Fiji Islands - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Fiji Islands has a strict drugs policy and possession of marijuana carries a mandatory prison sentence.

Since the military coup of December 2006 visitors have been advised to exercise extra caution.

When visiting villages there is a tradition that guests should purchase a bundle of unpounded yaquona (kava) and wait until greeted before entering into the presence of the chief, to whom they should offer the gift. Visitors need to dress respectfully and women must cover their shoulders.

For business meetings, lightweight suits are customary. Businesswomen should dress modestly and cover their shoulders. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0830–1700.

Immigration and customs: Visa requirements are essential for some nationals and should be checked before entering the country. Business travellers are only allowed to stay for 14 days. All passports must be valid for six months on arrival. There is an airport departure tax.

A yellow fever certificate is required from those who have travelled from an infected area.

No meat or dairy products may be brought into Fiji from Europe because of foot and mouth disease, and the import of vegetables and seeds requires a special permit.

Travel within the country:Driving is on the left. The minimum age for car hire is 21 and seatbelts must be worn in the front seats. A valid national or international driving permit is required and third party insurance is compulsory. The national speed limit is 80kph. Livestock may wander freely on to the roads. Driving from Suva to Nadi takes approximately three hours.

Buses are efficient and cheap, and there are frequent services around the islands.

Taxis and minibuses bearing a yellow registration plate comply with Land Transport Authority regulations. The cost of a taxi ride should always be checked before starting out on a journey.

Air Fiji and Pacific Sun operate air shuttle services around the islands. Ferries run by Patterson Brothers, Beachcomber and Consort Shipping serve the larger islands.

Travel health: Health care in Fiji meets most of the World Health Organization goals and is generally good, although full medical insurance is advised. There is a private hospital in Suva.

Typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue fever can occur in Fiji, and visitors must ensure they take insect repellent and suitable clothing to avoid mosquito bites. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended but up-to-date inoculation requirements should be checked well before departure.

Tap water is safe to drink in the main towns and resorts but visitors must ensure that it has been boiled or sterilised when visiting rural areas.

Money: Currency exchange is available at the airport and in most hotels as well as in banks on Viti Levu. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards but not all ATMs accept all cards. Resorts accept cards but there are limited facilities for obtaining cash. Those travelling to the islands should take sufficient cash with them. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1700.

There were 549,911 tourist arrivals in 2005.