Oceania
Fiji
Friendly, English-speaking islands made for easy beach, dive and island-hopping trips, with a social backpacker circuit through the Yasawas and Mamanucas. Resorts are pricey, healthcare is basic and November–April brings cyclones.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa112 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyFJDUS$1 ≈ FJ$2.24Details
- Price level41%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType I240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 917 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 910 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterFilter or boilTown water is treated but boiled, filtered or bottled water is advised; most resorts offer filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal since 2010 and protected by the constitution, with a small scene in Suva.Details
- DrivingOn the leftDrive on your home licence for the first 6 months; carry the physical card. Avoid driving outside towns at night.
Where to go in Fiji
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NadiTown | 3/5 | $1,430–2,010 | May–Oct | 54/100 |
| Mamanuca IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $2,010–3,120 | May–Oct | 31/100 |
| Yasawa IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $2,010–2,900 | May–Oct | 35/100 |
| SuvaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,340–1,870 | May–Oct | 54/100 |
When to visit Fiji
May–October is the cooler dry season and peak time. November–April is hot and humid, with heavy rain, cyclone risk and lower prices.
Good to know
Entry
- Visitor permits are issued on arrival; you must show a return or onward ticket and booked accommodation.
- Your passport needs at least 6 months' validity on arrival; a criminal record can lead to refused entry.
- Bags are X-rayed at Nadi; declare food, plant and animal products or face fines.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Possessing any amount of drugs, including cannabis, can mean jail
- Topless bathing and public nudity are illegal
- Being drunk and disorderly, including at airports, can lead to arrest
Etiquette
- Bring kava (sevusevu) when visiting a village and wait to be welcomed
- Remove hats and sunglasses in villages; cover shoulders and knees
- Never touch someone's head
- Sunday is for church and family; many shops close
Tipping
Not expected. Many resorts run a staff Christmas fund that guests can contribute to instead of tipping individuals.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Fiji Immigration Department
- Tourism Fiji
- UK FCDO travel advice: Fiji
- Smartraveller: Fiji
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.