Fiji

Recommended Vaccinations For Fiji

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Those travellers whose activities may bring them into direct contact with bats are at higher risk and should consider the vaccination against rabies.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Fiji

There are no recommendations for Fiji at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Fiji

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Fiji.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Fiji.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Fiji through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this county.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Fiji. The risk is higher when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Yellow Fever

Travellers are not at risk for yellow fever for this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. Fiji is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.

Safety & Security in Fiji

Personal Safety

Crime in Fiji includes theft, burglary, assault causing actual bodily harm, and sexual assault. Most crime is opportunistic and occurs primarily in urban areas and at night, with risk increasing in popular tourist areas around Suva and Nadi. Recent police statistics show crime increased by 73% in April 2024 compared to the previous year, though police attribute this to evolving factors rather than a sustained trend. Petty theft targets tourists in busy areas, airports, and taxis, while credit card fraud and ATM skimming occur regularly. Violent robberies and assaults have been reported at Colo I Suva Forest Park, which has no security presence on trails as of 2023. Several assaults and robberies occur in downtown Suva’s bar and nightclub district, along the waterfront, and on Victoria Parade Street, particularly after dark. Reports of sexual assault against foreign nationals, including female tourists, have increased. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in isolated areas. Be cautious about sharing personal information regarding accommodation and travel plans. Do not allow taxis to pick up additional passengers or enter taxis already carrying other passengers, as some crimes occur in taxis. Crime is exacerbated by cost of living pressures in local communities. Theft, assault causing actual bodily harm, burglary, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and criminal intimidation are the most prevalent offences.

Extreme Violence

Fiji has no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out. The country is not considered a significant target for terrorist activity. Organized crime has emerged as a serious issue in recent years, mainly related to increased methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking. Fiji serves as a transit point for drug trafficking due to its strategic location and status as a hub in the Pacific. Extortion and online blackmail scams occur, with criminals using screenshots of messages and videos to blackmail victims, particularly targeting the LGBTQ population. Fiji is a source, transit, and destination country for sex trafficking, with children most vulnerable and exploited in agriculture, retail, brothels, clubs, massage parlours, and hotels. Arms trafficking is not a major issue in the country. Private gun ownership is uncommon and civilian gun owners must be licensed with weapons individually registered. The homicide rate remains relatively low compared to many other destinations. Violent crime including assault occurs but is not the predominant crime type affecting visitors. Most violent incidents are opportunistic rather than organized or targeted attacks.

Political Unrest

Fiji has experienced political instability throughout its history, including coups in 1987, 2000, and 2006. The December 2022 elections resulted in the first constitutional transfer of power in the 21st century, with Sitiveni Rabuka becoming prime minister after Frank Bainimarama, who had held power since 2006. The military retains a constitutional role as guarantor of security and wellbeing, which has historically enabled political interference. The 2013 Constitution tasks the armed forces with ensuring security, defence, and wellbeing of Fiji, language that legitimizes potential military intervention. Although public protests and demonstrations are not common, they can occur with little warning and may turn violent unexpectedly. Authorities sometimes erect checkpoints and close roads during periods of tension. In late 2022, following elections, police called for military deployment citing claims of impending ethnic unrest, though the transfer of power ultimately proceeded peacefully. Political tensions occasionally arise from ethnic divisions between indigenous Fijians and the Indo-Fijian minority. The government has wide latitude to prohibit protests on grounds of public safety and morality. Trade union protests were regularly restricted under the previous government but restrictions eased in 2023. Visitors should avoid demonstrations, rallies, street gatherings, and areas with obvious military or police activity. Monitor local media and follow instructions from authorities if checkpoints or road closures occur.

Areas To Avoid

Downtown Suva presents higher crime risk, particularly at night in the bar and nightclub district, along the waterfront and seawall area during darkness, and on Victoria Parade Street. Avoid these areas after dark. In Suva, the neighborhoods of Tamavua, Kamaiqa, and Namadi have high crime rates and should be avoided, especially when alone. Colo I Suva Forest Park has experienced violent robberies and assaults along trails, with no security presence as of July 2023. Exercise increased caution when visiting this park and consider avoiding it or traveling in groups. Crime occurs in both Suva and Nadi tourist areas, with pickpocketing and purse snatching increasing after dark. Be careful when visiting tourist attractions, parks, and nature trails. Rural villages and outer islands generally present lower crime risk than urban areas. Impoverished areas are best avoided even during the day if traveling alone. Areas can be visually identified by their condition. Isolated and deserted areas should be avoided at all times, particularly after dark. Some taxis pose risk, so use only licensed taxis with yellow registration plates showing LT or LH registrations. The main island of Viti Levu presents more safety concerns than the smaller Yasawa Islands, where visitors report feeling safer.