Due to the spread of the corona virus, the authorities from March 26, 2020 have canceled all international flights to Fiji. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
Fiji held democratic elections in September 2014, and is no longer under military rule. However, it is recommended to follow the political situation.
Norway is represented by Honorary Norwegian Consulate in Suva. Responsible Embassy is the Embassy in Canberra. Risk of terrorist incidents is considered low on Fiji. Homosexuality is punishable and the country practices severe penalties for drug crime.
Norwegians staying in Fiji should exercise their usual care and stay away from places where there are demonstrations, street riots and large crowds. Fiji is a relatively safe country to holiday in. The robbery and assault of tourists occurs, most often in cities/towns at night and at night. Ethnic contradictions still exist between ethnic Fijians and Indians, which have previously resulted in riots and demonstrations.
Travelers should have travel insurance that covers expenses that can be incurred in the event of a travel accident and death, see also the embassy’s article on assistance to Norwegians abroad.
Take extra care of passports, credit cards, cash and tickets and do not leave this in the car. Due to very large distances in Oceania, it will take time and incur extra costs to get a passport replaced. Make copies of passports and pages with current visas, as well as other travel documents and keep them separate from original documents.
The road standard in Fiji is poor and there will often be people and animals on the road. Motorcyclists in particular are prone to road accidents.
The safety standard is poorer than what Norwegian citizens are accustomed to, especially in the area of risk sports and transport by boat between the islands. Consult locally for safe areas for swimming and other water sports.
Fiji can be hit by tropical storms, hurricanes and cyclones with strong winds and high rainfall, with subsequent danger of flooding and landslides. The hurricane season is from November to April, with the highest frequency in January and February.
Fiji is located in an earthquake area and can thus be hit either directly by an earthquake or by a tsunami as a result of an earthquake further out in the Pacific.
Look for messages and advice from local authorities both before, during and after an emergency. If you need assistance, contact the Norwegian Embassy in Canberra.
It is recommended that you check the Foreign Travel Office’s official travel advice before traveling. In addition, you are recommended to download the brochure Reiseklar, which provides advice and assistance to Norwegians traveling abroad. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
Local emergency numbers are as follows: Police 917, Fire and ambulance 911
In crisis and emergency situations, the public is encouraged to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Canberra
Tel: +61 2 6270 5700
E-mail: emb.canberra@mfa.no
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact UD’s 24-hour operating center
Tel: +47 23 95 00 00
E-mail: UDops@mfa.no
On the UD’s travel information pages you will also find general precautions and UD’s travel rules, as well as good advice before and during the trip. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages anyone who is going to countries outside Europe and North America to register on www.reiseregistrering.no. Travel registration is also recommended for anyone who is going to be abroad for an extended period of time, including students and other residents.
In a crisis situation where there is reason to believe that family and friends may be concerned, the embassy encourages Norwegians in the affected areas to contact family members in Norway. Family members can also contact the local authorities in the affected areas. General precautions for natural disasters in Oceania can be found here.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegian citizens on tourist visits can stay in Fiji for up to four months without a visa. The prerequisites are that the passport is valid for six months after the end of the visit, and that you are able to view travel documents and maintenance status. More information is available here.
When leaving Fiji, anyone over the age of 12 must pay an exit tax of 100 Fijian dollars. Passport is the only valid identification document. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents, visas etc. are valid.
Importation of natural and animal products and livestock is permitted only after prior approval by the Fijian authorities.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Due to the spread of the virus, the Fiji authorities have canceled all international flights to Fiji from March 26, 2020. As of March 29, all local shipping companies also ceased. Information on the measures can be read on the websites of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and the Government of Fiji ‘s official Facebook page. It is the authorities of Fiji who are responsible for updating the websites.
Norwegian travelers should also keep abreast of the development of the corona virus, as well as keep up to date with guidance and instructions from the Fiji authorities.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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When traveling to Fiji you should be careful with mosquito protection; Outbreaks of dengue fever and zika fever occur.
Malaria does not exist. Dengue fever can occur during the summer months from November to April. Therefore, precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito/ insect bites.
Over the past three months, widespread spread of the Zika virus has been detected in the Fiji Islands. Despite this, a decrease in the number of outbreaks of zika fever has been reported in 2016. The zika virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes or by sexual transmission. The symptoms are usually mild and many infected with the zika virus do not get sick. More information can be found on the Institute of Public Health’s website.
From May 3, 2017, Norwegian health authorities have changed the advice for pregnant women and other travelers to areas with zika. It is now open for more testing for couples in connection with pregnancy. Pregnant women are still recommended to postpone unnecessary travel to areas with zika virus. Use of a condom during sexual activity will reduce the risk of infection by the zika virus. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during their stay by using birth control. Please see the National Health Institute’s advice for pregnant women and other travelers to areas with zika.
Tourists should take common precautions when it comes to food and drink in tropical areas.
Ppractical information
According to allcitycodes, area code for phone calls to Fiji is +679. Time difference is ten to eleven hours depending on Norwegian summer and winter time. Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, shops and car rental companies.
Power uses 240V and three-point plugs. There are no region codes. There are generally good telephone connections in Fiji, but it is common for Norwegian and Australian mobile phones not to work/work poorly. Mobile coverage can be especially bad outside cities and on the islands.
Opening hours for banks are 0900-1600, public offices 0800-1630, and for shops 0800 – 1700. Both shops and offices are normally closed between 11.00 and 16.00. 1300 and 1400
Fiji is an English language country. Fijian and Hindustani are also very widespread. In Fiji you usually dress informally, but fairly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees as they move outside beaches and tourist hotels. It is considered rude to wear a hat when visiting villages. Tips are neither common nor expected.
For more information, contact the Norwegian Honorary Consulate in Suva:
Royal Norwegian Consulate, Suva
Level 3, Pacific House
Butt Street, Suva
Tel: +679 3314 188
Fax: +679 3302 672