Safety and security

Crime

Most Irish visitors to Fiji stay in resorts and these are generally very safe, however, petty crime, such as theft from hotel rooms is common.

If you intend to move outside resort areas, be aware of your surroundings and take additional precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Lock your luggage as a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft.
• Significant numbers of foreign tourists are victims of violent robbery, particularly after dark in Suva and other towns. When you’re travelling, especially alone, take extra care, particularly if you’re visiting isolated locations.

Credit card fraud and ATM card skimming occur. Protect your PIN and be alert when using ATMs.

Lost or stolen passports

Given that the nearest Irish Embassy is a huge distance away in Canberra, Australia, dealing with a lost or stolen passport can be extremely inconvenient and can take time to resolve. In emergencies, you can get limited consular assistance from EU partners with Embassies in Suva.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Fiji, report it to the local police immediately. You can contact the Irish Embassy in Canberra if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Fiji, you should be extremely careful. Traffic discipline can be poor, roads are often badly lit and of poor quality and animals on the road are a hazard.  In particular, it’s dangerous to drive at night between Nadi and Suva. Severe weather can lead to roads becoming damaged, blocked or washed away. Seek local advice before you set out. If you want to drive, bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance

Taxis/minibuses

When using taxis or mini buses, we advise you to use ones with yellow registration plates. This show that the vehicle recently complied with Land Transport Authority (LTA) regulations. Not all minibuses currently operating in Fiji are licensed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and unlicensed minibuses will probably not be insured.

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Outdoor activities

Safety standards of tour operators in Fiji may not compare to Irish standards, especially for adventure sports (including diving) or on boats in coastal waters and between islands. There may not be enough life jackets for boats, rafts and kayaks. Check the operator’s credentials and safety equipment beforehand and make sure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities.

Water sports

Be aware that there are dangerous riptides along many of Fiji’s reefs and river estuaries, so you should know what you’re dealing with before you get in the water. Always wear the appropriate safety equipment before going out to the reefs or engaging in water sports and take local advice on safety.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. Possession of any amount of marijuana carries a mandatory three-month prison sentence.

Alcohol

You can be arrested for being drunk and disorderly. You can be fined and detained if you cause damage to property or assault police officers.

It’s illegal to be under the influence of alcohol while at an airport. Airline travellers who are intoxicated may be detained by police.

Local culture

You may be invited to take part in the local ceremony of drinking kava. Be aware that in rare cases, there are indications that this could have adverse effects on the liver.

Law enforcement

Topless bathing and nudity in public is forbidden.

LGBT

Homosexuality in Fiji is legal. Nonetheless, discretion, and awareness of local sensitivities, is advised particularly when visiting rural communities.

Natural disasters and climate

Cyclones

The tropical cyclone season in Fiji normally runs from November to April, but cyclones can occur throughout the year. During this period there is a greater risk of strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, landslides and road closures.

Weather updates are available from Fiji Meteorological Service and can also be found in local newspapers and on Radio Fiji GOLD on 100.4 FM. The National Disaster Management Office has information on how to prepare. The direction and strength of tropical cyclones can change with little warning. The Fiji Meteorological Service provides up to date information about the weather conditions in Fiji and you can also get information from the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre  and Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

In the event of an approaching cyclone, you should identify your local shelter. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments. Carry your travel documents (ie passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. If possible, contact friends and family in Ireland with updates to let them know you’re safe.

Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended and you should be aware that available flights may fill quickly. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe cyclone may not be available to everyone who chooses to stay.

Earthquakes

Fiji is in an earthquake zone and suffers from tremors from time to time. These can trigger tsunami alerts. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, and take note of earthquake and tsunami-related instructions from your hotel or the local authorities.

Flooding

Flash floods resulting in landslides and road blockages can happen throughout the year in the Fiji Islands. In periods of heavy rain, check with your tour operator or resort before travelling, particularly by road.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Visa

Irish citizens can enter Fiji without a visa for up to 4 months but must:

• Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
• Hold proof of sufficient funds
• Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets
• Hold documents showing proof of purpose of trip
• Hold all documents required for the next destination
• Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change.

If you plan to stay for longer than 4 months, you will need to apply for a visa.

If you’re visiting Fiji on business you will be granted a Business Visitors Permit for a period of 21 days.

Yachts can only enter Fiji through Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu and Levuka. For other ports, such as Nadi/Denarau, prior arrangement with the Fijian Authorities is needed.

Passports

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Health

There are a high number of Leptospirosis cases nationwide. Stay away from flooded rivers or creeks, and wear footwear when outside. Monitor the Ministry of Health and Medical Services website and Facebook page for information and updates.

Cases of Typhoid, Zika and Dengue are current throughout Fiji. Protect yourself against mosquito bites.

Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Meningococcal

According to the World Health Organisation, meningococcal can be highly fatal. Get vaccinated before you travel. Symptoms include high fever, sensitivity to light or nausea. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms persist.  More information is available on the  Meningococcal meningitis fact sheet.

Medical facilities

Health care facilities in Fiji are adequate for routine medical treatment, but they are limited in range and may not be available in some regions. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation could be a likely option for treatment, and you should make sure that your insurance policy covers this. Be aware that doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Zika Virus

Fiji is prone to dengue and Zika virus outbreaks. Infection with Zika virus has been increasingly linked with a serious birth condition called microcephaly where the baby is born with an abnormally small head and/or brain damage. An increase in cases of a neurological illness (called Guillan Barre Syndrome) have also been reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Irish Citizens are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and plan to travel to areas affected by the Zika Virus, you are advised to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider and to consider postponing your travel to affected areas.

Dengue fever

Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue fever and filariasis) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Before travelling, get up-to-date medical advice as to whether you will need anti-malarial medication. When you arrive, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Other illnesses

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, measles and mumps) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Fijian authorities have reported cases of typhoid in Suva and throughout the country.

Water

We recommend that you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food.

Money

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work.

Mobile phone coverage

The mobile phone network generally works well in cities and large towns but coverage in some rural areas and outlying islands can be limited or non-existent. This may result in you being out of contact with home for periods of time.