Fiji

One of the world's more exotic destinations, Fiji is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific made up of 322 islands nearly two thousand miles (3,219km) east of Australia. Once feared as the haunt of cannibals and fierce warrior tribes, today Fiji is regarded as being inhabited by supremely friendly and welcoming people who are full of the joy of life and consider it rude to rush. It has been said that Fiji is where people wear flowers in their hair not to impress, but simply because they like to.

Flowers there are aplenty blooming on these scenic, lush islands where the sun shines every day and orchids hang over waterfalls that plunge into jungle pools behind palm-fringed beaches. Visitors here can swim with manta rays, snorkel over coral gardens, scuba dive on the famous Astrolabe Reef, or ride the amazing 20ft (6m) waves known as the 'Cloud Breakers' off Tavarua.

The Fiji archipelago is the hub of the South Pacific with more than 85 flights a week landing at Nadi airport on the main island of Viti Levu. From there it is easy to access the offshore island resorts or the other large islands of Vanua Levu or Taveuni. Viti Levu has several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, which is a shopper's paradise and offers an upbeat nightlife.

Climate

Fiji enjoys a typical tropical climate, with a trade wind blowing across the islands to cool things down during most of the year. Maximum summer temperatures average 88ºF (31ºC), with the winter average not far different at 84ºF (29ºC). Rain can be expected at any time of year. The driest months are April, May, June and October.

Money

The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the unit of currency, with 100 cents to a dollar. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies and travel agents. The best currencies to carry are Australian, New Zealand or US dollars, which can be exchanged at all banks. Most ATMs accept the full range of international credit cards and travellers cheques and cash can be exchanged in banks and currency exchange bureaux throughout the islands.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Fiji must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in the country. A return or onward ticket to a country to which passengers have right of entry is required, as are sufficient funds to cover the period of stay in Fiji. Visitor permits are obtainable on arrival, and are valid for up to four months. Visitors can apply for two-month permit extensions (for an aggregate of six months). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Fiji within ten days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required for British passport holders (irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein); a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Fiji. No visa is required; a visitor permit can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Fiji, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers entering Fiji within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected areas. Visitors to Fiji should practice strict food, water and personal hygiene precautions to prevent typhoid as well as other diarrhoeal illness. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers to Fiji, except short-term visitors who dine only at major restaurants and hotels, such as cruise passengers. Visitors must drink only bottled water, The mosquito-borne disease, dengue fever, is a serious risk between November and April. Preventive measures include wearing long clothes and using insect repellent at all times. Medical facilities are adequate for uncomplicated treatment, but travel insurance with provision for medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand is advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Fiji, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 337 8320.
• Embassy of Fiji, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7584 3661.
• Consulate of Fiji, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9252.
• High Commission of Fiji, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6260 5115.
• High Commission of Fiji, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5401.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Suva: +679 331 4466.
• British High Commission, Suva: +679 322 9100.
• Consulate of Canada, Nadi: +679 722 400.
• Australian High Commission, Suva: +679 338 2211.
• South African High Commission, Suva: +679 331 1087.
• Irish Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Fiji): +61 (0)2 6273 3022.
• New Zealand High Commission, Suva: +679 331 1422.