viti Levu.

 Take part in a meke, Fijian dancing involving locals dressed entirely in national costume of flower leis, grass skirts and tapa cloth. The men perform warrior dances while the women sing.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Local cooking is Fijian and Indian. International cuisine is also available. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non-residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol.

National specialities:
• Kakoda (a marinated local fish steamed in coconut cream and lime).
• Rourou (a taro leaf dish).
• Kassaua (tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas).
• Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).
• Lovo (feast of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit cooked in covered pits).

National drinks:
• Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water). 
• Carlton (a local beer brewed in Suva).
• Fiji Bitter (brewed in Lautoka).
• Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle (local wines).
• Booth’s Gin, Bounty Fiji Golden Rum, Cossack Vodka and Old Club Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries).

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Generally not neccessary; only small amounts for special services.

Nightlife

Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva - Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.

Shopping

Favourite buys are filigree jewellery, woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven work (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include electrical goods, pewter, crystal and porcelain.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300. Many places close for lunch 1300-1400.

Climate

Tropical. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, affecting some part of Fiji, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Required Clothing

Lightweight for summer, rainwear for the wet season.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Mar Birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
21 Mar Good Friday.
22 Mar Easter Saturday.
24 Mar Easter Monday. 
4 May National Youth Day.
26 May Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day. 
16 Jun Queen’s Birthday. 
10 Oct Fiji Day.
28 Oct Diwali.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
9 Mar Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. 
10 Apr Good Friday. 
11 Apr Easter Saturday. 
13 Apr  Easter Monday. 
4 May National Youth Day.
25 May Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day. 
8 Jun Queen’s Birthday. 
10 Oct Fiji Day. 
18 Oct  Diwali.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Note

(a) Muslim and Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and therefore dates can only be approximations. (b) Some holidays are annually set by the government, or moved to either Friday or Monday, if the normal day of observance falls on a weekend.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

The main hospitals are located in Ba, Labasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu, Sigatoka, Suva and Taveuni, with clinics and medical representations elsewhere throughout the islands. Medical insurance is recommended. There is a private hospital in Suva that provides Western-style medical care and maintains the Fiji Decompression Chamber for the benefit of scuba divers. Medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand or the USA. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 10 days of leaving infected areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Fijian Dollar (FJD; symbol F$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of F$50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Exchange facilities are available at the airport, at trading banks and at most hotels.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at a number of establishments. Major international cards are accepted at ATMs, which can be found in Nadi, Suva and Savusavu, and although they are cropping up throughout the rest of the islands, these cannot always be relied upon.

Traveller's Cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Australian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1700. Restricted Foreign Exchange Dealers (authorised to issue foreign currency and traveller’s cheques for travel-related purposes only): Mon-Fri 0830-1700, Sat 0830-1200.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passport Note

All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover stay. Permit/visa duration largely depends on these factors.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above who are issued a visitor’s permit on arrival except:
(a) 1. nationals of Lithuania who do need a visa;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within three hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

Visitors permits are issued for stays of up to four months for touristic purposes and for stays of up to 14 days for business purposes.

Types of Visa and Cost

Single-entry: £45. Multiple-entry: £80.

Validity

Visas are valid for stays of up to three months, but can be extended on application to: Immigration Department, Level 3, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva (street address); or PO Box 2224, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji (postal address) (tel: 331 2622).

Applications to:

Consular section of high commission or embassy; see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Seven to 21 days.

Contact Addresses

south-pacific.travel (South Pacific Tourism Organisation)

Street address: Level 3, FNPF Place, 343-359 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji
Postal address: PO Box 13119, Suva, Fiji
Tel: 330 4177.
Website: www.south-pacific.travel  

Fiji High Commission in the UK

34 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DN, UK
Tel: (020) 7584 3661.
Website: www.fijihighcommission.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1300, 1400-1700, Fri 0900-1630; Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (consular section).

Nottcut House, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU, UK
Tel: (020) 7202 6369.
Website: www.bulafiji.com

Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in the USA

Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 337 8320.
Website: www.fijiembassydc.com

Travel Advice

Warning

Travellers should exercise caution when travelling to Fiji, particularly in urban areas. On 5 December 2006, the Fiji Military Commander announced that he had assumed control of the country.

Public Emergency Regulations (State of Emergency) have been imposed twice and were lifted again on 5 October but Police checkpoints remain in place at night in major centres. Since 3 November 2007, the military and Police have detained a number of people alleged to be plotting to overthrow the Interim Government. Visitors should keep themselves aware of any changes in the status of the Regulations.

There remains a potential for civil unrest following the military coup.  All military or political rallies and large gatherings of people should be avoided, as should openly discussing political issues. Visitors should also keep themselves informed of developments.

Travellers should ensure that they are comfortable with, and regularly review their own and their family’s security arrangements. Travellers should also consider how to leave Fiji quickly should the security situation deteriorate.

The threat from terrorism in Fiji is low, but travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Penalties for possession of any amount of marijuana carry a mandatory prison sentence.

Tropical cyclones are common in Fiji from the beginning of November until the end of April.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Fiji Overview
• Fiji Things to See
• Fiji Things to Do
• Fiji Events
• Fiji Climate
• Fiji Public Holidays
• Fiji Health
• Fiji Currency
• Fiji Passport & Visas
• Fiji Contact Addresses
• Fiji Travel Advice