Fiji travel guide
About Fiji
A friendly Fijian welcome and broad smiles await you in this tropical paradise of beautiful beaches, glowing blue lagoons and swaying palm trees. Renowned for stunning sunsets, breathtaking waterfalls, awesome surf and pristine rainforests, Fiji unsurprisingly draws thousands of visitors to its shores each year.
Chief among the attractions has to be the cyan-blue sea. As you enter the Fijian airspace you will no doubt be greeted with a carpet of glistening turquoise reefs, fringing unspoilt confetti of sandy, lush islands. It may look tranquil and majestic, but beneath the surface it's teeming with life. Amid multicoloured reefs, the intrepid can explore over 1,000 fish species. You'll also find five of the seven species of sea turtle as well as sharks, dolphins and whales around Fiji. You can't come here without snorkelling or diving at least some of the time.
Beyond the marine life, you'll find ample opportunities to go hiking, with an abundance of forests and trails following scenic view points and waterfall pools. Nature lovers will revel on the island of Kadavu, which is practically roadless, with a smattering of local villages and plantations connected by untrodden pathways. Even more beauty can be found on the verdant island of Taveuni which boasts thick jungle vegetation and tropical flowers. Birdwatchers will love the Fijian islands for its plethora of winged species including the famous yellow and red-breasted musk parrots.
Perhaps above all, though, it's the people that make Fiji. Comprising more than 300 islands, the country is a vibrant melting pot where East Indian, Polynesian, Melanesian, Chinese and European cultures converge to form a unique cultural medley. English is widely spoken, which means communication is a breeze. You can also expect locals to give you the warmest welcomes, and don't be surprised if they invite you into their homes and invite you to share a cup of Kava.
If, somehow, you tire of the beaches and wildlife of the islands, you'll find Suva to be an intriguing cultural hub, with a jumble of colonial and modern architecture. Laid out over lush hills by the sea, the capital is home to half of the country's population and is the biggest city in the South Pacific. If you like to party, Fiji isn't all laid-back, with Suva offering up a large dose of irreverent nightlife.
Brimming with colourful attractions, awe-inspiring scenery, friendly people and cultural and sporting activities aplenty, Fiji offers something for everyone. From the wanderlust-suffused traveller to the hedonistic sports junkie, this archipelago at the crossroads of the South Pacific is tourist heaven. And, best of all, there’s an array of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes and budgets.
Key facts
18,275 sq km (7,056 sq miles).
905,502 (World bank estimate, 2017).
49.8 per sq km.
Suva.
Republic.
President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu since 2024.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka since 2022.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Fiji’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Fiji set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Fiji High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Fiji.
Visa requirements
You do not need a visa for visits of up to 4 months. If you plan to stay for longer than 4 months, apply for a visa from the Fiji Immigration Department.
At Fiji border control, you must also show:
- an onward or return ticket
- a valid visa for the next country you’re travelling to
If you’re visiting Fiji on business, you must apply for a business visitors permit, which is valid for 21 days.
Yacht entry
Yachts can only enter Fiji through Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu and Levuka. For other ports, such as Nadi and Denarau, you must have prior agreement from the Fijian authorities.
Travelling with children
If you are entering Fiji on a work or residency permit, and are travelling as a lone parent, you may need to have evidence of your parental responsibility. For further information contact the Fiji High Commission in the UK.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Fiji, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Fiji guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Fiji. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Fiji customs has strict quarantine regulations and customs officers X-ray all luggage arriving at Nadi airport. They will confiscate most fresh foodstuffs, unless you’re arriving from a country with quarantine agreements with Fiji.
Taking money into Fiji
Declare cash in any currency worth 10,000 Fijian dollars or more. If you are found with undeclared cash, you could be prosecuted and get a fine or a prison sentence.
Most tourist hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards. Not all ATMs accept the full range of credit cards. The Australian and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) and Westpac ATMs accept cards with the Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus symbols.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Fiji
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Fiji, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
There can be political instability and there is the potential for civil unrest. Avoid demonstrations, rallies or street gatherings. Avoid any areas of obvious military or police activity.
Crime
The risk of serious crime is generally low, but there are occasional incidents including sexual assault.
Protecting your belongings
Petty theft is quite common. Be careful of your belongings in cities and other popular tourist destinations. To reduce the risk:
- avoid carrying everything in one bag
- carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and leave the original in a secure place
- avoid leaving your belongings unattended
- be alert when withdrawing money from cash machines
There have been thefts from motor vehicles in Suva. Keep windows and doors locked when driving.
Sexual assault
Take care when walking at night in cities, towns and isolated areas, particularly if you are a woman travelling alone. There have been serious sexual assaults against foreign nationals in Fiji, including British women.
See advice for women travelling abroad.
Drink spiking and methanol poisoning
Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused serious illness. There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands. Affected drinks may include:
- local spirits
- spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails
- counterfeit brand-name spirits
To protect yourself from methanol poisoning you should:
- buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels
- avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
- check bottle seals are intact
- check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol. These are signs it is illegal and could contain methanol. TravelHealthPro lists the symptoms of methanol poisoning.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.
Scams
There has been an increase in credit card fraud. This may include credit card skimming devices or other types of data theft. Take care when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs.
Mobile phone coverage
Phone coverage in rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. Many UK mobile phones do not work, as your provider may not have an international roaming agreement in Fiji.
You can buy a Fiji SIM card at Nadi International Airport and at convenience stores and supermarkets. You must register your SIM card if you buy it locally.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment and a large fine. Possession of any amount of marijuana carries a 3-month prison sentence.
Kava-drinking ceremonies
Kava is a traditional drink in Fiji used in kava ceremonies. If you’re invited to take part in a kava-drinking ceremony, be aware of the potential risks of liver toxicity.
Nudity
Topless bathing and nudity in public is illegal. Cover your shoulders and knees in rural villages and during kava ceremonies.
LGBT+ travellers
Homosexuality was decriminalised in February 2010, but there can be local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural communities.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Water-based activities
There are dangerous rip tides along reefs and river estuaries. Unless you have reliable local knowledge, swim from beaches that have lifeguards on duty and follow the flag warning system.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
If you take part in any water activities, make sure you use a reputable, fully licensed company with up-to-date equipment and necessary safety features.
See watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
Scuba diving
Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:
-
ask to see a dive operator’s credentials
-
check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications
-
make sure safety equipment looks to be in good condition
-
make sure oxygen is available on the boat
If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
There’s only one hyperbaric (recompression) chamber in Fiji, at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. It is not always working. Check its status before scuba diving and get advice from your dive instructor or dive team. Make sure your insurance covers diving and medical evacuation costs.
Be aware of jellyfish and follow local advice.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Fiji, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK driving licence to drive in Fiji.
Many roads in Fiji are in poor condition and can be dangerous. Roads are particularly hazardous at night due to a lack of street lighting and the chance of pedestrians or stray animals on the road. Avoid road travel outside of urban areas at night. Vehicle safety regulations are rarely enforced and driving standards are poor.
Severe weather can lead to roads becoming damaged, blocked or washed away. Seek local advice before you set out.
Taxis and minibuses
Only use licensed taxis that have a yellow registration plate.
Not all minibuses are licensed. Only use those with yellow number plates. Unlicensed minibuses are probably not insured.
Sea travel
Check the boat operator’s credentials and safety equipment before boarding boats or vessels travelling between islands. Overloaded vessels are in danger of capsizing or sinking, particularly in poor weather conditions. They may not have enough life-saving equipment for everyone on board.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Earthquakes
Fiji is in an earthquake zone. There can be occasional tremors, which could trigger tsunami alerts. Make sure you understand the local safety procedures for earthquakes and tsunamis.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.
Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April, but cyclones occur throughout the year. During the cyclone season there is a greater risk of strong winds and heavy rain. Cyclones can cause flooding and landslides, often damaging or blocking roads and resulting in road closures.
Follow weather updates from Fiji Meteorological Service, local newspapers and Radio Fiji GOLD. The National Disaster Management Office has information on how to prepare.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Fiji
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Fiji including:
- dengue
- Zika virus
- chikungunya
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Fiji
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Fiji where some staff will speak English.
Healthcare facilities are limited in range and availability. In serious medical emergencies, people are often evacuated to another country for treatment.
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Fiji. Hospitals usually ask for immediate cash payment for health services.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Fiji
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Fire: 910
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Fiji
- dealing with a death in Fiji
- being arrested or imprisoned in Fiji
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
