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Fiji
Country Specific Information
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January 19, 2010
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Fiji is a South Pacific island nation consisting of over 350 islands and islets, of which approximately 100 are inhabited.
Its capital is Suva. On December 5, 2006, in the fourth coup since 1987, the commander of Fiji’s military forces deposed
the lawfully elected government of Fiji. The military established the current, unelected interim government. The interim
government has ruled by decree since it abrogated the constitution in reaction to an April 10, 2009, high court ruling that
declared the interim government illegal. Tourism is a major industry, with a full range of facilities available. The Fiji
Visitors Bureau, which has a wide range of information for travelers, can be contacted via the Fiji Visitors Bureau’s web site. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Fiji for additional information.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Fiji are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 31 Loftus Street in Fiji’s capital city of Suva. The telephone number is (679) 331-4466; the fax number is (679) 330-2267. Information may also be obtained by visiting the U.S. Embassy’s home page.
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from Fiji, proof of sufficient funds, and
an onward/return ticket are required for entry to Fiji. A visa is not required for tourist stays up to four months. Yachts
wishing to call at the Lau group of islands need special permission granted at the first port of entry into Fiji. For further
information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW,
No. 240, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 337-8320, or the Fiji Mission to the United Nations in New York. Information
on these requirements is particularly important for travelers planning to enter Fiji by sailing vessel.
Fiji may impose HIV/AIDS travel restrictions on some visa applicants for work permits. Applicants must obtain a medical clearance, and the work permit committee will make the decision to grant the permit on a case-by-case basis. Before traveling, please inquire directly with the Embassy of the Republic of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, No. 240, Washington, DC 20007; telephone (202) 337-8320, or the Fiji Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Fiji has developed standby procedures to screen for possible cases of H1N1 influenza. The Ministry of Health is monitoring
the incidence of H1N1 cases in the country. If the Ministry detects an increase in the occurrence of the disease, international
passengers arriving by air who exhibit flu-like symptoms may be subject to isolation and testing to determine the nature of
their illness. Treatment will be provided for those found to be infected with H1N1 influenza.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Under Public Emergency Regulations promulgated at the time of the abrogation of Fiji’s constitution, some basic rights have been limited, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. These regulations were scheduled to be lifted in January 2010 but are being extended on a month-to-month basis, with no clear indication as to when they will be lifted. The independence of Fiji’s law enforcement and judicial systems is compromised, putting into question protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Fiji at this time. Although there have been no reports of street protests or other unrest in Fiji, political, economic, and security uncertainties continue. American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant -- particularly in public places and near military activities in the greater Suva area -- and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website. It contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Urban areas experience a higher incidence of crime than do other areas. Travelers should protect their valuables and be
aware that theft from hotel rooms and purse snatching or pick-pocketing are the most common crimes against tourists. Offenses
against persons do occur, and visitors should remain attentive to their personal safety. Tourists should be cautious about
sharing too much personal information about their country of origin or lodging. Americans not familiar with their environs
should ask hotel staff about areas to avoid at night. Visitors are advised not to walk alone after dark and not to walk alone
in isolated areas at any time. Due to crime directed against taxi drivers, travelers should not allow taxis to pick up other
passengers while en route and should not enter a taxi that already carries other passengers.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see
end of this sheet or see the Department of State list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Fiji uses “911” as an emergency telephone line.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.
Water Sports: Many visitors to Fiji participate in water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and operating jet-skis.
The Embassy strongly recommends that anyone interested in scuba diving and snorkeling while in Fiji check the references,
licenses, and equipment of tour operators before agreeing to or paying for a tour. Visitors should rent equipment only from
reputable operators and should insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Rental diving equipment may not
always be properly maintained or inspected, and some local dive masters may fail to consider the skill levels of individual
tourists when organizing dives. Deaths and serious mishaps have occurred in the past as a result of lack of attention to
basic safety measures during diving and snorkeling trips. Surfing on Fiji’s numerous reef breaks can be highly dangerous.
Safety precautions and emergency response capabilities may not be up to U.S. standards. Fiji has only two decompression chambers,
which are located in Suva, far from most resorts. The chambers are not always fully functioning.
Trekking: Terrain in the Fiji islands can be hazardous. Please consult with local guides and/or your place of lodging before undertaking
a trek. Americans are also advised to hike with a companion and to stay on marked or well-worn paths.
Customs: Fiji's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into, or export from, Fiji of
items such as alcohol or tobacco products. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Fiji in Washington, DC at (202) 337-8320
for specific information regarding customs requirements. Importation of animals is strictly controlled. Pets may be imported
only from designated, rabies-free locales. Those wishing to bring pets to Fiji should contact the Ministry of Agriculture
in Suva as much as six months in advance for particulars. Please see our Customs Information sheet.
Purchase of Real Estate: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks inherent in purchasing real estate in Fiji, and should exercise caution before
entering into any form of commitment to invest in property there. Investors must recognize the need to obtain authoritative
information and to hire competent Fijian legal counsel when contemplating any real estate investment. Fijian law and practices
regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United States.
Notification of Arrest: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that if questioned by local
officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. According to Fijian law, a criminal detainee may
be held for a maximum of 48 hours before being charged. Police authorities normally advise the U.S. Embassy of the detention
or arrest of a U.S. citizen within 24 hours of the incident. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens who are detained are encouraged to
request that a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Suva be notified.
Natural Disasters: Fiji is located in an area of high seismic activity. Although the probability of a major earthquake occurring during a
particular trip is remote, earthquakes can and do occur. Undersea earthquakes in the South Pacific can generate destructive
tsunamis. Fiji does not have a siren warning system in place; instead, tsunami warnings are transmitted through local radio
and television stations. Most coastal resorts and hotels have tsunami evacuation plans in place, and guests should carefully
follow staff instructions in the event of a tsunami warning. The cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological
Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information regarding disaster preparedness is available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site and from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home
page.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Health-care facilities in Fiji urban areas are adequate for routine medical problems. In the rural areas staff training is limited and there are often shortages of supplies and medications. Emergency response is extremely limited, and the few ambulances available are poorly equipped and staffed. Two major hospitals, the Lautoka Hospital in the western city of Lautoka, and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, provide limited emergency and outpatient services. A recompression chamber at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva can treat the bends. (See also Special Circumstances, Water Sports.) A private hospital in Suva provides Western-style medical care, and other hospitals and clinics provide only a limited range of health services. Medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States or elsewhere can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Dengue fever, carried by infected mosquitoes, occurs throughout the country of Fiji, especially during the rainy season. For more information about dengue fever, see the CDC website below.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
for such important questions as whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses, such as a medical
evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Fiji is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic moves on the left in Fiji. While most roads in urban areas are paved, they are poorly maintained. Roads outside the city are usually not paved. In the city, driving after dark requires heightened attentiveness; outside the city, it is discouraged, except in emergency or exceptional circumstances. Stray animals, unwary pedestrians, and potholes make driving dangerous and particularly hazardous at night.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Fiji’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in
compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Fiji’s air carrier
operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Fiji dated April 27, 2009, to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Threats to Safety and Security, Special Circumstances/Natural Disasters, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.
