Fiji
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Fiji - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Fiji. Exercise normal security precautions.
Travel Health Notice - Zika virus
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Travel Health Notice for the Global Update: Zika virus infection recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Fiji. See Health for more information.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime, such as theft from hotel rooms and purse snatching, is common. Theft and assault, including armed and sexual assault, occur on occasion. Be particularly vigilant at night in urban areas. Do not show signs of affluence, and be cautious when exchanging money at hotels or withdrawing money from automated banking machines or banks. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Transportation
Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Roads are adequate in major cities but poor in rural areas. Stay on main roads; avoid secondary roads. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Avoid driving outside of major cities after dark. Road hazards may include pedestrians, domestic or wild animals, lack of signage and poor lighting. Vehicles are not generally well-maintained. Traffic drives on the left.
Use taxis and minibuses with yellow registration plates, which denote compliance with Land Transport Authority regulations. Unlicensed minibuses may not be insured. Do not share taxis with strangers.
Travel by boat or ferries on coastal waters and inter-island trips should be undertaken only with a reputable tour company. If you are contemplating sea journeys, contact the Meteorological Office (tel.: 23401) or consult the Fiji Meteorological Service for weather reports.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
General safety information
Do not walk alone after dark; avoid large gatherings, demonstrations of any size and military installations and personnel; and follow the advice of local authorities.
Do not hike alone; the terrain can be hazardous. Consult local guides before setting out, and stay on marked paths.
Riptides can be dangerous along the reefs and river estuaries. Seek local advice, as several drownings have occurred. If you participate in water-based activities, use a reputable company and ensure that its equipment meets safety requirements.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Fijian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of the Fiji Islands or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Fiji, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Tourist visas are issued upon arrival for stays of up to four months.
Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Work visa: Required
Important requirements
An onward or return ticket is required to visit Fiji.
Travel documentation
A renewal or replacement of a Canadian passport in Fiji can take several weeks. Questions concerning Canadian immigration papers must be sent to the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia, which also takes several weeks. Landed immigrants should visit a Canadian immigration office prior to travelling to ensure that their papers are verified, and should always travel with original documents.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Zika virus infection: Global Update - November 25, 2016 00:00 EST
- Chikungunya: Global Update - August 26, 2016 00:00 EDT
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Oceanic Pacific Islands. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently an outbreak of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly around sunrise and sunset. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue fever
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Zika Virus
Locally acquired mosquito-associated Zika virus is currently being reported in this country. Zika virus infection is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause fever, rash, and joint pain. It can also be transmitted through blood, semen and from an infected pregnant woman to her developing baby. Most people do not develop symptoms and recover fully without severe complications. There is scientific consensus that Zika virus infection is a cause of both microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Other neurological disorders have also been associated with Zika virus infection. Protect yourself from mosquito bites in daylight and evening hours. There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities
Good medical services and facilities are limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Medical services and facilities are adequate in major cities, but not in more remote areas. Avoid older medical clinics, as they often lack basic drugs and equipment and have poor hygiene standards. Private hospitals and clinics located in cities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary in the case of serious injury or illness.
There are two decompression chambers in Suva, but many popular diving sites are located away from Suva. Divers visiting Fiji should buy travel insurance that includes decompression and medical evacuation services.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Laws
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines
Possession of currency equivalent to more than FJ$10,000 must be declared upon entering or exiting the country.
There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. In addition, Canadians may be prosecuted at home for sexually exploiting children while abroad. Consult our publication entitled Child Sex Tourism: It's a Crime for more information.
Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Culture
Dress conservatively outside tourist areas to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Although the laws of Fiji do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated in rural areas.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Fiji. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Fijian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Fijian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Money
The currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated banking machines are widely available in main centres and some rural areas.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Fiji is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes. Tsunamis may occur after a strong earthquake and can travel long distances across the Pacific.
The rainy (or monsoon) and typhoon seasons in the South Pacific are from November to April. Severe storms can cause flooding and landslides, which result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and hamper the provision of essential services. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
Unusually heavy rainfall in the early days of April, 2016, may cause disruptions to transportation, communications, emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies, particularly in Nadi and Lautoka, to the west of Vitu Levu. A state of emergency is in effect across the country following Tropical Cyclone Winston, which recently swept through the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. If you reside or are travelling to the affected areas, you should monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
See Typhoons and monsoons for more information.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Nadi - Consulate of Canada
Wellington - High Commission of Canada
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, New Zealand, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.